MUFFIN TOP CORRECTION
We all know what it is: muffin top, love handles, belly pooch… whatever you want to call it. That extra bit of fat around our midsection seems impossible to get rid of. Those last few pounds won’t budge even if we diet and exercise. But what exactly is a muffin top?
“Muffin top” is a slang term to describe an accumulation of fat around the midsection, just above the hips. In tight-fitting pants, this extra fat may spill over the waistband just like a muffin above the paper cup. Two types of belly fat may contribute to a muffin top: subcutaneous fat (the soft, pinchable fat just below the skin) and visceral fat (a deeper layer of fat surrounding the abdominal organs).
Unfortunately, there’s no easy fix for a muffin top. Losing weight and toning up your muscles will help, but you may never completely get rid of that pesky muffin top. So, we might as well learn to love our bodies the way they are!
What Causes a Muffin Top?
Have you ever wondered why you have that pesky muffin top, no matter how many crunches you do? Well, there could be a few different reasons.
First of all, diet is key. If you’re consuming more calories than you’re burning, the excess will be stored as fat, and it’s more likely to collect around your midsection.
Secondly, genetics play a role in where your body stores fat. If your parents or grandparents tend to carry weight around their tummies, you’re more likely to do the same.
And lastly, stress can also lead to increased abdominal fat storage. When stressed, your body releases cortisol, which tells it to hold on to fat. So, if you’re looking to get rid of that muffin top, ensure you eat healthily and manage your stress levels.
Can I target the stubborn fat in the muffin top?
Yes, you can lose your muffin top — but it requires hard work and patience. It’s possible to lose the muffin top, but it’s not an overnight fix.
It isn’t possible to spot-reduce fat from specific problem areas. But as you lose overall body fat, you’ll see your midsection shrink.
To that end, your best weight-loss approach is a multi-channel one that addresses the controllable contributing factors, including diet, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction.
Maintaining a healthy diet and appropriate calorie intake is key. Moreover, getting plenty of nutrient-dense foods — like broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, spinach, and cauliflower — and protein can help contribute to successful weight loss.
Different non-invasive body shaping procedures may help contour problem areas. Coolsculpting is one example of a procedure that freezes and eliminates fat cells in the treated area. With the help of a professional, you can create a plan that works best for you and finally get rid of that muffin top for good!