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May 14, 2026
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You know what it's like when you're in a snug-fitting outfit: you suck in, hold your breath, and you think you can keep this stance for as long as you're in this getup… until you have to sit down.
That bulging belly fat rolls that peeks out when we sit
The sitting position is unflattering – even people who look very trim and fit can have a bulging tummy when they sit down.
Generally known as a muffin top, anything above 40 inches (or 102cm) in men and 35 inches (or 88cm) in women is considered abdominal obesity.
Visceral fat
This type of fat is stored deep inside the abdomen and wraps around internal organs such as the liver and intestines.
Visceral fat should make up about 10% of all fat stored in the body.
Visceral fat poses more potential harm to a person compared to subcutaneous fat [1].
Subcutaneous Fat
This type of fat can be found underneath the skin. Subcutaneous fat can be pinched.
Understanding belly fat in older women, and beer belly in men [4]
Generally, we have more subcutaneous fat than visceral.
However, some people unfortunately have more visceral fat than subcutaneous fat, especially women in their 40s and above.
Older women will likely have a higher visceral fat level in their abdomen and muscle laxity.
That is why it is important to complement your tummy liposuction with a change of lifestyle habits, such as being active and having a more nutritious diet.
In the case of a man with a "beer belly," the level of subcutaneous fat may be higher than what is shown to the naked eye.
To check if you do, lie down on your back with your hips slightly flexed.
The belly fat rolls will reveal the true subcutaneous lower abdominal fat levels.
Why belly fat is so hard to get rid of
The body carries two fat cells – alpha and beta. The process of fat burning is known as lipolysis, and alpha cells typically respond better. The reason why it's harder to lose fat in some areas is because of the presence of more beta cells. These areas are usually the hip, thighs and belly.
But maybe the reason is that you are doing it wrong or not doing enough of the right things.
Here are a few common reasons.
You’re not sleeping enough
Sleep is essential as, among other things, it is when our body repairs itself. In fat loss, the lack of adequate sleep increases the hormone ghrelin production, which triggers that hungry feeling leading you to overeat. Suffice it to say, we all know what happens when we overeat, especially in stubborn fat areas.
Stress is fat friendly
It's a common misconception that you'll lose weight when you're stressed, albeit in an unhealthy manner. While it's not totally wrong, it's not totally accurate either. Stress wreaks havoc on the body. Cortisol production goes into overdrive, and this often results in sugary cravings. When cortisol levels remain high for an extended period, it can increase the amount of fat in the belly.
Too much exercise
While exercise is good, too much of anything is never good. Your body needs time to recover, and if it's not permitted to do so – you will crash badly, possibly leading to detrimental situations. Another note on exercise is that there's no such thing as spot exercises for losing belly fat. You need to work your whole body so they work in tandem to help lose fat – stubborn or otherwise.
Not eating right
Not all fat is bad. Healthy fat such as those found in avocados, nuts and fatty fish provide what your body needs to function, including the ability to shed unwanted weight. Additionally, you should cut down on processed food because they do not keep you full longer. Instead, you'll end up eating more!
Age matters
The older you get, the slower your metabolic rate gets. This affects your calorie-burning capability but doesn't mean you can't age gracefully or healthily. Stay physically active, opt for exercises that are "friendlier" to your age and always mind what you eat. Success also depends on the ratio of what you consume to what you put out. Diet is equally crucial, arguably, when it comes to weight and fat loss.
What to do about stubborn fat?
A procedure that has proven to be effective in removing stubborn body fat is Vaser Liposuction. It eliminates fat and sculpts the physique, while firming skin simultaneously.
Vaser Liposuction is a form of ultrasonic-assisted liposuction and can target problem areas without causing harm to vital connective tissues. For a patient, this means less downtime and discomfort or pain. On the other hand, traditional liposuction requires a longer recovery time, which can impede one's ability to resume daily activities, among other things.
Vaser Liposuction does seem like an attractive option for stubborn fat removal, but it must be noted that it is only a body contouring method. Its efficacy depends on the liposuction doctor's skill set, experience and artistic sense.
Your belly reduction body sculpting liposuction doctor
Liposuction is strictly regulated in Singapore. Therefore, only the Ministry of Health (MOH) accredited doctors can perform such procedures and licenses are issued based on strict criteria.
Qualifications and accreditation are the ideal first step in finding the right doctor. You must also find one who consistently achieves optimal results. Request to see "before & after" photos of patients the doctor has, research online for genuine reviews, etc. A better gauge can be made from these observations and findings as to whether the particular doctor can help you realise your appearance aspirations. Of course, one should have realistic expectations, which are best discussed with the doctor.
Dr Ivan Puah is an accredited liposuction doctor in Singapore with over 17 years of body sculpting experience. He is certified to perform *VASER liposuction, having completed his training in the United States and Argentina. He is the Chairman of the Lipo Peer Review Committee in Singapore and has received dedicated surgical training in gynecomastia surgery in the United States of America.
Having trained to perform liposuction is only the beginning. Dr Ivan Puah believes it is crucial to understand and master the technicalities of the procedure, including the potential complications that may arise. To be meticulous in approach, with a detailed overview and foresight capabilities, are essential must-haves for a doctor.
An advocate of liposuction as not just a bulk fat removal procedure but also a delicate procedure involving 30% Science and 70% Art drives Dr Ivan Puah to develop his unique and proprietary fat removal and body sculpting approach - MDC-Sculpt® Lipo technique. It is a multi-dimensional contouring approach customised to an individual's body shape and clinical condition. This allows bulk fat removal and precise sculpting of the treated area while care is taken to ensure that incision sites and scarring are kept to the bare minimum.
Finding the right doctor with an aesthetic sense is essential in achieving the desired outcome in terms of silhouette and true results. A body sculpting procedure is akin to a work of Art in progress. The artist's skill, experience, appreciation and understanding of the body aesthetic separate a masterpiece from an average work.
Weight and fat loss are no exceptions to the fact that it does take effort to produce results. With Vaser Liposuction, your hope and aspirations for a more defined appearance are still on track.
5 effective ways to get rid of belly fat rolls, including tummy liposuction
1. Cut That Sugar
Added sugar comprises 50% fructose, which can only be metabolised by the liver.
This means that each time you consume large amounts of added sugar, you're overloading your liver.
And when your liver is unable to metabolise fructose, it is forced to turn that into fat, which accumulates in the belly and liver.
2. Consume More Protein And Avoid Carbs
Consuming protein doesn't just boost your metabolism; there's also evidence that it effectively reduces belly fat.
A study even shows that eating more high-protein foods can help reduce the risk of belly fat gain over five years.
Low-carb diets prevent Type 2 diabetes, so there's a good motivation to stick to it.
3. Go For Fibre-rich Foods
The viscous and soluble fibres bind with water to form a thick gel that "sits" in the gut, which slows the movement of food through your digestive system, moderating the speed of digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Studies are also suggesting that soluble fibres are useful for reducing belly fat.
4. Plan Workout Into Your Schedule
Staying active physically is strongly linked to reducing belly fat.
Since belly fat is a combination of excess visceral fat and subcutaneous fat, adding cardio workouts can help trim you down and improve your fitness.
However, doing sit-ups does not affect muffin tops, as exercise makes spot reduction impossible.
5. Consider Targeted Fat Loss Treatment
If that muffin top remains stubborn despite doing the above, and it is annoying you, and you want to eliminate it effectively and quickly, consider tummy liposuction.
Getting Rid of Belly Fat Rolls with Abdominal Liposuction or 4D Lipo (Hi-def Lipo)
Abdominal liposuction is a surgical procedure for removing stubborn excess upper and lower abdominal fat, while stimulating collagen production for skin tightening.
On the other hand, 4D liposuction is a high-definition liposuction that is designed to enhance the body's natural contours and create a more sculpted appearance to reveal the defining underlying abdominal muscles.
For women, 4D lipo often targets the serratus, obliques, and rectus muscles, while for men, achieving the look of washboard abs is a common goal.
For both liposuction techniques, Dr Ivan Puah will perform the procedure in an accredited day surgery setting, ensuring a safe patient environment. Twilight sedation is used instead of general anaesthesia, with an experienced anaesthetist present to monitor vital signs and ensure the patient's safety.
“There's no cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach to aesthetics and body sculpting. This personalised care helps ensure that each patient receives the optimal outcome tailored to their body goals,” says Dr Ivan Puah, an accredited liposuction doctor by the Ministry of Health Singapore who also serves as the Chairman of Singapore's Lipo Peer Review Committee.
If you are considering liposuction, discussing your specific goals with a qualified liposuction doctor in Singapore is essential.
Understanding the procedure, what to expect, and the expertise behind it can help you make an informed decision about your body sculpting journey.
Schedule an appointment for a private consultation now!
FAQ
Why does my fat show when I sit down?
Lack of exercise, poor dietary habits, poor posture, stress, and less-than-desirable lifestyle habits are also some causes of belly fat.
Belly fat is a combination of excess visceral fat and subcutaneous fat and is especially obvious when you sit.
Often, the lower abdomen's round shape is not just because of fat, weak abdominal muscles also play a part, and often, the fat is more noticeable or only found around the belly button [2].
Why do I have belly fat rolls if I'm skinny? Why am I losing weight but my belly is still big?
Research indicates that genetics account for 60% of the reasons some of us store excess fat in our abdominal area [3]. That is why you have a pouch, even if you are skinny or have lost weight.
Another reason for belly fat is a sedentary lifestyle. Skinny people who sit too much, say at work or playing games on their computers, to promote whatever fat they may have to settle into their abdomen.
The other culprit of belly fat rolls is a diet high in processed foods.
Will I have liposuction scars on my belly after tummy liposuction?
Liposuction is a fat loss and body shaping surgery requiring incisions for the suction cannulas to reach and remove your fat cells.
An experienced liposuction doctor knows how to minimise liposuction scarring with short and strategically placed incisions.
What if I choose to go on a weight loss instead of liposuction instead?
Amaris B. weight loss management programme is a six-step journey:
| 1. Private one-on-one doctor consultation |
Assess your health condition Discuss your weight loss goals Develop a tailored but sustainable plan |
| 2. Patient education about weight loss |
Fact-based knowledge Science-based approach |
| 3. Root cause |
Dietary Habits Sleep Deprivation Medications Hormonal Imbalance Age-Related Changes Chronic Stress Genetics |
| 4. Medical intervention | Oral or injectable metabolic GLP-1 medications |
| 5. Holistic approach |
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Therapy to: Improve digestive system Boost lymphatic fluid flow Calm nervous system |
| 6. Complementary treatments | Treatments to address sagginess, stretch marks, cellulite, etc |
