How To Lose Belly Fat In 3 Days 2024? – 10 Easy Steps To Shred Belly Fat In 3 Days

Mitchelle Morgan - Health & Wellness Writer
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
Discover effective routines on how to lose belly fat in 3 days at home. Read on to learn expert tips for a healthier, leaner you in 2024.
how to lose belly fat in 3 days
You can learn how to lose belly fat in 3 days easily. Photo: aslysun/Shutterstock

Losing belly fat is among the most searched queries online. Women want a toned midsection with a distinct waistline. Men wish to have a bulked-up torso with muscles, not visceral fat tissue.

Accumulating belly fat is typically more common in men[1] than women; however, it’s an issue for both. Belly fat can be due to poor diet and inactive lifestyle routines, but you can change that.

So, the big question we answer today is: Is it possible to lose that stubborn belly fat in 3 days?

Seventy-two hours seems very short for fat-loss results. However, the human digestive system is complex, working around the clock to digest and assimilate food. Minor and intentional modifications may trigger the beginning of a weight loss journey. One significant shift is your metabolic rate rise, promoting calorie burning even at rest.

You may also initiate shifts by working out. Read on to learn how to lose belly fat in 3 days.

10 Steps To Gain Belly Fat Loss In 3 Days

Method 1: Natural Ways

  • Step 1: High-intensity interval training
  • Step 2: Targeted abdominal exercises.
  • Step 3: Dietary adjustments.
  • Step 4: Hydration and soluble fiber.
  • Step 5: Lifestyle changes.

Method 2: Bariatric Surgery

  • Step 1: Pre-Surgery Consultation.
  • Step 2: Surgical assessment and selection.
  • Step 3: Surgical procedure.
  • Step 4: Post-surgery recovery and lifestyle changes.
  • Step 5: Long-term follow-up and support.

How To Lose Belly Fat In 3 Days By Natural Ways

If you would love to lose belly fat in 3 days, here are a few actionable ways you can try:

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High-Intensity Interval Training

High-intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, is a type of training characterized by intense workouts with short or no breaks. HIIT is beneficial for belly fat loss because the fast movements aid in burning more calories in a short time. Secondly, it boosts your metabolism, and finally, it aids lean muscle mass growth. High-intensity exercises may fasten fat oxidation[2] and promote a better body fat percentage.

Incorporating HIIT workouts into your routine can kickstart your metabolism[3] in a few days, leading to increased fat oxidation.

Targeted Abdominal Exercises

how to lose belly fat in 3 days
Targeted abdominal exercises help trim the mid-waist. Photo: MilanMarkovic78/Shutterstock

Another category of exercise you may try to lose belly fat in three days is to engage in targeted abdominal activities. You may practice this by lifting weights on a resistance training program.

Examples of these ab exercises are:

  • Sit-up variations.
  • Crunches variations.
  • Plank variations.
  • Leg raises.
  • Russian twists.

While these workouts may not necessarily spot-reduce fat, they strengthen your core muscles. Lifting weights, aerobic exercise and resistance training target the abdominal core. This gives the appearance of a more toned midsection quickly while helping you burn more calories.

Dietary Adjustments

Diet significantly contributes to your belly fat loss journey in three days. Here is where you ponder: What to drink to lose belly fat in 3 days, what to eat, and what not to.

To reduce belly fat quickly, focus on consuming fewer calories by choosing nutrient-rich, low-calorie diets. It would help if you had all nutrient-dense food groups, but one should never miss these two food groups:

Proteins

Proteins are highly satiating;[4] consuming a small portion goes a long way in helping control your cravings. This ensures you feed on fewer calories because you are eating less. Proteins are also beneficial for muscle mass repair and growth,[5] which you need if you are already on an exercise routine.

Always include lean meats, beef, poultry, fish, eggs, low-fat dairy products, legumes, and nuts in your healthy meal plans.

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are essential for good health and can help with fat loss and a healthy heart. Healthy high-fat diets like Mediterranean-style diets rich in monounsaturated fatty acids prevent fat accumulation.[6] They also support belly fat loss and the reduction of heart disease.

Excellent sources of healthy fats include avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish.

Foods To Avoid

Conversely, avoid sugary and highly processed foods in the three days. These include fried and processed meats with too many calories and sodium, possibly leading to too much visceral fat storage and fluid retention. Buying and consuming ultra-processed foods may promote obesity[7] and further limit your belly fat loss goal.

Hydration And Soluble Fiber

Water and soluble fiber intake promotes satiation. Soluble fibers[8] mix with water and become a viscous gel. This thick gel settles in your stomach and transmits signals to the brain that you are full. This promotion of satiety promotes less consumption of calorie-dense foods. Soluble fibers include oats, apples, psyllium husks, avocados, pears, barley, nuts, and seeds.

A study was done on pre-water consumption, confirming it aids satiety.[9] The individuals who had water before meals ate less food than those who didn’t take water. Drinking enough water also helps your body detox by flushing toxins and reducing water retention, making your belly appear slimmer.

Water also increases thermogenesis, enhancing the number of calories burned.[10] So, increase your water intake to at least six to eight glasses[11] per day and more in high heat and with exercise.

