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Dive into the world of nutrition! Uncover how different fats impact your health and longevity

6 Types of Body Fat & How You Can Remove Them

Table of Contents

TL:DR Summary

  • Subcutaneous Fat: The pinchable fat that lies just beneath the skin’s surface.
  • Visceral Fat: The dangerous fat that surrounds vital organs and increases health risks.
  • Brown Fat: The metabolically active fat that helps burn calories and generates heat.
  • White Fat: The most common type of fat that stores energy and affects body shape.
  • Belly Fat: Stubborn fat stored in the abdominal region, linked to various health issues.
  • Love Handles: Fat deposits on the sides of the waistline, challenging to eliminate but not impossible.
Contrary to popular belief, not all body fat is created equal. There are various types, each behaving differently and requiring specific approaches for removal or reduction.

Introduction

As the Founder and Managing Director of a leading aesthetic chain in Singapore, and my interactions with customers, I’ve gained a unique perspective on one of the most common concerns in the realm of aesthetics: body fat and its management. In this article, I aim to shed light on a topic that’s often clouded with myths and misinformation — the different types of body fat and effective methods to address them. Contrary to popular belief, not all body fat is created equal. There are various types, each behaving differently and requiring specific approaches for removal or reduction.

Unlocking Fat Secrets: Busting 6 Stubborn Types

From my extensive experience, I’ve identified six distinct types of body fat that most individuals struggle with. These range from the stubborn fat that resists diet and exercise to the more superficial layers that respond well to certain treatments. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone looking to achieve their aesthetic goals.

So, whether you’re battling with stubborn belly fat or looking to tone specific areas, this article will provide valuable insights. I will explore each type of body fat, its characteristics, and discuss some of the most effective ways to tackle them, based on the latest research and real-life success stories.

Between 2010 and 2014, obesity surged 24% in Singapore, 27% in Malaysia and 38% in Vietnam.

The rising problem of obesity 

It’s so easy to put on weight, and so difficult to get back in shape again. Obesity is one of the most common health problems. In fact, nearly 5 million American kids are obese. In England, severe obesity has hit an all-time high among children in England in their last year of primary school, a government report has found. Between 2010 and 2014, obesity surged 24% in Singapore, 27% in Malaysia and 38% in Vietnam.

Sky’s the Limit, Waistlines Aren’t: Singapore’s Obesity Challenge

Singapore – land of mouthwatering food and one of the world’s most beautiful skylines. Unfortunately, it seems that the country’s love for delicious cuisine has come with a price: obesity.

According to recent surveys, the number of obese people in Singapore has been steadily increasing over the years. In fact, the current obesity level is the same as it was over a decade ago. Looks like it’s time for the country to put down the fork and pick up some dumbbells!

Put simply, you have a specific body type. For you to lose weight and get in shape quickly, you will need to know what your body type is and do the right thing.

​Not everyone stores fat in the same places

While there are many guides and articles on the internet explaining how to combat obesity and lose weight, a method can be useful for one person but completely unless for another person. Why is this the case? This is because everyone has a specific body type and it is important for each person to understand how his or her body gain weight.

Put simply, you have a specific body type. For you to lose weight and get in shape quickly, you will need to know what your body type is and do the right thing. At Wellaholic, we have a list of the body types and how to target each of them for the best weight loss and fat loss results. 

Upper body fat distribution has been suggested to be associated with glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and hyperlipidemia

Body Type 1: Full Upper Obesity (Android)

Full Upper Body Fat refers to people who tend to eat a lot and are physically inactive. This type of fat accumulates quickly because the person consumes more calories than what he or she can burn it away. Upper body fat distribution has been suggested to be associated with glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and hyperlipidemia.

Best Fat Loss Method for Body Type 1

If you belong to this category, you will need to exercise. Aerobic or cardiovascular exercise is essential, because physical activity will help you to burn off the excess calories. Try starting by doing brisk walking, and then gradually progress to slow jogging.

You can also consider swimming as the water buoyancy helps you to exercise without increasing the risk of any injuries from running impact. Also, it would be useful to limit your intake of sweets, especially refined sugars. Always avoid soft drinks and desserts as they pack in a lot of unnecessary sugars. 

A decrease in metabolic rate means that more fat gets accumulated at the belly (a.k.a. beer belly), as well as the stubborn love handles

Body Type 2: Stomach-Centred Obesity (Android)

Fat and cellulite can be easily stored in the stomach or tummy area. This is called Stomach-centred obesity. Abdominal obesity, also known as central obesity, occurs when excessive abdominal fat around the stomach and abdomen has built up to the extent that it is likely to have a negative impact on health.

Central obesity has been strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other metabolic and vascular diseases. An excess of visceral fat and cellulite is known as central obesity, the “pot belly” or “beer belly” effect, in which the abdomen protrudes excessively.

Similar to Full Upper Obesity, the main cause is net energy imbalance, where your body consumes more usable calories than it can expend. The main culprits would be the consumption of sugars or fructose, greater meat consumption as well as smoking.

Also, a study has shown that alcohol consumption is directly associated with waist circumference and with a higher risk of abdominal obesity in men, but not in women.

