Back fat can be among the most challenging types of fat to lose. Even if you fall into a normal BMI range, back fat can contribute to an appearance of obesity. There are several reasons why you might be prone to excess back fat, but there are also things that you can do to target this stubborn weight. Read on to learn more about back fat causes and solutions.
Evaluating Your Back Fat
If you’re overweight, there’s a good chance that some of the fat you’ve accumulated will be located on your back. If you have a relatively normal body weight, with a BMI below 25, it may be more difficult for you to determine whether you have excess back fat. One way to measure your back fat is to put on a pair of pants and stand sideways in front of a mirror. If your back hangs over the top of your waistline, back fat is probably the culprit.
6 Reasons Back Fat is Difficult to Lose
Everyone has some amount of fat in their lower back. However, certain factors can make you store a disproportionately high percentage of fat in the lumbar region. The following are some of the most frequent causes of lower back fat. If you have excess back fat, there’s a good chance that one or more of these six factors are to blame.
1. Obesity
Generally, if you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) — determined by your height and weight — over 25, you may be overweight. If it’s over 30, you fall into the obese category. While BMI should never be used as the sole determinant, if you are heavy, the chances are good that back fat is partially to blame.
2. Genetics
The way your parents and their parents store fat is a huge factor in how you store fat. If your parents stored excess fat in their lumbar region, you’re likely to store fat there as well.
3. Gender
Men and women store fat differently. Men store fat around the trunk of their bodies, while women tend to store fat in their hips and upper thighs. Consequently, men tend to store fat in their lower back at a higher rate than women.
4. Diet
Naturally, the types of food you eat are a significant factor in where you store fat. Carby and sugary foods are also high in calories and can lead to overall weight gain. Alcohol also can contribute to weight gain. The drinks add additional calories to your diet and your body metabolizes the alcohol instead of food.
5. Sedentary Lifestyle
You may not think you lead a sedentary lifestyle, but only 23.2% of U.S. adults meet the CDC’s physical activity guidelines. Even if you are exercising regularly, you may not be doing enough to target lower-back fat.
6. Age
As we get older, our metabolism begins to slow. For many, if they don’t reduce their net-calorie intakes, they will begin to gain weight. Some of this fat is bound to accumulate in the lower back.
How to Get Rid of Back Fat
The good news is that there are several effective ways to lose back fat. If you have excess back fat, consider trying the following options.
A Calorie-Negative Diet
If you are obese because you have a poor diet or just never had to pay attention to what you were eating, it may be time to start. Emerald Laser by Erchonia favors a calorie-negative diet for overweight adults and a calorie-neutral diet for patients who are in the normal range. Additionally, eating healthy foods can speed the fat reduction process. Some of these include avocados, hard-boiled eggs, leafy greens, lean meats, and a wide variety of vegetables. As with any new diet, consult your physician if you have any questions.
Exercises That Target the Back
Cardio exercise burns body fat, but if you want to target back fat, you’re going to have to add resistance exercises in addition to aerobic workouts. Deadlifts, kettlebell swings, back extensions, and supermans are all exercises that strengthen the lower back muscles and will help you reduce the fat in the region.
Medical Procedures
There are several invasive and non-invasive medical procedures that can help with stubborn back fat. Some of these medical procedures involve surgery, while others are effective without the need for anesthesia and long downtimes.
- Laser Lipolysis – Also known as “laser lipo,” this is a painless, non-invasive, fat targeting procedure that requires no downtime.
- Cryolipolysis – Frequently referred to as “fat freezing,” this is a moderately painless, non-invasive procedure that kills fat cells. Downtime is minimal.
- Liposuction – This is a surgical procedure that sucks fat cells from the body. This is an invasive method that requires anesthesia. Downtime can range from two to four weeks.
The Benefits to Laser and the Downside of Surgery
Emerald Laser’s “cold laser” method uses ten 532 nm low-intensity lasers to target fat cells. The lasers bore holes in the cells and emulsify the lipids inside. The fat then drains from the cells, where the body’s lymphatic system eliminates them. Other laser procedures kill the fat cells, which can lead to an increase in visceral fat around the organs. Emerald Laser is safer because it leaves the empty cells intact. There is no downtime, and you can immediately resume physical activity after each session. Most patients see results in 2 weeks, with full results reached after 12 weeks.
Surgical procedures can produce fast results, but there are several downsides to liposuction:
- Liposuction requires anesthesia.
- You will have incisions that require aftercare.
- You will not be able to resume full physical activity for weeks.
- The average cost for liposuction is higher than for laser back fat removal.
- Liposuction kills fat cells. If the patient regains weight, this could force the fat to accumulate in other areas of the body, including around vital organs.
Laser Fat Removal in Your Area
If you are trying to lose back fat but are getting disappointing results, Emerald Laser by Erchonia can help. Our medical technicians can target the fat in your lower back and other key areas. Emerald Laser is the only laser fat removal system that has received FDA market clearance for individuals with a BMI over 30. Don’t live with difficult-to-lose back fat. Call an Emerald Laser provider in your area and schedule a consultation today.
Tags: back fat, laser lipo