losing arm and breast fat

Question
Hello,

I am 20 and I started training a few months ago to be a ballerina. I have 3 hours workout, and 5 hours ballet classes a day + stretching. I am 5'5 and 117 lbs. I would like to lose fat in very specific part of my body : shoulders/arms, breast, and thighs. The problem is that when I am on diet, I always lose fat on my stomach (which is already very very flat) and that's all. I think that if I want to lose breast and fat on my arms, I have to starve for 1 or 2 months - because those are the last parts of your body on which you lose fat ! - and then start eating again, so I will gain weight somewhere else (stomach, legs, I don't mind !). The problem is, if I starve for weeks, I won't be strong enough to dance everyday. What can you advice me ? Maybe eating just enough sugar and 0 fat ? How can I lose fat on my arms and reduce my breast ?

I have no eating disorders, I can eat healthily, so this is not a problem if I need to eat unhealthily for a few months, it's not my priority. I really want to lose fat, first. Then I can start a much healthier diet or eat normally. So please, don't feel concern about my health !
Something else : I don't really want to lose "weight", it's really about being thinner, and having thinner arms.

Sorry for my english, which is not perfect...

Thank you

Answer
Hello Joy,
I抳e worked with many dancers over the years and understand how they are presented with a unique challenge in that their bodies have to be aesthetically pleasing, lean and powerful. As a dancer, you place significant physical demands on your body during your dance training. So there is a fine line between eating enough calories to maintain a strong athletic body and being super lean.

Dancers who chronically under-eat and restrict calories, are causing harmful metabolic adaptations to occur increasing their risk of developing the Female Athlete Triad. Female athlete triad is a combination of three conditions: disordered eating, amenorrhea (absence of menstrual cycle), and osteoporosis (weak bones). A female athlete can have one, two, or all three parts of the triad.

Unfortunately, you can't spot reduce fat. "Spot reduction" is physiologically impossible. You can't tell the body where to lose fat.

You already are at a low weight and I would guess a low body fat. To lose even more fat would mean reducing your calorie intake and that would be unhealthy and not give you the energy you need for dance. It would be helpful to consult a health professional and your ballet instructors to help you evaluate your body shape and your concerns.

Maria

Check out my blog for more ideas, tips, and tactics for fitness and follow me on Twitter.
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