"Doing sit-ups is useless": It's "the only way to lose belly fat," says this metabolism expert

Getting rid of that little layer of belly fat takes effort, but not necessarily the kind you might think.

Beware of preconceived notions, especially during the back-to-school season: doing hundreds of sit-ups or running until you're exhausted is pointless if your goal is to lose belly fat. This is according to physician and nutrition specialist Isabel Belaustegui, who debunks preconceived notions point by point and highlights a solution that she believes is far more effective.

"Doing sit-ups doesn't help you lose belly fat," she stated simply in an article published by the Spanish newspaper El Confidential this summer, dispelling the myth that circulates in all gyms and on social media with the competitive spirit of who does the most.

According to her, the problem of abdominal fat isn't just aesthetic. This stubborn fat is a clear sign that the body is malfunctioning. "Abdominal fat is particularly linked to an inflammatory profile that can go unnoticed, without fever or pain, but silently erodes organs and tissues," she says.

For Isabel Belaustegui, the solution lies elsewhere: she advocates the concept of "metabolic flexibility," already known and documented in scientific literature . In other words, the way our body adapts its use of nutrients according to its needs. To simplify, it involves teaching the body to consume the right "fuels" (glucose, fatty acids, etc.) according to the needs of the moment. Good metabolic flexibility allows the body to draw on the right energy sources (ketone bodies or lipids), while conversely, metabolic rigidity will promote the accumulation of fat.

The real culprit if you're unable to lose belly fat is your metabolism, which is blocked. Isabel Belaustegui explains that the body is no longer able to efficiently switch from burning glucose to burning fat. The result is simple: storage, inflammation, and an increased risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Improving this flexibility involves developing muscle mass, which will accumulate less fat. For Isabel Belaustegui, the key is strength training. Forget long cardio sessions and sweating. The expert is adamant: "The most effective way to burn abdominal fat is through strength training." Squats, pull-ups, and deadlifts activate powerful hormonal mechanisms. With these exercises, "with the same effort and time, you get more results," she says.

And for all those who struggle with their weight without success, the expert is sympathetic. "I find it cruel to accuse them of not wanting to lose weight. Many make enormous efforts, suffer, and yet still see no results," she says. Perseverance is therefore key.