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Spot reduction is the idea that reduction of fat in a specific area of the body, can be achieved through exercise of specific muscles in the desired area. E.g, exercising the abdominal muscles in an effort to lose weight and fat in or around one's midsection. It is commonly held that spot reduction is a myth, and that fat is burned from body areas in genetically pre-determined patterns that have no relationship to the muscles being exercised.^[1]

Advertisers sometimes play on this when advertising exercise-related products.^[2]

[edit] Recent developments

A study performed in 2006 at the The Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre, University of Copenhagen, indicated that spot reduction might be possible. It was found that blood flow and lipolysis is increased in the subcutaneous adipose tissue adjacent to working muscles, compared to resting muscles. It could not be determined, however, if specific exercises would result in actual spot reduction, because "triacylglycerol stores could be fully replenished or even supercompensated between exercise sessions." ^[3]

[edit] References

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