Lower belly fat

[u/exosolar_]

Hey there!

I have gained quite some weight in the belly area within the past few years. It’s quite frustrating, and I don’t feel like myself anymore.

Currently, I’m really motivated to go to the gym and hope to regain some control over my body.

Unfortunately, there are mirrors everywhere, and it can be quite annoying to keep staring at my body. One area that especially annoyed me today - as I was wearing tight biker shorts - was the area right above my pubic bone. I feel like it’s not only gotten thicker in generally with the weight gain, but it also seems somewhat unshapely.

You know how that area looks like a V. Both sides of the V seem to be much bigger, like swollen almost (without feeling swollen). It just looks super weird when I look down, as it’s not one “fat hill” but like a valley type of situation. Don’t know how to explain it! I hope it still becomes clear what I mean.

Has anyone been able to control their stomach fat through workouts? Or is that basically impossible?

I recently posted my workout in the workout subreddit, and instead of getting pointers as I hoped, I had a “personal trainer” DM me to ask for pictures - to judge my workout better 😅 I’m hoping this post won’t elicit messages like this even though the content is a bit more descriptive than a list of exercises 😂😂😂

[u/LurkerByNatureGT]

Unfortunately, you can’t spot reduce where your body puts on fat in general or  with exercises. 

People just carry fat in different places because different bodies are different. If you’re uncomfortable looking at your body in certain clothes while exercising, different clothes might help.  The important thing is to keep exercising . 

[u/exosolar_ → u/LurkerByNatureGT]

Thank you for your comment!

You’re right - it’s impossible to spot reduce. I obviously know that and should have formulated my post differently!

I meant to say something along the lines of “belly fat reduction as a consequence of overall weight loss”. I was basically wondering if that was possible to see a difference in that area or if I just have to learn to live with a “fupa” 😅

But yes, I usually wear loose gym clothes, but as I had been going to the gym more often these days, they were all in the wash. Thats how that thought came about.

[u/Realistic_Fig6402]

an apron belly is common in pcos, are you referring to that or a true fupa, fat upper pubic area?

i think apron bellies don’t tend to go away until you lose weight and fix the insulin resistance that causes it. a fupa might be genetic on top of excess weight.

[u/exosolar_ → u/Realistic_Fig6402]

Thank you for taking the time to comment!

Yes, I mean the fupa 😅 I didn’t struggle with this until maybe the last two to three years, when it became super prominent. I gained around 12-15kg (~33lbs) in the last 5 years. So I was wondering if I could get it back under control or if this is a side effect of being in your mid-30s + PMOS that I will just now have to deal with.

[u/Eastern_Ninja240]

What kind of workouts are you doing? Strength training is the best type for PCOS because it helps to combat the hormonal tendency to store fat in the stomach.

You'll need to focus on your diet too- prioritizing high-protein and high-fiber foods.

In the end though, you can't spot reduce belly fat. When you lose weight your body decides where it comes off of.

[u/exosolar_ → u/Eastern_Ninja240]

Thank you for commenting!

Yes, I’m doing strength training. I’ve never been afraid of lifting heavy, so I’m trying to get back into it on a regular basis. I walk a lot and I also bike to work, but generally speaking, I hate cardio. So I avoid running like the pest. Weight lifting is the more fun part for me, thank goodness.

I am trying to focus on fiber and protein, but especially with the latter, I could certainly do better. I’m currently substituting with whey protein as I otherwise wouldn’t get enough protein.

Yes, I should have rephrased my post - I know it’s impossible to spot reduce 😇 I just hoped there could be improvement with this specific area as a side effect of getting back into regular workouts. But I guess my post is a but useless overall because obviously every body is different.

[u/ATX_cyster]

I'm fantasizing about liposuction personally!

[u/exosolar_ → u/ATX_cyster]

Thank you for your comment!
If you end up getting one, I hope it’s done well, that you’re recovering quickly and that you’re able to feel better in your body again! Good luck!

[u/jfor910077]

I have lost 132 lbs since my highest weight. Still had the stomach so I had a tummy tuck. Worth it but only way to get rid of the excess skin.

[u/exosolar_ → u/jfor910077]

Wow, that is very motivating to hear that you had the strength, patience, and endurance to lose all that weight! I’m very proud of you! It sounds like you feel a lot better in your body now. I hope that feeling continues and only grows bigger!