Expert says a ‘sensible’ weight loss plan is key to ‘better’ and slimmer hips

Not everyone harbours weight around their hips but those that do may find it difficult to shift compared to other parts of the body.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Dr Selena Langdon, medical director and founder of Berkshire Aesthetics claimed that some people are predisposed to gaining weight in specific areas through no fault of their own, but “poor lifestyle choices” can also contribute.

She said: “It is very common to store fat in the flanks or “love handles”. Our bodies are designed to carry fat here to protect our reproductive and visceral organs.

“However, if you do carry excess amounts in this area, it can have an adverse effect on your health by contributing to higher levels of visceral fat, which can lead to cardiovascular disease.

“Genetic predisposition, hormones, and stress levels all have a role to play in where we store fat, and gender can also contribute to differing distributions.”

READ MORE: Weight loss surgery shown to ‘slash the risk of all cancers’ in new study

As with most weight loss goals, following a healthy diet and partaking in regular exercise has “significant benefits” regarding body fat percentages and also its distribution, according to Dr Selena.

She claimed that establishing a baseline routine is essential to help achieve a “better silhouette in the hip area”, particularly for men who are more prone to holding weight around their midsection, and women experiencing menopause.

However, people should not rely on exercise alone to achieve targeted weight loss as it simply “isn’t possible to spot reduce fat”.

In fact, according to Kunal Makwana, personal trainer and founder of KMAK Fitness, there are a whole host of other lifestyle factors that are crucial for successfully targeting “love handles”.

Don’t miss…
My Name Is Earl actor Ethan Suplee strips down to show off 21 stone weight loss[REAL LIFE]
Sue Cleaver ‘incensed’ by weight loss hoax using her name after health struggle[INSIGHT]
Inside Mark Labbett’s health woes to gastric band, marriage split and show fears[REVEAL]

He told Expess.co.uk that getting plenty of sleep and drinking enough water are both essential to complement cardio, strength training, and a balanced diet.

Kunal explained: “It’s crucial to approach weight loss in a healthy and sustainable way. Quick fixes, like extreme diets or excessive exercise, can be harmful and often result in rebound weight gain. It’s essential to incorporate changes into your lifestyle that you can maintain in the long run.”

The personal trainer recommended at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week for “overall weight loss”, coupled with seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

Keeping hydrated and limiting alcohol consumption is also essential to promote healthy sleeping patterns and prevent lack of sleep, which can disrupt hormones related to appetite and fat storage.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

While some people may find it impossible to shift the weight from this area even after making drastic lifestyle changes, Dr Selena Langdon, medical director and founder of Berkshire Aesthetics noted that there are other options.

She told Express.co.uk: “When it comes to exercise, it isn’t possible to spot reduce fat.

“If there are stubborn pockets that are not shifting with a sensible diet and exercise, and all lifestyle factors have been taken into account, then we have non-surgical options that have been shown to be very effective in targeting the ‘love handle’ region.”

CoolSculpting has specific applicators that can treat the flank area, reducing their bulk by up to 30 percent with each sitting.

Dr Selena said: “CoolSculpting is a popular and well-established non-invasive cryo-lipolysis procedure that offers permanent results when performed on suitable patients.

“We also offer Emsculpt Neo, a technology that combines both high-intensity focused magnetic (HIFEM), and radiofrequency energy to target not only fat, but to also increase muscle bulk and tone skin.

“Both procedures are not considered to be weight loss techniques but are designed to aid in contouring and shaping difficult-to-target areas such as the flanks.”

Source: Read Full Article