Lifestyle Changes

Besides exercise and diet, a healthy lifestyle is vital in losing weight in 3 days.

To kickstart lifestyle changes, get adequate sleep, manage stress, and avoid sweetened beverages.

Sleep is vital as it aids full-body healing as you rest. Unhealthy sleeping patterns may increase energy intake,[12] especially from snacking carbs and sugary foods.

High-stress levels triggered by stressful events may deter you from actively participating in weight management practices such as mindful eating. As a result, you become more predisposed to developing obesity.[13]

Avoiding sugary foods and sweetened drinks aids in lowering sugar intake. Consuming highly sugary beverages promotes abnormal fat accumulation.[14] If there is an overabundance, the body works on the sugar it needs and converts it to energy—the extra becomes excess visceral fat. So, less sugar means less fat accumulation.

Losing Belly Fat In 3 Days With Bariatric Surgery

how to lose belly fat in 3 days
You can lose weight in 3 days with bariatric surgery. Photo: New Africa/Shutterstock

Realistically, the results of losing excess belly fat in three days using the above methods are negligible.

Sure, they initiate a weight-loss mission, but you cannot become slim in three days without taking drastic steps.

The drastic and usually more costly method to cut mid-section fat is surgically removing it through bariatric surgery.[15] Getting cleared for surgery may take weeks, but the surgery happens in less than three days. That is why we have included it in this piece.

Here are the steps involved in this process.

Pre-Surgery Consultation

Before undergoing bariatric surgery, the first crucial step involves consulting a certified healthcare professional weight loss specialist. During this visit, the doctor or surgeon will gather information on your medical history and current health status.

Surgical Assessment And Selection

Using the information the healthcare professionals collected during the consultation, they will recommend the most appropriate bariatric surgery option. Standard procedures include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. Here is a brief explanation of what happens in these procedures:

  • Gastric Bypass: Gastric bypass[16] is a procedure that involves creating a small stomach pouch and bypassing a portion of the small intestine. This length reduction of the small intestines also reduces food intake and nutrient absorption. This also limits weight gain. Gastric bypass has become a proven method for those with severe obesity and related health issues.
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy: A sleeve gastrectomy removes a portion of the stomach, leaving a sleeve-shaped tummy. This restricts food intake and decreases hunger hormones. It’s effective for weight loss and often an initial step for more complex procedures.
  • Adjustable Gastric Banding: Adjustable gastric banding[17] is the least invasive surgical method and involves placing an adjustable band around the upper stomach. This band closure creates a smaller stomach pouch, limiting food intake and promoting early satiety. This procedure is less invasive and reversible compared to other bariatric surgeries.

The choice of bariatric surgery depends solely on your BMI, overall health, and weight loss goals.

Surgical Procedure

You are admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery, and the surgical team will perform the selected bariatric procedure. These processes involve reducing the size of your stomach or rerouting your digestive system. These alterations are put in place to restrict food and calorie intake and promote early satiety.

Most procedures take a few hours.

Post-Surgery Recovery And Lifestyle Changes

After surgery, you must recover and adapt to your new eating habits. The initial days’ diet habits involve liquid or pureed meals and a gradual transition to solid foods. Follow your surgeon’s instructions closely and attend post-operative appointments for monitoring, teaching, and guidance.

Long-Term Follow-Up And Support

As much as bariatric surgery will help you lower belly fat in three days, long-term follow-up is vital. The surgery is not a standalone solution because you must adopt everything discussed in the first method.

Long-term success relies on ongoing follow-up with your healthcare team, adherence to dietary guidelines, and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Your life must also include regular exercise and a balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods.

Support groups and counseling can also play a crucial role in maintaining your weight loss journey.

Is It Possible To Reduce Belly Fat In Just 3 Days?

Many people who aspire to achieve a slimmer midsection often want to lose belly fat in the shortest time possible. While it’s essential to approach this 3-day goal with realistic expectations, some strategies and methods can provide visible results quickly. They are:

Dietary Tweaks For Rapid Progress

Making dietary tweaks in 72 hours, like consuming fewer calories and avoiding sugary and processed foods, creates a calorie deficit. Aim for deficits of 500–750 calories[18] on low-calorie diets, and you may lose some excess visceral fat. This is essential for weight and belly fat loss.

Boost Hydration And Fiber Intake

When you intentionally stay hydrated, you aid digestion, control appetite, increase metabolism, and contribute to reduced calorie consumption. Soluble fiber consumption promotes appetite suppression and regulates blood sugar levels, further supporting weight loss. It regulates blood glucose levels since soluble fiber slows gastric emptying, lowering glucose absorption.[19]

Lifestyle Choices

Getting quality sleep helps your body regulate hormones[20] related to appetite and metabolism. These hormones include cortisol, melatonin, leptin, and ghrelin. Quality sleep also helps you manage stress, which can lead to abdominal fat accumulation. Regular exercise increases calorie expenditure, helping with overall weight loss and abdominal fat reduction.

Since belly fat loss in three days may not be realistic, these strategies can help you kickstart your journey.

