Losing Weight But Not Belly

[PlumberIAmNot]

I weighed myself today and for the first time in about 6 years I am at a healthy BMI! Only just, but I am there which I am really pleased about. I have lost weight slowly this year by cutting out crap and walking more and I am now down by 23lbs which, for me, is a huge achievement although I would still like to get rid of another 18lbs or so to get to my ideal weight. I have deliberately only weighed myself once a month so I don't get obsessed over it.

So what I don't understand is why my belly hasn't shrunk? I come from a family of apple shaped women who all tend to have an obvious stomach and even at my ideal weight it won't be completely flat but I don't understand how at 23lbs down I have only lost half an inch of my waist (39 inches) and half an inch of my lower abdomen (42 inches)? My bra back size is down by 4 inches, my hips no longer have big pads of fat on the side and I can see that my thighs and arms look slimmer but the belly just will not budge and it's starting to get me down as I am still in the same size clothes as I was in January.

So I have decided that next year I need to get serious about this. I have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease and I know I have to shift the flab but what I don't know is the best way to go about it so any advice would be enormously appreciated.

[pinkginanyone]

What have you be doing so far to lose weight?? I find that the stubborn parts are the last to go, so focusing on body fat % & weight is will help you. For me personally i can only achieve this by cutting carbs dramatically.

[HipNewName]

What kind of exercise do you do? What is your posture like?

I like that our weight is determined at the kitchen table, but our shape is all about our muscles.

[amusedbush]

Your waist should be half your height.

I'm an apple shape too, I have a BMI of 29 and I'm 36" around my belly button, which is definitely not healthy for my height. 42" around your middle at a healthy BMI definitely surprises me - are you very tall?

[misscph1973]

Do you feel bloated? Might be worth going gluten free for a while to see what happens.

[HappyEverIftar]

I'm an apple too OP and like you, I've lost a lot of weight without really changing dress sizes (was a big 16, bordering 18 if I'm honest, now 14 in any shop I go in). What's worked for me is high protein and no/low carbs (although I do have a treat meal of pasta or potatoes once a week so I don't feel deprived) and doing HIIT exercise at least four times a week. It's blasted off weight from everywhere, including, slowly, my belly. My shape is changing and I'm stronger. I did my first press up last week! Diet will play a big role in this and I've been strict (no alcohol, sugar, crisps etc) just lots of protein and vegetables. Good luck!