Dr Michael Mosley's 'quickest' way to lose belly fat - and it isn't cardio

Diet guru Dr Michael Mosley was an expert in the world of health and fitness. His diet tips brought him a massive fan-base as people found they were brilliant for shedding pounds and getting healthier.

The author and broadcaster, who created diet plans including The Fast 800, 5:2, The Way of Life and The Fast 800 Keto, as well as hosting the Just One Thing podcast passed away earlier this year on holiday in Greece. But he left behind a wealth of help and advice for those wanting to improve their health or lifestyle.

And one area that worked wonders was his tips on specific foods and exercise to target different areas whether it is health such as diabetes or weight loss like stubborn fat. One of these was the most effective way of getting rid of belly fat.

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Speaking on his Radio 4 'Stay Young' programme, Dr Mosley shared a workout method that's more effective at burning belly fat than cardio exercises. He told how scientific studies have shown resistence exercise targets the stomach area more effectively as well as having benefits such as improving memory, sleep, and potentially even extending lifespan.

As Christmas looms it might well be of interest to those wanting to get in shape for the festive season and the parties that come with it. Dr Mosley told listeners on the show of his own workout regime.

He said: "Today I’m doing something that will not only help me stay strong but should also improve my memory, my sleep, my waistline, make me look good and perhaps even help me live longer. I’ve been doing press-ups.

"I try to do at least 30 of these every day, followed by at least 30 squats. Resistance exercises are the quickest and simplest way to improve your muscle mass."

He said the idea was one well-known by many gymgoers. He added: "It is something we should all do because maintaining your muscle mass is one of the best ways to preserve your health as you age. Without resistance exercises, your muscles start to decline after the age of 30.

"Your muscles have a remarkable ability to regenerate in response to resistance training. Studies have shown that in just 12 weeks you can increase your muscle mass by up to 10 per cent and your strength by up to 150 per cent."

He said the exercise also helped the whole body. He said: "For a start, it can give your brain a boost. A review of dozens of studies on the effects of exercise on the over 50s has shown that both aerobic and resistance training are good for the brain but researchers found that resistance training was especially good for memory and executive function which includes things like problem-solving."

When it comes to belly fat he said weight exercises were the most effective method for reduction, explaining: "Resistance exercise can also help you lose fat, particularly around your belly. Researchers at Harvard University followed around 10,000 men for 12 years and they found minute-for-minute strength training targets belly fat better than cardio.

"That’s important because the fat that accumulates around your belly doesn’t just sit there passively, it produces chemicals that can have a negative effect on your blood sugar levels. Muscle cells on the other hand have a positive effect. When you exercise they soak up blood sugars like a sponge.

"In fact one study found that for every 10 per cent increase in your skeletal muscle, there was a 10 per cent reduction in your risk of pre-diabetes. Which means not only does building muscle make you look and feel younger but it could also add years to your life. A recent analysis found that 30-60 minutes of resistance training a week, reduces the risk of dying from heart disease and cancer by up to 20 per cent."

"Why does it have such an impact? Well, resistance exercise seems to rejuvenate you at the cellular level."

Speaking about his own experiences the then 66-year-old revealed he regularly runs and walks briskly, performing 30 press-ups and squats every morning, but expresses disdain for gym workouts. He poses the question: "Does that matter?"

Professor Abigail Mackey from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark advises: "I think that heading into old age if you really want to go in with the best conditions possible for maintaining independent living for as long as possible then you need to using weights which for most people means having access to a gym. The squats and the push-ups are excellent because they train so many muscles."

Dr Mosley revealed that while gyms aren't his preference, he has set up some weights left in his garage by his son for his own use.