Category
5 min read

Your DNA Has Its Grip on Body Fat

Written by
FASTer Way to Fat Loss
Published on
August 27, 2024

We know, we know. This is not what you want to hear, especially if you’ve got belly fat you’re trying to get rid of once and for all. But, the fact is, you cannot target tummy fat, saddle bags, arm wings, or any other area on your body that’s a little squishier than you’d like. In the world of fitness and weight loss, there are many persistent myths and the idea of ‘spot reduction’ is one of them. Today, we're going to bust this myth wide open and explain what really works.

What is Spot Reduction?

First, let’s talk about what spot reduction is: the idea that you can burn fat in a specific area of your body by exercising that particular body part. For example, the notion that doing countless crunches will melt away belly fat, or that tricep exercises will magically slim down flabby arms. It's an appealing concept, but unfortunately, it's not how our bodies work.

The Science Behind Fat Loss

To understand why spot reduction is a myth, we need to understand how fat loss actually occurs:

1. Fat cells are distributed throughout your body: When you gain weight, these cells expand, and when you lose weight, they shrink.

2. Fat loss is systemic: When you create a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you consume), your body draws on fat stores from all over your body for energy - not just from the area you're exercising.

3. Genetics play a role: Where you lose fat first and last is largely determined by your genetic makeup and hormones.

Yep, we said it. That’s a big truth that very few talk about. Your genes play a significant role in determining where your body tends to store fat. This is why some people are "apple-shaped" (carrying more fat around the midsection) while others are "pear-shaped" (carrying more fat in the hips and thighs).

To get real science-like on ya’, fat cells have two types of receptors - alpha and beta. Beta receptors facilitate fat breakdown, while alpha receptors hinder it. The ratio of these receptors in different body areas is genetically determined, influencing how easily fat is lost from various regions.

And, the truth we all know too well: estrogen in women promotes fat storage in the hips and thighs (let’s just take a moment to weep, then wipe our tears and move on); and testosterone tends to promote fat storage in the abdominal area.

Oh, and there’s this little gem, it’s the first on, last off principle. Areas where you gain fat first are often the last places you'll lose it. This pattern is largely governed by your genetic makeup.

It's important to note that while genetics play a significant role in fat distribution and loss patterns, they don't solely determine your body composition. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management can significantly influence how your genetic predispositions manifest.

Understanding your genetic tendencies can help you set realistic expectations and tailor your approach to fat loss. However, remember that consistent, overall healthy habits are key to achieving and maintaining your fitness goals, regardless of your genetic predispositions.

Why Targeted Exercises Don't Equal Targeted Fat Loss

When you exercise a specific body part:

1. You're building muscle in that area, which is great for toning and strength.

2. You're burning calories, which contributes to overall fat loss.

3. But you're not specifically burning fat from that area any more than from the rest of your body.

While spot reduction isn't possible, you can achieve overall fat loss and body composition by following a program like FASTer Way to Fat Loss that uses science-backed principles like intermittent fasting and carb cycling to help turn your body into a fat burning machine and reach into fat stores at the right time and glucose stores at the right time to build lean muscle. 

Our advice? Instead of fixating on problem areas, focus on overall health and fitness. With a balanced approach to diet and exercise, you'll see improvements throughout your body - even if you can't control exactly where the fat comes off first.

But if you’re consistent and stay with it, you’ll see change, it just takes patience and the right approach. Check out our next 6-Week New Client program where we guarantee you'll see results.

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Category

Your DNA Has Its Grip on Body Fat

FASTer Way to Fat Loss
August 27, 2024
5 min read

We know, we know. This is not what you want to hear, especially if you’ve got belly fat you’re trying to get rid of once and for all. But, the fact is, you cannot target tummy fat, saddle bags, arm wings, or any other area on your body that’s a little squishier than you’d like. In the world of fitness and weight loss, there are many persistent myths and the idea of ‘spot reduction’ is one of them. Today, we're going to bust this myth wide open and explain what really works.

What is Spot Reduction?

First, let’s talk about what spot reduction is: the idea that you can burn fat in a specific area of your body by exercising that particular body part. For example, the notion that doing countless crunches will melt away belly fat, or that tricep exercises will magically slim down flabby arms. It's an appealing concept, but unfortunately, it's not how our bodies work.

The Science Behind Fat Loss

To understand why spot reduction is a myth, we need to understand how fat loss actually occurs:

1. Fat cells are distributed throughout your body: When you gain weight, these cells expand, and when you lose weight, they shrink.

2. Fat loss is systemic: When you create a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you consume), your body draws on fat stores from all over your body for energy - not just from the area you're exercising.

3. Genetics play a role: Where you lose fat first and last is largely determined by your genetic makeup and hormones.

Yep, we said it. That’s a big truth that very few talk about. Your genes play a significant role in determining where your body tends to store fat. This is why some people are "apple-shaped" (carrying more fat around the midsection) while others are "pear-shaped" (carrying more fat in the hips and thighs).

To get real science-like on ya’, fat cells have two types of receptors - alpha and beta. Beta receptors facilitate fat breakdown, while alpha receptors hinder it. The ratio of these receptors in different body areas is genetically determined, influencing how easily fat is lost from various regions.

