Expert: Linda Erwin, M.S. - 8/15/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi:
What is a more effective way to reduce belly fat-running on the tread-mill for 40 mins and burning 200 calories or walking at 15 incline in the treadmill for 40mins and burning 500 calories?
My goal is not to lose weight anymore - just get rid of my belly fat but I am not seeing any results - my stomach still protrudes out which is depressing me - even though I have lost 20lbs and 2 waist inches in the past 6 months?

Does burning more calories result in getting rid of the belly fat or just weight? I am confused as hell !!!

Please advise.

Thank you.

Nick.



ANSWER: Nick,
Sounds like you are so frustrated.  Is your belly fat genetic?  Your best bet is to go longer on the treadmill and doing weight training, including abs.  Good luck!
Linda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Linda:

Thanks for the quick reply.

No, it is not genetic :-)

But here is the question that I have not found an answer to:

Will burning more calories equate to burning more body/belly fat or is it more effective to run, burn less calories - to get rid of that belly fat??

Am I just better off walking and burning 500 calories compared to running and burning only 200 calories - to get rid of belly fat? Which one if more effective?

I am going crazy!!

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Nick

Answer
Hi Nick,
Step up your exercise to more running at a higher heart rate for 45-60 minutes. Add weight training and do abs every day.  Eat healthy, cut out sugar, high fats, and high calorie carbohydrates. Drink lots of water too.  The other thing is to get enough sleep as well.
Hope this helps.  You will need to give yourself some time...six weeks, to see the results.