Consider adopting a holistic approach for sustainable, long-term excess body fat loss results. You must combine consistent exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. You may supplement with thermogenic and anti-obesity dietary supplements like cayenne pepper and green tea.

For beneficial fitness routines, consult with a certified personal trainer. For anything from diet, supplementation, or surgery, seek advice from healthcare professionals such as your doctor and registered dietitian. 

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Extra Tips

If you would like to burn fat in your mid-waist, here are a few extra tips to get you there:

  • Reduce salt intake to minimize water retention and bloating[21] in the belly area.
  • Engage in light activities throughout the day, such as walking or stretching, to keep your metabolism active.
  • Give herbal weight loss remedies such as green tea a chance. Green tea contains compounds that can boost metabolism and aid in fat oxidation.[22]
  • Please pay attention to portion sizes and eat slowly. This can prevent overeating and promote better digestion.
  •  Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep[23] to regulate hormones and support weight management.
  • Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to manage stress, which can lead to increased abdominal fat accumulation.

Understand that significant changes in just three days are limited. Consistency in healthy habits over time is critical to sustainable belly fat loss.

The Takeaways

Achieving significant belly fat loss in just three days may seem ambitious, but it’s possible with some strategic changes. Transforming your approach to “how to lose belly fat in 3 days at home” involves dietary modifications, exercise, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Medical professionals offer various bariatric surgery options for those with more urgent needs.

The only catch with surgical remedies is that the time before and after is prolonged. The procedures occur in less than three days, but the preliminary tests, approvals, and recovery are beyond three days.

Regardless of your chosen path, it’s crucial to emphasize that the key lies in consistent follow-up. Progress can be lost without maintaining your newfound habits, and old, obesity-inducing behaviors may return.

So, to limit this back-sliding, consider incorporating high-intensity interval training, increasing protein and fiber intake, and opting for healthier snacks. Those considering surgery should consult with a healthcare professional. For diet modification, consult a registered dietitian.

While rapid results are possible, it’s essential to approach them with a long-term perspective and a commitment to a healthier future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a flat stomach in 3 days?

Achieving a flat stomach in 3 days is challenging. Focus on a balanced diet, hydration, sodium restriction, limiting sugary and processed foods, and light exercise for a more achievable goal.

Is it possible to lose belly fat in 3 days?

Losing belly fat significantly in just three days is unlikely. Sustainable fat loss requires time, consistent effort, and a healthy lifestyle.

How can I get a flat stomach in 2 days?

Losing weight fast and getting a flat tummy in 2 days is unrealistic. Focus on healthy habits over time for more sustainable results.

How can you lose belly fat in 3 days without exercise?

Losing belly fat without exercise in 3 days is difficult. A balanced diet, losing water retention from a high sodium diet, and staying hydrated can help, but training is valuable for long-term results.

What are some effective exercises for belly fat in 3 days?

While significant fat loss in 3 days is challenging, you can do high-intensity workouts like HIIT, planks, and leg raises to engage core muscles and improve muscle tone.

Can I achieve a flat stomach in 3 days with a specific diet plan?

It’s unlikely to achieve a flat stomach quickly, but a healthy diet, reduced calorie intake, avoidance of processed foods, and a salt intake less than 1,500 mg/day[24] can help you feel less bloated.

Is it safe to use supplements or pills to lose belly fat in 3 days?

Rapid fat loss pills or supplements can be unsafe and may have side effects. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before using them.

How does hydration reduce belly fat in 3 days?

Staying hydrated is essential to prevent water retention, increase thermogenesis, and maintain overall health. While it won’t lead to losing fat in 3 days, it can contribute to a flatter appearance by promoting water balance and less fluid retention.

Resources

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  2. Fatemeh Khodadadi, Bagheri, R., Raoof Negaresh, Moradi, S., Nordvall, M., Camera, D.M., Wong, A. and Suzuki, K. (2023). The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Type on Body Fat Percentage, Fat and Fat-Free Mass: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine, [online] 12(6), pp.2291–2291. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12062291.
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  15. Mohamad Baheeg, Mohamed Tag El-Din, Mohamed Fathy Labib, Saed Abdel-Monem El-Gohary and Hasan, A. (2021). Long-term durability of weight loss after bariatric surgery; a retrospective study. International Journal of Surgery Open, [online] 28, pp.37–40. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijso.2020.12.008.
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  17. Franck Zinzindohoué, Chevallier, J., Douard, R., Elian, N., Ferraz, J.-M., Blanche, J.P., Berta, J.L., Altman, J.-J., Safran, D. and Paul-Henri Cugnenc (2003). Laparoscopic Gastric Banding: A Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment for Morbid Obesity. Annals of Surgery, [online] 237(1), pp.1–9. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/00000658-200301000-00001.
  18. Ju Young Kim (2021). Optimal Diet Strategies for Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance. Journal of obesity & metabolic syndrome, [online] 30(1), pp.20–31. doi:https://doi.org/10.7570/jomes20065.
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  22. Gahreman, D., Wang, R., Boutcher, Y.N. and Boutcher, S.H. (2015). Green Tea, Intermittent Sprinting Exercise, and Fat Oxidation. Nutrients, [online] 7(7), pp.5646–5663. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7075245.
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