Can sit-ups reduce belly fat?
Disease description:
My older sister has a lot of abdominal fat. I heard that sit-ups are relatively effective; I would like to ask if it's possible to reduce belly fat through doing sit-ups?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
When performed with proper posture and in moderation, sit-ups may help reduce belly fat. Sit-ups are an aerobic exercise targeting the abdominal muscles, which can burn abdominal fat and strengthen the abdominal muscles through repeated contraction and relaxation. If the correct form is maintained during sit-ups—such as keeping the back flat on the ground, crossing the hands over the chest or placing them behind the head without applying force, and using the abdominal muscles to lift the upper body—and if the intensity and duration of the exercise are controlled to avoid excessive exertion that may lead to muscle strain or fatigue, then sit-ups can assist in reducing abdominal fat and improving abdominal tone.
Incorrect sit-up techniques, such as using excessive force, engaging the neck muscles, or excessively arching the lower back, may not effectively work the abdominal muscles and could lead to injuries in the neck and lower back. Furthermore, excessive exercise beyond the body's capacity may cause muscle fatigue, soreness, or even impair normal physiological functions.
It is recommended to maintain proper posture to avoid injuries caused by excessive force or incorrect form, control the intensity and duration of exercise to prevent overexertion, and combine sit-ups with other aerobic and anaerobic exercises, such as running, swimming, and strength training, to comprehensively promote overall health and fat loss.
