Tighter lower abdomen?

[Venezia]

I've had a protruding lower abdomen ever since I was a kid. I have also been a strict vegetarian since I was 8. I don't do junk food, am not a couch potato and don't overeat. Yet I can't seem to make my abdomen any smaller. I also have too much fat in my upper thighs and upper arms, with sagging underarms. No matter how often I lifted weights, I never developed muscles. Is this because I am not getting enough of the right nutrition or am I doomed to have a big abdomen for the rest of my life unless I opt for surgery?

 

[RMFS]

Lower Stomach

Venezia,

There are three important things to understand body fat:

1. Your genetics determine exactly where fat is deposited, stored and released. You have absolutely no control over this process.

2. Losing body fat is a matter of eating less than calories each day than your body requires.

3. Successfull, long-term fat loss HAS TO INCLUDE supportive nutrition, aerobic exercise and resistance training. If one of these components is missing, optimal results WILL NOT happen.

My suggestions for you are:

1. Do a 4-day food diary. Record everything you eat and drink. Check to see if your calorie intake is appropriate for your goals. Keep in mind, too few calories can be just as bad as too many. If you need help figuring out approximately how many calories you should eat, let me know.

2. Initiate a progressive, well-thought out exercise program that is geared toward what you want. There are so many myths and lies about fat loss that I highly suggest you consult a fitness professional if you don't feel confident that you can design a results-producing program. The frustation and time you save trying to "wing it" will make every penny worth it.

Surgery is not a good option. You are not destined to always have a protruding stomach or extra fat on your thighs. With a few lifestyle modifications, you can reach your fitness dreams!

Heath