How to Lose Belly Fat and Stretch Marks

Excess belly fat can be difficult to lose. Not only does it affect the way you look, it affects the way you feel and your overall health. The Mayo Clinic warns against the dangers of belly fat, in particular: "Excess belly fat increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancers." Losing belly fat requires healthy eating and exercise. If your belly has stretch marks, either due to pregnancy or weight changes, you can treat these with creams and other therapeutic options.

Things You'll Need

• Tretinoin cream

Lose Belly Fat

1. Watch what you eat. Food that are high in fat, sugar and simple carbohydrates (e.g. white pasta, bread, potatoes) should be avoided while attempting to lose weight. Instead, eat a diet high in fiber (e.g. vegetables, fruits, whole grains), protein (e.g. legumes, eggs, fish) and healthy fat (e.g. avocado, nuts).
2. Exercise at a moderate level for at least 30 minutes, three to five times each week. If you have trouble staying motivated, join a gym or local walking group. Start at a lower activity level then work your way up as you get into shape.
3. Tone your belly using strengthening movements at least three time each week. Planks target the entire ab area. Perform planks by laying flat on your stomach with your legs straight. Raise your body up onto your forearms and the balls of your feet. Balance in this position for up to 60 seconds.

Fade Stretch Marks

1. Massage Tretinoin cream into the stretch marks each day, as directed. Tretinoin cream is said to rebuild the damaged collagen in your skin. This helps to improve your skin's appearance and return it to its original appearance.
2. Ask your dermatologist about laser therapy treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, laser "remodels underlying skin (dermis) by stimulating the growth of collagen and elastin." This treatment is most effective on fresh scars.
3. Book an appointment for microdermabrasion with your local aesthetician. This treatment blows tiny crystals onto your skin which abrade and polish the surface. A vacuum is then used to remove the crystals and loose skin cells. This treatment works well for both fresh and old stretch marks.