Reviewed by: dr. Audria Graciela, SP.GK,FINEM
Stubborn fat is a common problem, typically found in the abdomen, waist, and thighs. This stubborn fat cannot be eliminated through diet and regular exercise alone; it requires the right treatment to eliminate it. The reasons why stubborn fat is difficult to remove include:
1. Genetics and Hormones
Genetic factors can influence the distribution of body fat storage. Several hormones, such as insulin, estrogen or testosterone, and cortisol, also play a role in regulating body fat and its distribution. This is why some people find that body fat accumulates in certain areas, is difficult to burn, or even makes it difficult to lose weight.
2. Stubborn Fat Cells
Each person's body has fat cells with different receptors and varying distributions of fat cells:
Fat cells with alpha-2 receptors tend to be more difficult to break down (inhibit lipolysis*).
Fat cells with beta-2 receptors tend to be more easily broken down (encourage lipolysis*).
*Fat breakdown process in the body
3. Stress and Lifestyle
Excessively high levels of the stress hormone (cortisol) can lead to increased fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal area (visceral fat). Lack of sleep, excessive stress, and an irregular lifestyle slow down the fat-burning process.
4. Age & Decreased Metabolism
With age, the basal metabolic rate often begins to decline by approximately 1–2% per decade, leading to a progressive decline in muscle mass (sarcopenia), resulting in fewer calories burned. When calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure, unburned fat accumulates and becomes stubborn fat.
Stubborn fat cannot be removed through diet and exercise alone. In some cases, stubborn fat requires specialized treatment such as liposuction. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that liposuction is not intended for weight loss but rather for the removal of fat in specific areas of the body. The LAMS procedure at akasia 365mc, the number one liposuction method from South Korea, helps treat stubborn fat without hospitalization, with minimal risks and minimal downtime. Visit the akasia 365mc Body Aesthetic Center in Jakarta and Surabaya for a LAMS treatment with certified specialists from Korea.
Reference:
Sonobello - Why Losing Fat in Certain Areas is So Hard
Healthline - Is It Possible to Target Fat Loss to Specific Body Parts?
Mayo Clinic - Liposuction
