Shedding pounds

I’m a 24-year-old woman, and I carry most of my weight on my butt, hips, and thighs. My mom says it’s impossible to lose weight in those areas, but I’m really desperate to feel confident and like myself again. I’d prefer to use YouTube workout videos.

Congratulations on making the decision to focus on your health!

To lose weight, you need to consume fewer calories than you burn. While working out and brisk walking can accelerate weight loss, controlling your diet is crucial. The body is very efficient at using energy, so even a significant workout might not burn as many calories as you’d think—e.g., burning 500 calories during a workout is roughly equivalent to skipping a bag of chips.

Avoid processed foods, follow a low-carb diet, reduce vegetable fats, and eat high-protein and moderate animal fat. Consider intermittent fasting, OMAD (one meal a day), or other fasting methods.

Extended water fasting can rapidly reduce fat, with potential losses of up to 2.5 kg (5 lbs) per week, but be sure to maintain electrolyte balance. Eating only half your calorie needs will slow your progress significantly. Alternate between fasting periods and high-animal-protein diets, and avoid carbs, especially after fasting.

For home workouts, resistance bands like the Weller Powerbands are very effective. You might find the Weller Band app useful for routines.