Want to get rid of your belly, but it stubbornly stays in place despite workouts? It turns out that the body distributes fat according to its own rules: some areas lose it faster, while others lose it last. Why does this happen and what you can actually influence — let's figure it out together.
Why Some Areas Lose Fat Faster Than Others
Many people, when heading to the gym, dream of spot-reducing fat in problem areas: the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. But the body is much smarter than any diet or exercise: weight loss is strictly controlled by internal mechanisms, and it is impossible to influence the order of fat burning.
The First and Last Areas Where Fat is Lost
Fat is lost where blood circulation is most intense and the layer of subcutaneous fat is thin. Therefore, the face and neck are the first to decrease, followed by the shoulders, arms, and collarbones, then the chest. The thighs and buttocks lose fat later, while the abdomen traditionally retains fat the longest — the body seems to "protect" it until the end.
What Affects Fat Loss and Accumulation
Genetics
From 50 to 60% of where you accumulate fat is determined by heredity and the number of fat cells.
Age
As we age, metabolism slows down, hormonal balance changes, and muscle mass decreases, which affects fat distribution.
Gender
Men usually have a lower percentage of body fat and lose weight differently than women.
Sleep Quality
Chronic sleep deprivation is directly linked to weight gain, especially in the abdominal area.
How to Approach Weight Loss Correctly
Any exercise — whether it’s abs, cardio, or strength training — helps burn calories and strengthen muscles, but it is impossible to "burn" fat locally. Focus on overall weight loss, adequate sleep, and balanced nutrition, and the body will gradually begin to change its shape according to its internal mechanisms.
Weight loss is not about exerting effort on a specific area, but about the harmonious functioning of the entire body. The abdomen may be the last to part with excess centimeters, but with patience, regular activity, and a healthy lifestyle, results will surely appear.
