That’s the question I got over email last night from someone who happened to stumble upon 60 in 3. I responded back with most of the same information I’m about to post here and exchanged a few more emails with this person. They proved to be quite intelligent and I would like to thank them for allowing me to use this conversation as a post topic; it’s not easy sometimes to admit that you don’t know something other people consider to be basic truth.
Can You Lose Weight In A Specific Area?
Despite every infomercial that tells you it has the machine that melts belly fat or the exercise regime that shapes your thighs, it’s actually very difficult to do spot fixes on your body, especially when it comes to losing fat. Where your body stores fat is determined mostly by genetics and gender. Most men tend to store fat in the belly area while most women tend to store fat in the thighs and rear end. This isn’t always true but it’s generally accurate. Once you put on enough fat, the body will start storing it everywhere it can which is why very obese people don’t just have thick thighs or large bellies.
No Spot Losses
This is bad news because it means that we can’t diet in a way that specifically targets certain areas of the body. There’s just no way to lose the love handles. Also, making radical changes to your body in two weeks is almost impossible and usually unhealthy. To lose weight the healthy way, you’re going to want to lose between 1 to 2 lbs per week. Anything more than that and you’re probably doing damage to your body by starving yourself and cannibalizing muscles.
Exercise is slightly different. You can actually target different muscles in exercise. However, building stronger belly muscles is not going to specifically target belly fat, it will just mean that you have good muscle tone under that belly fat.
So What’s The Answer?
Well, the answer is the same as always. Eat a healthy diet, lead an active life and exercise at regular intervals. Eventually, your body will become fit and those love handles will go away. The down side is that it takes more time than two weeks. The upside is that you end up feeling good and looking good all over rather than just losing weight around your belly.
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There are no miracle solutions in health. Anyone who promises you major changes in two weeks is more than likely trying to sell you something.
NOTE – Right after I posted this ad I noticed an advertisement on 60 in 3 called “learn the secret to losing belly fat”. Needless to say, I went ahead and blocked it. If you see other such ads for junk health sites like this one, please let me know.
I see “30 lbs in 3 weeks no diet” … I’m guessing that involves chopping off a leg though.
And there are 3 more belly fat ones.
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I do want to mention that your site is one of few that have helped to inspire me. I have been exercising daily and reducing my caloric intake (basically just eating when I’m hungry) but also tracking what I eat in a software app. I just hit 240 today, I was at 268 about 4 months ago. I still have between 25 and 40 to go.
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Hi Dave,
Yah, they’re like weeds! I block two and three more pop up. Oh well, I just blocked the latest ones and I’m going to keep doing it. I have no desire to make money off of ads like that. They’re the complete opposite of the lifelong changes I believe in.
And thank you for your kind words, I’m glad I was able to help. What software app are you using by the way? I’m a bit of a computer geek and I’m always on the lookout for new technology toys.
Gal
That’s my problem too….I’m now struggling to remove it with diet and exercising. I found that absence of doing the exercise for two days make significant decline to the whole progress. I’m trying very hard to discipline myself now.
Hi Amy,
I know what you mean. Taking a break is hard, especially if you’re just starting out. Your body isn’t used to it yet and a few days off can make it seem like you’re starting out all over again. Take heart, it does get better.
Habits form within a month or so and a few months into your new healthy lifestyle you’ll be able to take a break here and there without any ill effects.
Gal
i’m currently 190 pounds, and was 220 in february of 2008
i’m proud of what i’ve lost, but i still want things to speed up more before next school year….
yeah that is a really good post to clear up a few wives tales. Losing weight too quickly is simply not sustainable and you are spot on when you say your body does not lose weight preferrentially in any areas. good post
hi. im 17 and i go to gym 4 times a week and go for heaps of jogs but the thing is im thin but i cant seem to lose my love handles ive tried everything i no but it dosent work WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO!!
This is a very clear post. Many believe that weight can be lost off a certain area, but as you have demonstrated in this post, that is a weight loss myth. Weight loss and weight management needs to be long term. In the long run we will lose the weight from our entire body, not just specific parts.
this website for losing love handles doesn’t give enough info i hate you!!
Swiming worked wonders for me. 5 hours of swiming each week worked like crazy and I went to having muscle in under a month.
Haha, very good point here… there is no miracle cure. As much as the multi-billion dollar weight loss industry wants people to think this, it is just not the case.
Keep it up!
please help people r making fun of my weight and i hate it its mostly my stupid love handlesz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
how many weeks would it take to lose my love handles im 5’3 and weight 133 pounds and i feel heavy weight i lookk like it to i have like a 38 in waste and i look like a muffin how do i lose it please help i want them gone ASAP! what excersises should i do and ect….