Why is belly fat so hard to get rid of? Here are some reasons, according to science

The body carries two fat cells – alpha and beta. The process of fat burning is known as lipolysis, and alpha cells typically respond better. The reason why it's harder to lose fat in some areas is because of the presence of more beta cells. These areas are usually the hip, thighs and belly.

But maybe the reason is that you are doing it wrong or not doing enough of the right things. Here are a few common reasons.

You’re not sleeping enough

Sleep is essential as, among other things, it is when our body repairs itself. In fat loss, the lack of adequate sleep increases the hormone ghrelin production, which triggers that hungry feeling leading you to overeat. Suffice it to say, we all know what happens when we overeat, especially in stubborn fat areas.

Stress is fat friendly

It's a common misconception that you'll lose weight when you're stressed, albeit in an unhealthy manner. While it's not totally wrong, it's not totally accurate either. Stress wreaks havoc on the body. Cortisol production goes into overdrive, and this often results in sugary cravings. When cortisol levels remain high for an extended period, it can increase the amount of fat in the belly.

Too much exercise

While exercise is good, too much of anything is never good. Your body needs time to recover, and if it's not permitted to do so – you will crash badly, possibly leading to detrimental situations. Another note on exercise is that there's no such thing as spot exercises for losing belly fat. You need to work your whole body so they work in tandem to help lose fat – stubborn or otherwise.

Not eating right

Not all fat is bad. Healthy fat such as those found in avocados, nuts and fatty fish provide what your body needs to function, including the ability to shed unwanted weight. Additionally, you should cut down on processed food because they do not keep you full longer. Instead, you'll end up eating more!

Age matters

The older you get, the slower your metabolic rate gets. This affects your calorie-burning capability but doesn't mean you can't age gracefully or healthily. Stay physically active, opt for exercises that are "friendlier" to your age and always mind what you eat. Success also depends on the ratio of what you consume to what you put out. Diet is equally crucial, arguably, when it comes to weight and fat loss.

What to do about stubborn fat?

A procedure that has proven to be effective in removing stubborn body fat is Vaser Liposuction. It eliminates fat and sculpts the physique, while firming skin simultaneously.

Vaser Liposuction is a form of ultrasonic-assisted liposuction and can target problem areas without causing harm to vital connective tissues. For a patient, this means less downtime and discomfort or pain. On the other hand, traditional liposuction requires a longer recovery time, which can impede one's ability to resume daily activities, among other things.
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Vaser Liposuction does seem like an attractive option for stubborn fat removal, but it must be noted that it is only a body contouring method. Its efficacy depends on the liposuction doctor's skill set, experience and artistic sense.

Your belly reduction body sculpting liposuction doctor

Liposuction is strictly regulated in Singapore. Therefore, only the Ministry of Health (MOH) accredited doctors can perform such procedures and licenses are issued based on strict criteria.

Qualifications and accreditation are the ideal first step in finding the right doctor. You must also find one who consistently achieves optimal results. Request to see "before & after" photos of patients the doctor has, research online for genuine reviews, etc. A better gauge can be made from these observations and findings as to whether the particular doctor can help you realise your appearance aspirations. Of course, one should have realistic expectations, which are best discussed with the doctor.

Dr Ivan Puah is an accredited liposuction doctor in Singapore with over 17 years of body sculpting experience. He is certified to perform *VASER liposuction, having completed his training in the United States and Argentina. He is the Chairman of the Lipo Peer Review Committee in Singapore and has received dedicated surgical training in gynecomastia surgery in the United States of America.‍

Having trained to perform liposuction is only the beginning. Dr Ivan Puah believes it is crucial to understand and master the technicalities of the procedure, including the potential complications that may arise. To be meticulous in approach, with a detailed overview and foresight capabilities, are essential must-haves for a doctor.

An advocate of liposuction as not just a bulk fat removal procedure but also a delicate procedure involving 30% Science and 70% Art drives Dr Ivan Puah to develop his unique and proprietary fat removal and body sculpting approach - MDC-Sculpt® Lipo technique. It is a multi-dimensional contouring approach customised to an individual's body shape and clinical condition. This allows bulk fat removal and precise sculpting of the treated area while care is taken to ensure that incision sites and scarring are kept to the bare minimum.

Finding the right doctor with an aesthetic sense is essential in achieving the desired outcome in terms of silhouette and true results. A body sculpting procedure is akin to a work of Art in progress. The artist's skill, experience, appreciation and understanding of the body aesthetic separate a masterpiece from an average work.

Weight and fat loss are no exceptions to the fact that it does take effort to produce results. With Vaser Liposuction, your hope and aspirations for a more defined appearance are still on track.