There are still many popular misconceptions about how to lose weight or tone up stomachs, bottoms and thighs – with exercise routines left over from the days of ‘go for the burn’ aerobics and Jane Fonda-style videos.

Sit-ups have traditionally been thought of the best way to tone stomach muscles – but this might not be the case. Firstly, lots of sit-ups or crunches alone won’t tone a flabby belly – you need to combine any exercise with other exercises as well as eating a balanced diet. Sit-ups also target the most superficial ‘six-pack’ core muscles, but too many of these will cause the tummy to bulge out, leading to a pot belly.

Those trying to lose weight often believe that exercising for longer periods of time will lead to increased weight loss. But exercising hard for a long time will produce excessive amounts of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which begin to break down muscle tissue.

High-intensity exercise is good for heart health, but not effective for fat loss. Studies have shown the best way to burn fat is by carrying out moderate to light-intensity exercise, such as a brisk walk.

Those who are finding it hard to shift stubborn fat, should come for a consultation with an expert surgeon at The Hospital Group.

The Hospital Group offer a range of cosmetic procedures to help people achieve the perfect body, including tummy tucks and liposuction, as well as weight loss surgery, including gastric bypasses, balloons and bands.

David Ross, Chief executive of The Hospital Group, which has 19 clinics across the UK said: “People who come for a consultation have often been trying to beat the bulge through various diets and exercise regimes for years, but many do not have access to knowledge to make a lasting difference.

Via EPR Network
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New research has found that some overweight people have a greater sense of smell for food which may cause them to struggle with diets and weight loss.

Carried out by the University of Portsmouth , the study found that those who were overweight, or had a high BMI, had a far heightened sense of smell for food compared with slim people.

Volunteers took part in the study where they were asked to join in with a series of mini experiments that tested their smelling ability.

The results revealed that most people are better at detecting food odours just after they had eaten rather than when they were hungry with experts citing this as one of the reasons many people continue eating long after they are full up.

Scientists believe this new research could help explain why some people struggle to stay slim or stick to a strict diet.

Lead researcher Dr Stafford, said: “It could be speculated that for those with a propensity to gain weight, their higher sense of smell for food related odours might actually play a more active role in food intake.

“Hopefully this research will stimulate more work in this area with the potential to help those who struggle with their weight and those who treat people with weight problems.”

Those who are worried about being overweight should book a consultation with an expert bariatric surgeon at The Hospital Group.

The Hospital Group is the UK ‘s biggest provider of weight loss surgery, including gastric bands, gastric bypasses and gastric balloons.

David Ross, Chief Executive of The Hospital Group said: “Many overweight people struggle with their food intake and often find themselves in a vicious cycle of over eating.

Via EPR Network
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