24-07-2025
Belly fat: Clingy friend who just won't leave
Belly fat: Clingy friend who just won't leave
By Omar Ibrahim
Belly fat seems to be the only friend that will never leave me. It's with me at all times of the day: I wake up, it's there; I have my morning cheesecake (it's a thing, I swear), it's still there; it even follows me to the shower.
It's a constant reminder of why I've decided to be a winter holiday traveler — summer vacations are overrated anyway. Why would I spend money and time baking in the sun, half-dressed and hydrating like my life depended on it? I'd rather go to a family reunion and call it a night. But that's a discussion for another time.
Today, I want to answer the burning question on everyone's mind — and no, it's not whether hot air balloons are real or a myth. It's: 'Can I target belly fat? And if so, how do I burn it as quickly as possible?' To make a long story short: No. The end. To make a short story long, let me explain why that's (unfortunately) the case.
Your body (not mine) has played a cruel trick on you. And to be very honest, if you're going to blame anyone, it should be your parents. They passed down their weaknesses to you, and now it's up to you to clean up their mess (daddy issues? Sorry).
Your body decides where to store fat — and typically, it starts in the gut (to protect your organs) and ends somewhere less noticeable, like your fingers or toes. The problem is: The first place fat is stored is usually the last place it burns off. So, your belly will likely be the final stop on your fat loss journey.
How fast you lose belly fat depends on where you are in that journey. And if anyone tells you otherwise, they need to start with Biology for Dummies — which, by the way, is an excellent read. There is no magic diet, vinegar shot or body oil that will help. You simply need to be in a caloric deficit, consistently, for a long period of time — until you reach a weight that reveals the treasure (your abs) at the end.
In conclusion, the only way to burn off belly fat is to: Blame your parents for your genetics; be in a caloric deficit; be consistent (don't play yourself); be patient.
NOTE: Omar Ibrahim is a certified fitness and personal trainer with nearly 20 years of experience in health, fitness and nutrition. With a background in pharmacy and biotechnology, he blends science with passion to help others reach their wellness goals. Having personally overcome childhood obesity, injuries, eating disorders and social challenges, he draws on his journey — and a touch of sarcasm — to guide others on their own health and fitness paths.
