If you are attempting to lose weight or just switch to a healthier lifestyle, you probably know that not all fat is the same. Some of it is easier to get rid of, while some (subcutaneous fat) is stubborn and requires a lot of work to disappear.
Luckily, this type of fat is not impossible to lose. All you need are some tips and tricks on how to get rid of subcutaneous fat. You can find them below.
What Is Subcutaneous Fat?
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Subcutaneous fat is fat located just below the surface of your skin. It is what you feel when you pinch the skin of your stomach, arms, or legs. It protects your bones and muscles, and it also serves as an energy reserve. However, it can become a big problem if it accumulates as it is hard to lose.
Another type of fat that is much easier to control is visceral fat. It is located deep inside your belly. It cushions your organs and blood vessels, which make it an important part of your body. Still, as necessary as it is, excess visceral fat can actually be quite harmful and lead to serious diseases. These include heart problems, cancer, and diabetes.
As different as the two types of fat are based on their location, they can both be regulated by different diet and exercise plans.
Different Types of Fat
As you might have guessed from the introduction, there are two types of fat in your body because there are two types of fat cells your body produces.
White Adipose Tissue (WAT)
WAT is what most people think of when talking about fat. WAT cells store energy from the food you consume. If you eat too much, the cells get bigger, which causes weight gain. Subcutaneous fat is usually composed of WAT cells, which is why it can accumulate so fast.
Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT)
BAT cells burn energy instead of storing it. For example, when you are cold, these cells activate and start burning energy to make you warmer. This type of fat is vital for keeping your body running healthily. Still, if it accumulates, it can be harmful as it is still fat.
Ways to Get Rid of Subcutaneous Fat
1. Diet
To lose this type of fat, you need to take in fewer calories than you burn every day. A diet that can help you achieve this should be based on fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and fibers. The key is to consume less protein and sugar and to avoid saturated fats.
2. Exercise
No diet can truly be successful if you do not combine it with regular exercise. Your body stores energy by building up your subcutaneous fat. To get rid of the fat, you must burn those calories/energy.
A good way to do so is by running, cycling, swimming, or any other movement-based activities. In addition, strength training might also be of help, as lifting weights can increase your lean muscle and help you burn calories more efficiently.
3. Subcutaneous Injections
In certain cases, the fat can accumulate so much that a diet and exercise on their own aren’t enough to get rid of it. If that happens, certain injections are available that can help burn the fat faster. However, these injections are only an option if the fat tissue is threatening one’s life or if the person has another serious condition at the same time.
Whichever solution you go for, it is vital that you consult your doctor first. They will be able to assess your situation best and help you devise a plan on how to get rid of subcutaneous fat. That way, you will be able to stay safe and do what’s best for your body and health.