Losing Upper Stomach Fat

Question...how do you lose upper body fat? I've lost 50lbs, but the bulk of the weight came off the bottom and only about 2in around my bust and none of in my breasts and I think they are there to stay. LOL! .I lost 3 sizes in my waist, but only 1 size on top. I can't seem to lose the upper half of my stomach. It's frustrating...it makes look like I'm pregnant and when you're large the last thing you want is to be asked is when are you due? Should I be eating different foods ...what sort of exercising should I be doing? I've done the ab crunches, but it's not something I like to do because they don't seem effective. I imagine if I do them every day, it may work, but I'm hoping to find something to help melt the body fat so that I can "see" the crunches start to work. Does that sound stupid? Up for any ideas to help lose the fat. It worries me because it's the fat closest to the heart and to be heart healthy this fat needs to be gone.

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Dr. William Richardson, Ochsner, New Orleans
Banded 9/19/2007

i'm wondering if you've tried something like yoga or pilates? pilates will work your core in a more focused, exercise-y way, while yoga will hold you in stances that will work on your core, as well as your balance and stamina. if you haven't ever done yoga, you might not think it is much of a workout, but your muscles will definitely feel it, and you will sweat! doing a different workout like this might be what your body needs to get it out of your rut.

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Tracy

Banded 3/31/08
in San Antonio by Dr. Stegemann
291 (h) /286 (s) /265.6 (now) /175 (in my dreams)

There is no way to "spot reduce". The first place you tend to put weight on is generally the last place you'll take it off. Your body probably prefers to keep body fat there, and will only give it up when it has to. Doing core training will make your core stronger, but it won't get rid of the fat over your abs. You'll just have to keep going toward your goal. The only thing that might help is if you aren't lifting weights yet (or doing some resistance training), that can help you burn more fat when you develop more muscle.
Sorry, wish I had a better answer!

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Gwen in WA
Student Nurse Anesthetist
Gonzaga University MAE Class of 2010

Banded March 13, 2007
234/168/160
from size 16/18 to size 6 so far...

I carry the majority of my weight in my stomach. At my heaviest I was a 28 on top and 10 on the bottom - a tomato on toothpicks!

I know this probably sounds moronic, but hey, it works for my sister and for me! Do twists. I stand in front of my TV and twist. Not my lower body, but my upper body. Suck your stomach in and twist. I'll do like 50 twists at a time and try to get in at least 200. Some days are better than others.

It's amazing how effective it is. You can do it anywhere - in the elevator (when you're alone!), in your office, bedroom, etc. Sometimes I try to do it again just before I go to bed. My husband is in the shower and I'm twisting. He doesn't know I do it - if he did he'd probably call me Chubby Checkers. LOL

Anyway, that's my two cents!

I'm really realising that to lose a lot of those pockets, it can be necessary to get right down to the bottom of your healthy weight range.

Strangely, even though I'm definitely pear shaped, not an apple, and never had a huge stomach, I have a pocket of fat left on my upper abdomen too. I figure my healthy weight range is 63 to 79kg and I'm 70kg, there's still a fair bit of weight that I *could* lose. Its easier said than done when you're no longer overweight though, its very hard to budge it.

I'm going to get a breast lift and I seriously think a spot of selective lipo will be included there. Its just a weird little pocket that sits front centre, upper abdomen. Not enough to see clothed luckily.

Its hard, but a lot of those little things will only resolve right down close to your goal weight. You just have to keep going.

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Jacqui

Thread Starter

Thanks so much for the replies...it's given me some ideas...the one thing I need to add is weight training...since I can't afford a gym what's the best way to do it at home that won't cost me anything?

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Dr. William Richardson, Ochsner, New Orleans
Banded 9/19/2007

I suppose you could go to your kitchen and lift using cans or jugs. You could also use books being held close to your chest while doing situps to add resistance. I have thought about ordering the latest firm videos that come with weights. Don't remember the cost.

Try some sporting goods stores or even Target for reasonably priced items. You can pick yourself up some dumbells in 2/5/7/10/15lbs & resistance bands are also used a bunch in gyms. As mentioned above you can also find that a lot of workout DVD's will include some of these products. Good luck to you!!