I read that the hypothalamus gland regulates the fat storage in the body.

[Bethanie]

If this is true then is this why women have problems losing fat in the stomach and thighs?
Is there anyway to reset this gland so it won't store the fat?
No matter how many situps i do my stomach is still big:(
B.

[fruitsandberries]

Where did you read that? Spot-workouts won't work to remove fat, you have to remove the overall fat-percentage. You'll get a defined look when you have 15% fat for women or 10% fat for men, which means lots and lots of cardio/endurance work-outs. Better start now! :) :rolleyes: :eek: :D

[Bethanie]

I know you don't believe everything you read but i did make me think since most women do seem to have weight problems in that area.
B.

[barose]

Now, I thought that gland was to regulate food intake...as in, to let you know when you had enough. Some people are born with a defect that causes one to overeat (Prader-Willi Syndrome) which is a serious condition that is diagnosed in early childhood. This isnt your average overeating Joe. But I could be wrong about the hypothalamus gland. Maybe it does regulate fat too, but I've always read about it associated with that syndrome.

As far as the stomach, a raw diet and regular total body workouts only work for me. Sit-ups alone is not enough. There are a host of much better (and safer) core/ab workouts out there. Done incorrectly, sit-ups can actually make your stomach appear larger. Overall for me its cardio (running and bike), weights and core exercises that helps. You're not going to lose the stomach until you lower your body fat %. You can still have six-pack abs under a spare tire.

[firefaery]

Sit ups are definitely not your best bet. You need to look into core exercises: pull-ups, push-ups, squats, planks etc. You will see results.

There are many reasons that people store fat and they will vary from person to person. There is no one answer. Ultimately everything is connected so the best advice really is to eat raw. That way you will balance all of your symptoms and bring your body into alignment. You could monitor insulin, leptin, cortisol etc. but in the end you can't just go and patch one thing. If one thing is out of whack so is everything else. I know it's a frustrating answer, but honestly as you heal it will even out.

Fat storage is actually a survival technique by your body. It may not be for everyone...but I bless my body's perfection and thank it for doing it's job so very well. As long as I keep up my end of the bargain (feeding it properly) the fat that isn't necessary to my well being will go away. Positive affirmations will mobilize things quicker than looking at your body as being defective. You wouldn't curse a car for not running properly if you put wheat grass in the tank :p don't give up on your body when it is just looking for nourishment!

[samariah]

yea situps just build muscle in your midsection. i never do them bc they just make my waist bigger and wider instead of nipped and smaller. overall toning things like running, yoga, pilates will help you waist as well as proper eating.

[Anastasia Alston]

Sit ups are okay depending on how you're doing them, but like any exercise your body adapts to the workout & unless you either increas the intensity or the weight, you won't get the benefits because your body has become efficient. If your waist isn't getting smaller, don't blame the sit ups: they only work the stomach; smaller waist lines come from doing exercises that work the obliques. You can also get the appearance of an even smaller waist by including your upper back in your workouts. :p There are many exercises that have as a primary focus another body part that will also work the core muscles.

While on the subject of core work, do remember that your lower back is part of your core!!! Many people fail to exercise the lower back, favoring the abs & end up with an imbalance that causes lower back pain. ;)

And in leaving off, you certainly can have a strong core without having a flat stomach; many belly dancers have amazing core strength & lovely, round tummies!

Stasi