Best Fat Loss Method for Body Type 2

If you belong to the Body Type 2, you can try to cut down the consumption of sugars. Also try to eat an moderate amount of meat, and wherever possible avoid alcohol consumption. A permanent routine of exercise, eating healthily, and, during periods of being overweight, consuming the same number or fewer calories than used will prevent and help fight obesity

 Types of Body Fat
6 Types of Body Fat
A gynoid (or pear shaped) body type is typically defined as a rounder, lower half of the body, with more fat deposited in the hips, buttocks and thighs

Body Type 3: Lower Body Obesity (Gynoid)

A gynoid (or pear shaped) body type is typically defined as a rounder, lower half of the body, with more fat deposited in the hips, buttocks and thighs. Conversely, those with an android body type may have greater girth around the chest and abdomen. Gynoid fat in females is used to provide nourishment for offspring and is often referred to as ‘reproductive fat‘.

This is because it contains long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are important in the development of foetuses. This is also why this body type 3 applies mostly to females. Interestingly, as the female reaches post-menopause, their potential to store fat and cellulite around the hips and bum decreases and they become much more ‘android’ (see below) in their storage capacity (by as much as 42%).

This of course makes sense if female reproductive hormones act as a guide for gynoid storage. Although excess fat levels may lead to the client wishing to reduce them for aesthetic reasons, there is no real immediate health risk of obesity related diseases.

Best Fat Loss Method for Body Type 3

For those with a gynoid body shape (generally seen in women, but can also occur in men), high-intensity interval training and total-body resistance training circuits can be used to effectively burn calories, improve cardiovascular conditioning and reduce subcutaneous fat and cellulite. A

lso, try not to skip breakfast. If you do not have a good breakfast to kick-start your metabolism in the morning, you will end up getting more hungry as the day progresses and this will cause you to eat more as a form of overcompensation. 

Not all belly bulges are the result of excess fat or weight gain. This could be due to either bloating, menopausal hormonal belly bulge, or a beer belly

Body Type 4: Swollen Stomach or Belly Bulge

Not all belly bulges are the result of excess fat or weight gain. This could be due to either bloating, menopausal hormonal belly bulge, or a beer belly. Bloating is the feeling of pressure or swelling in the stomach. The most common causes are trapped gas or eating too much in a short time.

The sensation of bloating can cause abdominal distention, which is a visible swelling or extension of your belly. For menopausal hormonal belly bulge, the hormonal changes that happen to you may contribute to weight gain, usually a few years before menopause.

Last but not least, drinking too much beer maybe lead to a beer belly. Beer is made with hops, and hops contain phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that have similar effects to the female sex hormone estrogen. Though it hasn’t been proven, there is speculation that the phytoestrogens in beer change the way your body stores belly fat.

Best Fat Loss Method for Body Type 4

As with the rest, by exercising more and eating healthier foods while checking on your calories will help you to lose rather than to gain fat. Always limit your alcohol intake as this has been linked to abdominal obesity. Eat more fibre and drink lots of water to maintain regular bowels. Probiotics can also help you lose weight and reduce bloating. 

Subcutaneous fat is most common in the thighs and located right beneath the skin. Intramuscular fat is the fat dispersed within the muscle itself, much like the marbling seen in mea

Body Type 5: Lower Body Fat in the Legs

Sometimes, lower body fat can accumulate in the legs. Leg fat may be comprised of different types of fat cells. Subcutaneous fat is most common in the thighs and located right beneath the skin. Intramuscular fat is the fat dispersed within the muscle itself, much like the marbling seen in meat.

Now, most of the leg fat is subcutaneous, which poses fewer long-term health concerns. Leg fat and cellulite, particularly on the backs of the thighs, often takes the form of cellulite, dimpled fat deposits. Cellulite is incredibly common in women and reducing it is a frequently-cited desire among women trying to lose weight.

Best Fat Loss Method for Body Type 5

The best way to burn overall body fat is via aerobic exercise. One of the best aerobic exercises for the legs would be cycling. This low intensity exercise is easy for beginners as it does not strain the knees, while increasing muscle endurance in various parts of the legs such as the calves, hamstrings, glutes and the quadriceps.

Another good exercise would be lunges. Lunges are among the most comprehensive leg workouts because they tone the quads and the hamstrings while also slimming the inner thighs and buttocks.

While the belly or stomach is the most popular treatment area, other areas ideal for fat freezing includes many areas. The hips, inner thighs, lower back, upper arms or even chin can be treated

Body Type 6: Upper Back Fat

Are you being bothered by upper back fat? Back fat and cellulite can attack in a few different areas. Most men and women experience fat in one of these three areas:

  • (1) Upper back fat – where excess fat spills over from the back of the bra strap
  • (2) Mid-back fat – where fat folds near the back of the waist, and
  • (3) Lower back top fat – where a pocket of fat spills over from the top of the pants in the back.

The best way to find the area you want to target is to stand with a mirror behind you and hold the second mirror in your hand. Make sure you stand up tall so the lines of your body are apparent.

