Dear Donovan,

Is it true that apple cider vinegar could help to cut belly fat?

Apple cider vinegar is made from the fermentation of apples, and has been touted for its weight loss benefits for centuries.

It is not totally clear if apple cider vinegar works in cutting fat, however, it is generally believed that the apple cider vinegar causes weight loss by acting as an appetite suppressant, increasing the body's metabolic rate by reducing water retention, and generally helping to maintain a feeling of wellness.

In addition, apple cider vinegar is also helpful in slowing the rise of your sugar level after a meal, therefore the body produces less insulin resulting in weight loss. Apple cider vinegar is also good for diabetics.

To answer your question, apple cider vinegar may help in general weight loss, which would also include reducing your stomach. However, studies have shown that by just doing an apple cider vinegar diet alone, one only loses an average of two pounds per month.

Generally, one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar is placed in water before meals. Supplements are even sold in stores.

In general, to lose belly fat, apple cider vinegar at best is only a part of the story and it is a treatment unproven by science.

In order to lose belly fat and keep it off, a healthy lifestyle programme would have to be adopted. Here are a few tips that would help:

1. Do a detox programme.

2. Reduce or eliminate white rice, white flour, sodas, fried foods and snacks from your diet.

3. Try to eat more vegetables and fruits or drink vegetable juices. Or you could eat protein with vegetables and carbohydrates.

4. Avoid eating too late at nights.

5. Try to get at least one to two bowel movements for the day.

6. Aloe vera juices can be added to the diet.

7. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily.

8. Do cardiovascular exercises followed by crunches for at least half an hour per day.

Excess body fat is no joke and should be treated seriously. Studies are also now showing that the waist circumference is a better indicator for predisposition to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, than one's body mass index (BMI). It is very important for males to keep the circumference below 40 and for females below 36. In my practice, what I have found is that a large tummy is usually associated with one or all of the following:

1. Being genetically predisposed.

2. Poor eating habits or food choices.

3. Eating late at nights.

4. A sedentary lifestyle.

5. Constipation.

We will answer your weight- related questions

Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we'll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG's Nutrition and Wellness Centre, Suite 16, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Send your questions to wilsonn@jamaicaobserver.com.

Do you have a weight loss story to share? Email wilsonn@jamaicaobserver.com, or call 936-9439.