Dr Michael Mosley recommended some things you can do which will not only help get rid of stubbon belly fat but also are good for the rest of the body and mind
Diet guru Dr Michael Mosley, renowned for his expertise in health and fitness, amassed a huge following thanks to his effective health and weight loss tips. The author and broadcaster, who devised diet plans such as The Fast 800, 5:2, The Way of Life and The Fast 800 Keto, and hosted the Just One Thing podcast, sadly passed away earlier this year while on holiday in Greece.
However, he left behind a treasure trove of advice for those seeking to enhance their health or lifestyle. His guidance on specific foods and exercises to target different areas, whether it’s health issues like diabetes or weight loss challenges like stubborn fat, proved particularly beneficial. One of his most effective tips was on how to eliminate belly fat.
On his Radio 4 ‘Stay Young’ programme, Dr Mosley revealed a workout method that’s more efficient at burning belly fat than cardio exercises. He explained that scientific studies have demonstrated resistance exercise targets the stomach area more effectively, while also offering benefits such as improved memory, better sleep, and potentially even a longer lifespan.
And as Christmas approaches, this could be of interest to those looking to shape up for the festive season and the nights out that go with it. Dr Mosley also shared details of his own workout regime on the show, reports Surrey Live.
He revealed: “Today I’m doing something that will not only help me stay strong but should also improve my memory, my sleep, my waistline, make me look good and perhaps even help me live longer. I’ve been doing press-ups.”
He continued to share his fitness regime, saying, “I try to do at least 30 of these every day, followed by at least 30 squats. Resistance exercises are the quickest and simplest way to improve your muscle mass.”
He explained that this concept is no secret among fitness enthusiasts, but added: “It is something we should all do because maintaining your muscle mass is one of the best ways to preserve your health as you age. Without resistance exercises, your muscles start to decline after the age of 30.”
He highlighted the regenerative power of muscles, stating, “Your muscles have a remarkable ability to regenerate in response to resistance training. Studies have shown that in just 12 weeks you can increase your muscle mass by up to 10 per cent and your strength by up to 150 per cent.”
He also mentioned the holistic benefits of such workouts, saying, “For a start, it can give your brain a boost. A review of dozens of studies on the effects of exercise on the over 50s has shown that both aerobic and resistance training are good for the brain but researchers found that resistance training was especially good for memory and executive function which includes things like problem-solving.”
When it comes to reducing belly fat, he emphasised the effectiveness of weight exercises, stating: “Resistance exercise can also help you lose fat, particularly around your belly. Researchers at Harvard University followed around 10,000 men for 12 years and they found minute-for-minute strength training targets belly fat better than cardio.
“That’s important because the fat that accumulates around your belly doesn’t just sit there passively, it produces chemicals that can have a negative effect on your blood sugar levels. Muscle cells on the other hand have a positive effect. When you exercise they soak up blood sugars like a sponge.”
He cited a study that found a 10 per cent increase in skeletal muscle led to a 10 per cent reduction in the risk of pre-diabetes, highlighting the benefits of building muscle. Additionally, an analysis revealed that 30-60 minutes of resistance training per week reduced the risk of dying from heart disease and cancer by up to 20 per cent.
He attributed the impact of resistance exercise to its ability to rejuvenate the body at a cellular level. Sharing his personal routine, the then 66-year-old said he did regular running, brisk walking, and performed 30 press-ups and squats every morning. But saying he didn’t like the gym he questioned: “Does that matter? “
Professor Abigail Mackey from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark told him: “I think that heading into old age if you really want to go in with the best conditions possible for maintaining independent living for as long as possible then you need to using weights which for most people means having access to a gym. The squats and the push-ups are excellent because they train so many muscles.”
Meanwhile, Dr Mosley admitted that although he’s not a fan of gyms, he has taken to using some weights his son left in his garage.