Do you currently struggle with obesity?  Do you wish your love handles and belly fat would just go away?  It's a problem that many people struggle with these days, also known as "the battle of the bulge".  This problem tends to get worse as we age, and our metabolisms start to slow down.  Not only does the excess fat in our abdomens look unhealthy, it is unhealthy in terms of the possible health risks it brings along.  It's been reported in various studies that having excessive body fat including love handles may increase a person's risk for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.  It also causes many people to suffer poor self image problems as they try to fit in with coworkers and friends in social situations.  Unhealthy excess weight can be a major problem for many, but it's not something that is necessarily permanent.

For women, extra body fat seems to accumulate as they age and especially following menopause. The hormonal changes that occur after menopause lead to a change in how the body processes fat. Fat is broken down and stored differently, leading to it piling up in the belly area.

For men, there are even more risks for carrying extra belly fat. These include sleep apnea, stroke, heart disease and Type II diabetes. Men with waist sizes of 40 or more, tend to be at increased risk for these health problems. Men tend to pack on the pounds as they age, especially if they aren't physically active. Weight problems in men can also be hereditary in nature. And then there's the classic "beer belly" which can come from drinking excess alcohol.

Both men and women who carry excess belly fat can take steps and make lifestyle changes to eliminate all of that excess weight. This web page will give you the ways how to get rid of love handles and belly fat!

The term may sound sweet, but love handles are often looked at as a hinderance and troublesome body issue for many people.  Love handles is more of a slang term used to describe the spare tire that develops around the midsection.  In particular, it refers to the excess body fat on the sides of the belly, as they become like handles.  For years, men and women have been very self conscious about having love handles.  Love handles are basically part of the overall belly fat issue.  Some infomercials and exercise products will make people believe that certain abdominal routines or machines will eliminate these.  However, there is currently no specific spot reduction for these, other than what is covered on this page.

The simplest way to reduce belly fat and love handles is by making healthy lifestyle changes. There are no particular belly fat exercises as just about all exercise will help.  An increase in aerobic-exercise will generally burn off calories and shrink your waist line if done properly and consistently. Consider starting to walk on a daily basis, or even 3 times a week for at least a half hour. Build up to increase cardiovascular sessions as you are able to. There have been varying studies that our bodies don't burn calories during aerobic activity until at least 30 minutes has been performed. Still, it's important to build up to longer sessions rather than trying too much right away.

It's also been recommended by many health experts including Oprah's, Dr. Oz, that we should be doing weight training each week as well. This doesn't mean you need to be modeling Arnold Schwarzenegger, but it does mean at least using light weights to tone your muscles. Increase muscle on your body will increase your metabolism, which in turn will increase how well your body burns of excess fat.

Changing your diet is another way to get rid of your excess weight. Begin by making small modifications to your belly fat diet. For example cutting out those fast food stops, or reducing certain drinks that may be high in calories. Starbucks coffees or teas, excess soda and alcohol may all lead to weight gain as they are tasty, but contain plenty of calories. Begin drinking more water as well. Your diet should include more fiber and protein, while you take in less fatty foods. Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you get as well. While doing these things, don't starve yourself though. Be healthy about it. Consult with your doctor or a professional dietician to learn the best ways to change your diet and lose weight.

There's been varying studies about which foods can actually help people in their fight to lose belly fat and drop weight. Many of the foods that have been reported as helpful in this quest tend to offer increased protein or healthy fats that will tame your appetite. For example, steaks or red meat can aid in weight loss, as can avocados, olive oil, yogurt, eggs and apples. Oatmeal is another excellent addition to your diet as it is heart-healthy. It contains a lot of fiber which is great for your heart and also it has slow-digesting carbs which will keep you from getting hungry.

There's been a lot of controversy surrounding weight loss products and diet pills that have been put out on the market. One in particular, Hydroxycut, has been linked to health issued and was actually recalled. This came due to the Food and Drug Administration's issued warning about the product which had been linked to liver damage and at least one death. Hydroxycut's recall was addressed by a FAQ page from the company, and they have since put a newer version of the product on store shelves.

Some of the other weight loss supplements on the market include Apidexin, Phenphedrine, Liporexall and DecaSlim. The DecaSlim product was actually created by a college student who had been watching Oprah and her report on Super foods. This student created a mixture which includes flaxseed, buckwheat as well as Acai and Green Tea. The resulting product has been a hot seller ever since.

It is best to tread with caution when considering these "quick fix" weight loss products, as they can lead to a myriad of health problems and quick weight loss may lead to other issues. Consider following a better diet and exercise routine to get the best weight loss results.

Rather than turning to manufactured weight loss products, why not consider adding more of the right vitamins and nutrients to your diet?  Some of the best vitamins for weight loss include the "B vitamins" (B2, B3, B5, B6) as well as choline and Vitamin C.  You can take these via pill form daily or incorporate them through certain foods in your diet.  For example fruits and veggies contain Vitamin C. You can find choline in eggs, peanuts, cucumbers and cauliflower.  The B vitamins are generally found in eggs as well as meat, poultry, certain fish, dried fruit, almonds, cheese, wheat bran and green vegetables.

Liposuction may be a last resort for many people looking for belly fat reduction. It's a cosmetic procedure which varies from patient to patient in terms of just how much fat it can remove. The average tends to be about 10 pounds or less. The procedure removes fat by use of a hollow tube called a cannula and a suction device known as an aspirator. The patient is generally hooked up to monitors and an IV to control fluid loss while the procedure occurs, and is often given antiboitics or anesthetics to control pain. Many patients are able to leave the hospital the same day after the procedure has been performed.

Consider this option carefully as it comes with medical costs, potential side effects, complications and risks which may not be worth it in the long term. Again, implementing diet and exercise changes is usually the safest, healthiest way to go.

There are many products available on the market today which claim they will help you get rid of belly fat, and that they'll do it fast.  Fast weight loss is not always healthy.  Changing your diet to make it more healthy while adding in a regular exercise plan is one of the safest and most efficient ways you can improve your body.  You'll be able to set and accomplish goals and feel healthier during the process.  It will lead to increased energy, better self esteem and more looks from people wondering how you got in such great shape.  Resolve today to get rid of your belly fat and love handles, so that you can enjoy your life that much more!