Best Fat Loss Method for Body Type 6

The hardest reality about losing weight is that you can’t just circle a specific spot on your body and melt away the fat. It takes smart full-body training to really burn fat, and you’ll see the results all over.

Your number one line of defence against back fat is pull ups. Your back is made up of many different muscles, and a pull-up is an all-encompassing exercise that tones and sculpts them all.

Together with pull ups and back exercises, we also highly recommend that you stick to a calorie-deficit diet, which would certainly accelerate your fat loss objectives. If you have tried dieting and exercise and still have trouble with losing back fat and cellulite, you can consider Wellaholic’s WellaFreeze

Customer’s Positive Review for Fat Freeze

Jasyca, a customer at Wellaholic, sought help for stubborn fat and opted for the WellaFreeze Fat Freeze treatment. She appreciated the comfortable ambience and the friendly service provided by her therapist, May.

The WellaFreeze process began with a warm sensation, followed by gentle, painless cold freezing. Jasyca, on her first session, felt optimistic about seeing results in future visits and overall found the experience to be very positive.

Read Actual Review by Customer

I visited Wellaholic for its fat freezing experience. The ambience was comfortable and conducive. My therapist, May, was very friendly. She attended to me and advised me on WellaFreeze. WellaFreeze is done starting with a warm sensation, this is followed by the cold freezing. The suction was gentle and painless. It is my first session and I hope I will see some results when I come back for the next one. Overall, it is a good experience. (Source: Tripadvisor Review)

Well, well, well, it seems like we have identified the six different types of body fat. Who knew fat could be so diverse and unique? But fear not, my dear readers, for the article also offers a solution to the problem of unwanted body fat. So, whether you have full upper obesity, stomach-centered obesity, lower body obesity, a swollen stomach, or just some plain old excess fat, there is hope for you yet. With the right body slimming techniques, you can say goodbye to those pesky pockets of fat and hello to a slimmer, trimmer you. So, let's bid adieu to our love handles and muffin tops and embrace a more streamlined physique. After all, who needs all that extra baggage weighing us down?

Conclusion


In conclusion, based on my extensive interactions with customers undergoing various body fat reduction treatments, I’ve observed that understanding the different types of body fat is crucial in determining the most effective treatment approach. From stubborn visceral fat that poses significant health risks to the more superficial subcutaneous fat, each type requires a tailored strategy.

Know your fat, own your plan: Tailored strategies for lasting results.

Treatments range from dietary and lifestyle changes for managing overall body fat to targeted procedures like cryolipolysis or laser lipolysis for specific areas. It’s also clear that a holistic approach, combining professional treatments with healthy lifestyle choices, yields the most sustainable results.

This comprehensive understanding not only empowers individuals in their journey towards a healthier body but also highlights the importance of personalized treatment plans in achieving effective and lasting fat reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the different types of body fat discussed in the blog post?

A: The blog post covers six types of body fat, including subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, brown fat, white fat, belly fat, and stubborn fat.

How does subcutaneous fat differ from visceral fat?

A: Subcutaneous fat is the fat that lies just beneath the skin, while visceral fat is the fat that surrounds the internal organs. Subcutaneous fat is relatively easier to remove through various treatments, while visceral fat may require a combination of lifestyle changes and targeted approaches.

What is brown fat, and how is it beneficial for fat loss?

A: Brown fat is a type of fat that can help burn calories to generate heat. Unlike white fat, which stores calories, brown fat can aid in fat loss and weight management.

How can I identify and target belly fat effectively?

A: Belly fat is the fat that accumulates around the abdominal area. To target belly fat effectively, a combination of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and targeted treatments like body sculpting can be helpful.

How can I determine the best fat removal method for my specific body fat type?

A: It is essential to consult with a qualified professional or body sculpting specialist. They can assess your body fat type and recommend the most suitable treatment based on your individual needs and goals.

What sets Wellaholic apart in providing body fat removal solutions in Singapore?

A: Wellaholic stands out for its customer-centric approach, advanced technology, and experienced specialists. They offer personalized treatment plans to address specific body fat concerns effectively.

With over 8 years of experience in the aesthetics industry, I am passionate about enhancing beauty and wellness through innovative, science-based approaches. As the Aesthetic Director at Wellaholic, I am committed to delivering exceptional services that are tailored to each client's unique needs. My expertise spans across advanced skincare treatments, body sculpting, hair removal services, and nutritional supplements, all aimed at helping clients achieve their personal best.

Serene Chiam, Aesthetic Director

Serene Chiam is the Aesthetic Director at Wellaholic, a well-known aesthetic chain in Singapore. She has more than ten years of experience in the aesthetics industry. With a Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics) and CIDESCO certifications, she expertly combines scientific knowledge with practical skills. Serene is known for her personalized approach to beauty, ensuring each Wellaholic client’s journey is unique and transformative. Her significant contributions have been pivotal in establishing Wellaholic’s reputation for excellence in aesthetic wellness.

Contact Serene at support@wellaholic.com

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Understanding and Managing Body Fat: A Comprehensive Guide to the 6 Types of Body Fat and Effective Removal Techniques

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