And, the truth we all know too well: estrogen in women promotes fat storage in the hips and thighs (let’s just take a moment to weep, then wipe our tears and move on); and testosterone tends to promote fat storage in the abdominal area.

Oh, and there’s this little gem, it’s the first on, last off principle. Areas where you gain fat first are often the last places you'll lose it. This pattern is largely governed by your genetic makeup.

It's important to note that while genetics play a significant role in fat distribution and loss patterns, they don't solely determine your body composition. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management can significantly influence how your genetic predispositions manifest.

Understanding your genetic tendencies can help you set realistic expectations and tailor your approach to fat loss. However, remember that consistent, overall healthy habits are key to achieving and maintaining your fitness goals, regardless of your genetic predispositions.

Why Targeted Exercises Don't Equal Targeted Fat Loss

When you exercise a specific body part:

1. You're building muscle in that area, which is great for toning and strength.

2. You're burning calories, which contributes to overall fat loss.

3. But you're not specifically burning fat from that area any more than from the rest of your body.

While spot reduction isn't possible, you can achieve overall fat loss and body composition by following a program like FASTer Way to Fat Loss that uses science-backed principles like intermittent fasting and carb cycling to help turn your body into a fat burning machine and reach into fat stores at the right time and glucose stores at the right time to build lean muscle. 

Our advice? Instead of fixating on problem areas, focus on overall health and fitness. With a balanced approach to diet and exercise, you'll see improvements throughout your body - even if you can't control exactly where the fat comes off first.

But if you’re consistent and stay with it, you’ll see change, it just takes patience and the right approach. Check out our next 6-Week New Client program where we guarantee you'll see results.

Subscribe to our blog

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Workouts
5 min read

Your DNA Has Its Grip on Body Fat

August 27, 2024

We know, we know. This is not what you want to hear, especially if you’ve got belly fat you’re trying to get rid of once and for all. But, the fact is, you cannot target tummy fat, saddle bags, arm wings, or any other area on your body that’s a little squishier than you’d like. In the world of fitness and weight loss, there are many persistent myths and the idea of ‘spot reduction’ is one of them. Today, we're going to bust this myth wide open and explain what really works.

What is Spot Reduction?

First, let’s talk about what spot reduction is: the idea that you can burn fat in a specific area of your body by exercising that particular body part. For example, the notion that doing countless crunches will melt away belly fat, or that tricep exercises will magically slim down flabby arms. It's an appealing concept, but unfortunately, it's not how our bodies work.

The Science Behind Fat Loss

To understand why spot reduction is a myth, we need to understand how fat loss actually occurs:

1. Fat cells are distributed throughout your body: When you gain weight, these cells expand, and when you lose weight, they shrink.

2. Fat loss is systemic: When you create a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you consume), your body draws on fat stores from all over your body for energy - not just from the area you're exercising.

3. Genetics play a role: Where you lose fat first and last is largely determined by your genetic makeup and hormones.

Yep, we said it. That’s a big truth that very few talk about. Your genes play a significant role in determining where your body tends to store fat. This is why some people are "apple-shaped" (carrying more fat around the midsection) while others are "pear-shaped" (carrying more fat in the hips and thighs).

To get real science-like on ya’, fat cells have two types of receptors - alpha and beta. Beta receptors facilitate fat breakdown, while alpha receptors hinder it. The ratio of these receptors in different body areas is genetically determined, influencing how easily fat is lost from various regions.

And, the truth we all know too well: estrogen in women promotes fat storage in the hips and thighs (let’s just take a moment to weep, then wipe our tears and move on); and testosterone tends to promote fat storage in the abdominal area.

Oh, and there’s this little gem, it’s the first on, last off principle. Areas where you gain fat first are often the last places you'll lose it. This pattern is largely governed by your genetic makeup.

It's important to note that while genetics play a significant role in fat distribution and loss patterns, they don't solely determine your body composition. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management can significantly influence how your genetic predispositions manifest.

Understanding your genetic tendencies can help you set realistic expectations and tailor your approach to fat loss. However, remember that consistent, overall healthy habits are key to achieving and maintaining your fitness goals, regardless of your genetic predispositions.

Why Targeted Exercises Don't Equal Targeted Fat Loss

When you exercise a specific body part:

1. You're building muscle in that area, which is great for toning and strength.

2. You're burning calories, which contributes to overall fat loss.

3. But you're not specifically burning fat from that area any more than from the rest of your body.

While spot reduction isn't possible, you can achieve overall fat loss and body composition by following a program like FASTer Way to Fat Loss that uses science-backed principles like intermittent fasting and carb cycling to help turn your body into a fat burning machine and reach into fat stores at the right time and glucose stores at the right time to build lean muscle. 

Our advice? Instead of fixating on problem areas, focus on overall health and fitness. With a balanced approach to diet and exercise, you'll see improvements throughout your body - even if you can't control exactly where the fat comes off first.

But if you’re consistent and stay with it, you’ll see change, it just takes patience and the right approach. Check out our next 6-Week New Client program where we guarantee you'll see results.