HEALTH TIP #34:

Fat burning

Kinesiologists are regularly approached with a variety of questions regarding fat burning. Here are the answers to a few of those questions in order to help you better understand to process of fat burning.

Can I burn fat in specific areas (spot burning)?

While body fat is a concentrated source of energy for our body, we cannot decide where we store this energy. Our body is genetically programmed to store it in certain areas. Women tend to store more in the triceps and gluts area, while men generally store it in the abdomen. Women also tend to store about 10 % more fat than men. This is because women need more body fat in the event that they become pregnant. Getting rid of fat in a specific area (like belly, glutes or arms) is very hard to do because spot fat burning does not exist.

How long does it take to burn fat?

Fat is stored and burned in different ways. Depending on your genetics, you might burn fat quicker and in different areas than someone else. Our body decides where it stores and burns fat. Certain exercises may help tighten up (tone) specific areas, but getting rid of that extra body fat might take longer than you think. Actually, the longer it takes the more chance you have of keeping if off. A big drop in body weight in a short period of time is not healthy, as you mostly lose water and muscles vs. fat.

To be in your fat burning zone you must first know your estimated maximum heart rate (220 – age); then multiply by 0.65 to 0.75. This will give you your target heart rate zone. Exercising for long periods of time in this zone favors fat burning. To know your exact heart rate zones, a metabolic assessment should be done by a kinesiologist in your area. 

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