By Payas Bharadwaj | Founder, Gympanzie™
Certified Fitness & Nutrition Coach | ISSA
Let’s be real.
If you’ve ever looked at yourself in the mirror and asked,
“Why is this belly not going away no matter what I do?”
You’re not alone.
I’ve worked with over 700 clients.
From software engineers and startup founders to working moms and bankers.
And this is the #1 complaint they all have in common.
They’ve tried everything — skipping dinner, walking 10,000 steps, drinking warm lemon water every morning.
Some even tried those trendy 7-day detoxes and ab challenge reels that pop up on Instagram every two scrolls.
But the belly fat?
Still there.
Still hanging.
Still bloated.
Still making them feel frustrated, uncomfortable, and if we’re being honest… a little hopeless.
So let’s sit down and really talk about this — not with vague tips like “calorie deficit” or “do more cardio” — but with the real reasons you’re struggling with belly fat… and what actually works.
This Isn’t Just About Food. It’s About Hormones, Stress & the Way You Live Now.
You see, belly fat is different from other fat.
Fat on your face? Arms? Even thighs?
That usually goes first when you start dieting or walking.
But belly fat is stubborn.
And the reason it sticks around longer is because of how deeply it’s connected to your lifestyle, your hormones, and your body’s stress response.
Let me explain.
There are two types of fat on your stomach:
- Subcutaneous fat – the soft layer under the skin (this is what you can pinch)
- Visceral fat – the deep belly fat around your organs (you can’t see it, but it bloats your stomach)
And guess what?
Visceral fat is the most dangerous.
It’s linked to diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, PCOS, low testosterone, and poor sleep.
And unfortunately, your body is more likely to store fat there if it’s under constant stress, hormonal imbalance, or inflammation.
So when someone asks me, “Payas, why is belly fat hard to lose?”
I don’t start with food.
I start with this:
“What does your daily routine look like?”
“How well are you sleeping?”
“Are you skipping meals?”
“Are you always in a rush?”
“How often do you feel bloated, tired, or mentally foggy?”
Because the belly doesn’t lie.
It’s where your body shows you that it’s not happy.
Eating Less Isn’t the Solution. It Can Actually Make It Worse.
This one might shock you.
But yes — eating less, skipping meals, or constantly dieting might actually make your belly bigger over time.
Here’s how:
When you under-eat for long periods, your body thinks there’s a food shortage.
So it starts slowing your metabolism down.
It holds on to fat. Especially belly fat.
And starts using muscle for energy instead.
And that’s where the real problem begins.
You lose muscle.
Your metabolism drops even more.
And even if the scale goes down, your belly still looks the same — or worse, you become skinny-fat.
I’ve had people come to me after losing 7–8 kg and say, “But why do I still look pregnant?”
Because they didn’t lose fat. They lost muscle and water weight.
So the answer isn’t to eat less.
It’s to eat smarter.
Your Hormones Might Be Blocking You From Losing Belly Fat
Let’s talk hormones.
After the age of 30, your body changes.
You may not feel it immediately, but it starts happening in the background.
Your testosterone levels start to decline (in both men and women).
Your cortisol (stress hormone) goes up — especially with poor sleep, deadlines, and caffeine abuse.
Your insulin sensitivity drops, making it easier to store fat and harder to burn it.
Your leptin and ghrelin (hunger hormones) get thrown off balance due to irregular meal timings and lack of sleep.
And what does all of that add up to?
One thing: belly fat becomes your body’s storage zone.
And no amount of green tea, crunches, or random detox drinks can fix this.
You need to work with your hormones — not against them.
Here’s What I Tell Every Client Struggling With Belly Fat
You can’t out-diet a hormonal belly.
You can’t out-walk it.
And you definitely can’t punish it with 500 crunches a day.
You need a routine that:
✅ Lowers cortisol
✅ Improves insulin sensitivity
✅ Builds lean muscle
✅ Helps you sleep better
✅ Keeps your hunger & fullness signals in check
Because belly fat doesn’t go when you push harder.
It goes when your body feels safe, strong, and supported.
I’ve seen it happen again and again.
Real Client Story: Mohan, 65 — Belly Fat, Diabetes, and a Total Turnaround
Let me tell you about Mohan.
65 years old. Retired officer.
Struggling with belly fat, low energy, and borderline diabetic blood sugar levels.
He thought it was too late.
Until he trusted the process.
✅ No extreme diets.
✅ No daily gym sessions.
✅ No expensive supplements.
Result?
- 4.2 inches lost from his waist
- Blood sugar reversed from 140 to 99
- Energy and confidence renewed
If Mohan could do it at 65… imagine where you could be 90 days from now.
Watch complete interview on YouTube with Mohan – https://youtu.be/xvKeRiyNo1Q
Here’s What You Can Do Starting Today
If you’re reading this and nodding along, here’s where you begin.
Don’t skip meals. Eat 3 proper meals with dal, sabzi, rice/roti, and a good protein source. Add one small snack.
Start walking after meals. 10–15 minutes of post-meal walking can lower blood sugar and reduce fat storage.
Get at least 7 hours of sleep. Sleep is where your fat-burning hormones get restored.
Train your muscles. Start with basic squats, push-ups, rows, and core movements. You don’t need the gym — you just need structure.
Breathe. Seriously. Stress is stored in your belly. Practice 4-5 minutes of deep belly breathing every night before sleep.
And finally — be patient with your body.
You didn’t gain that belly fat in 10 days.
It won’t go in 10 days either.
But it will go.
If you stop doing random things and start doing the right things consistently.
Final Words: Your Belly Is Not the Problem. It’s the Signal.
It’s the signal that something inside you is off — and your body is just doing its best to protect you.
So instead of fighting it… start listening to it.
Belly fat isn’t just a cosmetic issue.
It’s a metabolic, hormonal, and lifestyle indicator.
And when you fix the system, the symptom goes.
I’ve seen it happen with 22-year-olds and 60-year-olds. With moms, tech professionals, CEOs, and total beginners.
So yes — you can absolutely lose belly fat.
But you need more than a shortcut.
You need a system.
📲 If you’re serious about losing belly fat and want a structured plan designed around your life, age, schedule, and eating habits — I’d love to coach you.
Join my 12-Week Lean Body Program and get:
✅ Custom fat loss plan
✅ Joint-friendly workouts (home or gym)
✅ Indian meal guidance
✅ 1-on-1 WhatsApp support
✅ Hormonal fat-loss strategy (that works for 30+ adults)
👉 Then I invite you to book a free 30-minute strategy call here:
📅 [Book Your Free Strategy Call with Gympanzie™]
No pressure.
No hard selling.
Just clarity, action steps, and honest support.
Because you deserve better than random tips and recycled Instagram advice.
It’s time you had a real method — built for real life.
—
See you inside,
Coach Payas
Founder, Gympanzie™