How does walking help you lose belly fat

Walking regularly is a simple yet effective way to tackle belly fat by burning calories, maintaining lean muscle, and managing weight with ease.

Picture this: someone strolling along, captured in an illustration from Pexels. That could be you, reaping the benefits of a good walk!

Healthline highlights that walking targets visceral fat—the stubborn kind that gathers around your belly and poses health risks. A 2021 review showed that walking 30 to 60 minutes, three times a week, can shrink this fat. Adding walks to your routine not only trims your waistline but boosts your overall well-being.

Why does it work? Walking torches calories, a key step in shedding belly fat. Every step ramps up your energy use. A 2021 study found you burn around 107 calories per mile (1.6 km), depending on your weight, pace, and gender. This calorie deficit is your ticket to losing weight and fat.

Plus, walking keeps your lean muscle intact, which is vital for a strong metabolism. Muscle burns more calories than fat—even when you’re chilling out—so preserving it stops fat from creeping back. Walking ensures you don’t lose that precious muscle, keeping belly fat at bay.

For the best payoff, Harvard Medical School suggests 30 minutes of moderate activity—like brisk walking—most days. Think a steady pace, comfy yet quick, up to 4.5 miles per hour, per Medical News Today.

Want more? Sneak movement into your day: park farther away, skip the elevator for stairs, or stand during phone calls. It all adds up to a leaner, healthier you!