When it comes to fat loss, the body does not shed fat uniformly across all areas at once. The sequence in which you lose fat is largely influenced by genetics, gender, and hormones. Here’s a simplified explanation to give you an understanding of where you might lose fat first:
For many people, the initial fat loss is often noticeable in areas like the face, neck, and chest. This is why some might observe changes in their facial features or a reduction in double chin even before noticing significant changes in other parts of the body.
Men typically store a greater proportion of their body fat in the abdominal region, so they might begin to notice a reduction in belly fat sooner than women. However, it’s important to note that the deep visceral fat (the fat surrounding internal organs) might be more stubborn than the subcutaneous fat (the fat right under the skin). So, while the belly might start to appear smaller, getting that chiseled six-pack look will require more effort and time as it involves burning the stubborn subcutaneous fat on the abs.
Women, on the other hand, often store more fat in the hips, thighs, and buttocks. So, it’s common for women to see reductions in these areas as they progress in their fitness journey, but it might take longer to notice changes in the belly area.
One key point to remember is that spot-reducing, or trying to lose fat in one specific area through targeted exercises, is a myth. To lose fat in any region, you need to achieve an overall caloric deficit through a combination of diet and exercise. As you progress, your body will decide where it takes the fat from, and over time, you’ll see reductions across various areas.
Where you lose fat first is largely predetermined by your genetics and hormones, but with consistent effort, you’ll eventually achieve fat loss in all areas, including the coveted six-pack abs.