Wellness Wednesday

Buck the Belly Fat

What's Really the Best Way to Trim the Waistline?

In a recent study conducted by the BBC and two dietitian and exercise specialists, four different plans of how to go about losing belly fat were looked at. A group of 35 volunteers who were all at risk for type-2 diabetes were divided into four groups. The first group was told to wear a monitor that tracked activity and step count, and to increase their normal activity with their diet remaining the same. The second group was told to do a set of six sit up exercises three times a day, every other day, for six weeks with their diet remaining the same. The third group was told to keep their daily lifestyles the same but to drink a glass of milk three times a day. The fourth, and final group group was told to limit their portion sizes, and measure with their hands and fingers.

Results: At the end of the 6 week period all participants were tested again on waistline, blood cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure. The first group didn't lose any fat, but their biomarkers vastly improved with one of the members even reducing their blood glucose levels to normal range. The second group didn't lose any weight or improve their biomarkers bu they lost almost an inch on their waistline. Not only did their waistline improve by about an inch, but they also improved their core and reduced back pain. The third group saw no change. The fourth and final group saw the most change as they lost over eight pounds a piece, with a waistline reduction of at least two inches! They did lose some muscle tone in their legs, however, but this is easily solved through a routine of moderate exercise.

Conclusion: The best form of losing weight continues to be moderate exercise paired with a diet of reduced portions of food!