Can planking reduce belly fat?

Jul 12, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I'm quite overweight myself and wanted to lose weight. I heard that planks can help, so I'd like to ask the doctor: can planks reduce belly fat?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Shuai
The plank is an effective core muscle exercise that helps strengthen abdominal muscles, including the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and transverse abdominis. Strengthening these muscles can indirectly contribute to a flatter abdomen, as strong core muscles improve posture, increase metabolic rate, and provide a firmer feeling in the abdominal area during daily activities. To reduce abdominal fat, planks alone may not be sufficient. Fat loss is a whole-body process that requires a combination of aerobic exercise and overall caloric balance. Increasing physical activity, such as brisk walking, running, or swimming, along with adopting healthy eating habits and reducing the intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods, is necessary to achieve the goal of reducing belly fat. While planks are a good way to strengthen the abdominal muscles, reducing stomach fat also requires a healthy lifestyle.