6 Stubborn Fats Singaporeans Struggle With (And How to Zap Them!)

Introduction: The Challenge of Stubborn Fat in Singapore

As an aesthetic professional in Singapore, I’ve seen countless clients struggle with stubborn fat. Our humid climate and busy lifestyles can make it hard to stay fit. Many people come to me feeling frustrated after trying diets and exercise without success.

I’ve learned that stubborn fat is a common issue here, but there are solutions.

In this article, I’ll share what I’ve discovered about dealing with stubborn fat in Singapore. I’ll explain why it’s tough to lose and what treatments can help.

Understanding Stubborn Fat: Why It’s Hard to Remove

As an aesthetic expert, I’ve seen many customers at Wellaholic struggle with stubborn fat. This type of fat is tricky because it’s resistant to diet and exercise. It often shows up in areas like the belly, thighs, and arms. The reason it’s so hard to get rid of is due to how our bodies store fat.

Our fat cells have different types of receptors. Some areas, like the face and arms, have more “beta” receptors that respond well to fat breakdown. But stubborn fat areas have more “alpha” receptors that slow down fat loss. This is why you might lose weight in your face first, but that tummy pooch sticks around. At Wellaholic, we use targeted treatments like WellaFreeze to help break down these stubborn fat deposits. It’s not a quick fix, but combined with a healthy lifestyle, it can give you the results you’re after.

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!

“Getting rid of body fat is a balance between healthy diet, exercise and self-care; it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach!”

​Not everyone stores fat in the same places

As an aesthetic expert, I’ve seen countless customers at Wellaholic with unique fat storage patterns. It’s fascinating how our bodies distribute fat differently. Some people carry extra weight in their thighs and hips, while others struggle with stubborn belly fat. Hormones play a big role in this. For women, estrogen often leads to fat storage in the lower body. Men tend to accumulate more fat around their midsection due to testosterone.

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. 

Type 1: Full Upper Body Stubborn Fat

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

I’ve seen many customers at Wellaholic struggle with full upper body stubborn fat. This type of fat often appears around the chest, upper arms, and back, creating a “bra bulge” effect. It’s frustrating because it can persist even with diet and exercise. The main culprits? Overeating and consuming too many sugary foods.

To tackle this stubborn fat, I recommend a multipronged approach. First, focus on overall weight loss through a balanced diet and regular cardio. Strength training exercises targeting the upper body can help tone muscles. At Wellaholic, we offer non-invasive treatments like CoolSculpting to freeze and eliminate fat cells in problem areas. Remember, consistency is key. Stick with your plan, and you’ll see results over time.

Today, the Asia and the Pacific region is home to the largest absolute number of overweight and obese people equivalent to about 1 billion

Type 2: Stomach-Centred Stubborn Fat

Let’s talk about stubborn belly fat, shall we? The truth is, there are several factors that contribute to excess fat around the midsection. Genetics play a role in where your body tends to store fat. Hormonal changes, especially in women after menopause, can also lead to more belly fat. And let’s not forget about lifestyle – a diet high in processed foods, lack of exercise, and stress can all cause that stubborn tummy to stick around.

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 a 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.

Type 3: Lower Body Stubborn 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. 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. 

Type 4: Swollen Stomach and Stubborn 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. 

Type 5: Stubborn 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.

Type 6: Upper Back Stubborn Fat

At Wellaholic, I’ve helped many customers who struggle with stubborn fat in their upper back area. This type of fat tends to accumulate just below the bra line for women. It can be really frustrating because it often persists even when you lose weight in other areas.

Identifying and Removing Stubborn Upper Back Fat

The main factors that contribute to upper back fat are genetics, hormonal changes, and a lack of targeted exercises. To effectively reduce it, I recommend a combination of overall fat loss through a balanced diet and cardio, along with strength training focused on the upper back. Exercises like bent-over rows, pull-ups, and reverse flys are great for toning those muscles. Consistency is key – aim for at least 2-3 strength sessions per week.

For some customers, especially those going through menopause or with very stubborn fat pockets, adding a non-invasive fat reduction treatment can help. At Wellaholic, we’ve seen great results with CoolSculpting on the upper back. The controlled cooling targets and eliminates fat cells permanently. It’s not a quick fix, but with a healthy lifestyle, the improvement in back fat and overall body contour can be really satisfying. The best part is there’s no downtime, so you can get right back to your normal routine.

Advanced Treatments for Removing Stubborn Fat

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)

Conclusion: Overcoming Stubborn Fat in Singapore

Over my years working in aesthetics, first at Laser Clinics Australia and now at Wellaholic, I’ve seen countless customers struggle with stubborn fat deposits that just won’t budge, no matter how well they eat or how much they exercise. It can be incredibly frustrating and discouraging.

The good news is, there are now many excellent non-invasive fat reduction treatments available that can help. At Wellaholic, we offer cutting-edge options like fat freezing and laser lipolysis that destroy fat cells with minimal discomfort and downtime for our customers. I always take the time to understand each individual’s unique concerns and goals so I can recommend the most suitable treatment plan.

While the specific technology may vary, the aim is always to comprehensively target the fat layer for noticeable slimming and body contouring. Mild swelling afterwards is common but temporary. With the right treatment and a bit of patience, it’s absolutely possible to overcome stubborn fat and achieve the shape you’ve been working towards. If you’re struggling, don’t lose hope – come in for a consultation and let’s discuss how we can help you reach your dream body.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

WellaFreeze™ 360 Advanced Fat Freezing

• ⭐ Latest 4th Generation Freezing. WellaFreeze™ 360 advanced fat freezing uses the latest fat freeze technology for the highest fat reduction per session.
• ⭐ Up to 34% Fat Loss Each Session. Increase in percentage of fat loss due to newer technology and coverage.
• ⭐ 360° Surround Cooling Technology. The handles or cooling cups can be adjusted to fit all body curves and contouring for best freezing.
• ⭐ Breathing Technology Reduces Bruising. “Breathing” technology improves freeze while minimising bruising from the suction.
• ⭐ Shorter Time Needed. Each duration is reduced from typical 60 minutes to just 30 minutes.
• ⭐ Award-Winning. Wellaholic’s treatments have been recognized by top beauty publications such as Daily Vanity, Beauty Insider, and Tropika Club Magazine.
• ⭐ Over 2000 Verified Customer Reviews. Wellaholic has over 2000 positive reviews from customers, and >50% are repeat customers.

WellaFreeze™ 360 uses 360 probes which can freeze and reduce up to 34% of body fat per session with no or minimal bruising to the body.

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