While one randomized controlled trial indicates that targeted abdominal endurance training can achieve localized fat reduction, other literature characterizes specific belly fat loss claims as unrealistic expectations and misinformation.
The existence of spot reduction, exercise‐induced local body fat reduction, has been debated for half a century. Although the evidence is equivocal, no study has applied aerobic endurance training closely matching interventions for energy expenditure. Sixteen overweight (BMI: 29.8 ± 3.3(SD) kg m−2) males (43 ± 9 years) were randomized to: (1) abdominal endurance exercise (AG), combining treadmill running at 70% HRmax (27 min) with 4 × 4 min (30%–40% maximal strength, 1RM) of torso rotation and abdominal crunches (57 min), 4 days⋅week−1 for 10 weeks; or (2) control group (CG) performing only treadmill running (45 min) at 70% HRmax. Local fat mass was measured by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA), along with 1RM, and pulmonary oxygen uptake (to control energy expenditure during training). Trunk fat mass decreased more (697 g, 3%, p < 0.05) in AG (1170 ± 1093 g, 7%; p < 0.05) than in CG (no change). Total fat mass (AG: 1705 ± 1179 g, 6%; CG: 1134 ± 731 g, 5%; both p < 0.01) and body weight (AG: 1.2 ± 1.2 kg, 1%, p < 0.05; CG: 2.3 ± 0.9 kg, 3%, p < 0.01) decreased similarly in AG/CG. Torso rotation (AG: 32 ± 16 kg, 39%, p < 0.01; CG: no change) and abdominal crunch 1RM (AG: 35 ± 16 kg, 36%, p < 0.01; CG: 13 ± 12 kg, 17%, p < 0.05) increased more (p < 0.05/0.01) in AG than CG. Abdominal endurance exercise utilized more local fat than treadmill running, indicating that spot reduction exists in adult males.
ABSTRACT Background Pinterest has changed the way we seek and share health information with more than 300 million active users. Nearly 40% of Americans are obese and seek fast, easy weight loss solutions online despite evidence that diet and physical activity are the only effective ways to manage weight. Purpose: This study used content analysis to examine how exercises to reduce belly fat were portrayed on Pinterest, a social media website used to bookmark online content. Methods: Using search terms belly fat exercises and belly fat workouts, researchers sampled Pinterest pins to collect 234 relevant pins. A codebook was developed, tested, and used to code pins. Results: Of the 234 pins, the majority of pins highlighted being thinner (73.1%) rather than overall health (9.4%). Pins were primarily geared toward women (70%) with nearly half of the pins depicting women in sports bras (52.9%) with swimsuit model figures (48.7%); and 18% of the pins showed signs of photo edits. Discussion: Social media is a powerful source of health information. However, there is evidence of misleading weight loss, specifically belly fat loss strategies being promoted. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health educators need to develop social media campaigns to promote positive body image with realistic weight loss strategies.
Background . Abdominal fat accumulation, also known as central obesity, is a major risk factor for many degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Isotonic and isometric workouts can be used to avoid the buildup of fat in the belly, and young ladies should measure their waist circumference regularly. Objectives. This study showed how isotonic and isometric exercise affected waist circumference measurements in overweight or obese young women. Methods . This study adopted a quasi-experimental design. Participants were divided into two treatment groups, isotonic (n=34) and isometric (n=34) groups. The exercise treatment lasted three months, taking measurements at regular intervals. Results . Both isometric and isotonic treatments reduced waist circumference by about the same amount. Conclusion . Isotonic or isometric workouts can be done by young ladies as long as they are done regularly. Isotonic and isometric exercise, done three times a week for one hour, can help lower waist circumference, which will reduce the risk of central obesity.
Everything we examined (3)
This check searched the claim as stated. It did not run a separate search for evidence against it.