Energy balance
Aerobic exercise performed at moderate to high intensity reduces visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in overweight and obese adults, even without caloric restriction.
To reduce dangerous belly fat (visceral adipose tissue), focus on aerobic exercises like brisk walking, jogging, or cycling at a moderate to high intensity (where you can talk but not sing, or higher). Do this at least twice a week for at least 8 weeks. You do not need to restrict calories to see these specific fat loss benefits, though diet is still important for overall health. Men tend to see slightly larger reductions in visceral fat area than women with this approach.
Aerobic training of moderate or high intensity has the highest potential to reduce visceral adipose tissue in overweight males and females. These results suggest that an aerobic exercise program, without hypocaloric diet, can show beneficial effects to reduce visceral adipose tissue with more than 30 cm2 (on CT analysis) in women and more than 40 cm2 in men, even after 12 weeks.
Why this rating
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 controlled and uncontrolled trials with significant sample size (852 subjects), though heterogeneity was noted.
Source
The Effect of Exercise on Visceral Adipose Tissue in Overweight Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Dirk Vissers et al. · PLoS ONE · 2013
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0056415
Related findings · Energy balance
- Achieving a total body weight loss of 10-15% (or >10-15 kg) through Total Diet Replacement (TDR) induces remission of Type 2 Diabetes in individuals with short-duration disease.Strong
- Bariatric surgery is superior to medical management alone for inducing significant long-term weight loss, remission of type 2 diabetes, and reduction in mortality for patients with BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with comorbidities.Strong
- Achieving type 2 diabetes remission requires significant weight loss (≥15 kg) via major caloric restriction, independent of macronutrient composition.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →