I've been maintaining a normal, healthy weight at about 112-114 pounds. (I know this sounds textbook "underweight" but I have extremely thin bones and very little muscle, and my doctor agrees that I am not "too thin" at this weight.) BUT I have not exercised in a long time (aside from having a physical job and some squats/lunges on the side). So now the belly came back. I really like the rest of my body, but trust me, I understand that there is no such thing as "spot reduction." But if I cut calories for weight loss, the rest of me will be too thin and unhealthy.

Do you think if I continued to eat my "maintenance" calories, plus lifted weights and swam, that I could lose the belly fat without looking anorexic?

I am 32 yrs old, and 5' 6" for those who don't know me. My fancy schmancy Taylor scale says my body fat percentage is 23%, and I think that's pretty accurate.

So you're saying, you gained weight only on your belly, and everywhere else is the same? I find it hard to believe.

People gain belly fat all the time. It's not unusual or unheard of. I may have gained an insignificant amount "all over" but the problem area is my stomach, and that's what my question is pertaining to.

You understand that theres no such thing as spot reduction, yet you're asking if it's possible to only lose the belly?

If you exercise yes you will lose the belly but the rest of your body isnt gaurenteed to stay the same.

I said, "lose the belly fat WITHOUT LOOKING ANOREXIC" which to me, says that I understand I will lose weight "all over" but that I'm asking how to lose body fat without becoming too thin in the process.

Caps for emphasis, not "yelling."

Thank you for your help, but I think I'll wait for some of the regulars to give their opinions. They know my body type very well. I'm sure anyone who knows me KNOWS that I understand the physiology behind losing weight. I'm just looking for pointers on how to lose body FAT without losing WEIGHT. (ie: gaining muscle to burn fat.)

Neuro,
It sounds like you and I have the same body type. Small boned and without exercise about 114-115 lbs- I'm 5'7" and used to weigh 115 lbs before I started training. I never really had a bellie but there are other areas that I'm working on to lose the body fat- not interested in losing the weight. So basically you are working on body composition. It's pretty simple: Mix some cardio and weight training during the week, eat clean and you'll see your body change for the better. You'll weigh a little more but that's just muscle weight. Am I on the right track based on your ultimate goal?

I agree with waitwhat's advice and your plan. Start lifting weights and getting in some cardio on a regular basis. The muscle you gain will help you not look too skinny, and you may gain a few pounds overall while losing some fat. Your body-fat level is already at a pretty fit level for a female, but that's a generalization for the average female and you don't have an average body style, so certainly some room to reduce there. I would expect your weight will come off in similar places to where it went on, so while you can't spot reduce, it should come off more quickly from where you have more of it, which is your tummy.

Yes, thank you... that answers my question. Now, I maintain weight by eating 1800 cal/day. Would you eat MORE while training, or continue your normal caloric intake along with exercise? I know I need to have a calorie surplus to build muscle, but with my luck, I'd probably get fatter!

I'm also at 1,800 a day calorie intake. I eat 6 small meals a day (each meal consists of a protein, carb and unsat fat) and I haven't really increased my calories. As a matter of fact I have to force dinner down shortly after my protein shake POST workout.

I have also incorporated 2 sprint days in my schedule (to tighten up my rear end) and have seen a a pound or two shedding. I'm not trying to lose weight- just working on lean body mass. So if you eat really clean you can add more calories if you want but if you are like me (which you sort of are) you can stay at 1,800 and still be pretty cut if you follow a specific exercise program (weight and cardio training). BTW, I'm now at 123-124 lbs and 21-22% body fat. Let me know if I can help further.

This was extremely helpful. Thank you so much! 1800 cal/day is pretty much the most I can eat too, just by eating by instinct and not following any specific diet. Except once in a while when I'm having a hard night at work, I might eat more. I'm a nurse, and I work on a VERY busy floor. Sometimes when I work in ER, I don't get to sit down for 10 hrs straight. In that case, I allow myself some extra carbs or will end up being a patient myself! I've tried eating extra protein instead, but I don't feel satiated. Maybe it's a mental thing -- I crave carbs like no other. If I stick with protein only, I end up eating more and more until I just give in to my craving and eat the carbs... so I wind up taking in way more calories than if I just gave into my craving in the first place! I've found that if I just have the carbs, I'm satiated for eat least 3-4 more hours. Again, probably a mental thing... but I figure I'm burning it off all the same.

I haven't started my workout yet. I'm incredibly nervous about working out around men! I get nervous in ANY social situation, let alone when I'm trying to sweat and not looking too pretty. The anxiety is keeping me from giving it a shot. Lame, I know. But I'm a painfully shy person and like to keep to myself. The men always try to "help" me and then I feel like an idiot. Trying to find an all-female gym.