Answer to the question from the previous post.

Zina's problem is that she tries to solve a systemic problem with point-specific life hacks. Treating a fracture with plantain, to put it bluntly.

She tries to find the "right cause" - insulin, cortisol, or improper breathing.
Zina spends a colossal amount of resources on fake busyness.

She rushes about, swapping one ineffective strategy for another. But until she deals with the basics, nothing will change.

And the basics are and that's all there is: fat does not burn locally.

No matter how much Zina sucks in her stomach in the morning, the fat doesn't care.
It accumulates on the belly for the exact same reason as on the buttocks, arms, or back: due to a calorie surplus.

But Zina doesn't like this idea. Because then she would have to deal with food and make changes, rather than looking for "another cause."

Yes, cortisol can be a reason why fat prefers to accumulate on the belly. But this fat doesn't synthesize from thin air. A calorie surplus is needed. No surplus - no fat.

To lose belly fat, you need to lose weight all over.

And that's the most unpleasant part. Because it's no longer a "two-week life hack," but long-term work: at this point, Zina usually loses interest.

The brain always looks for an easier path.

That's why ideas like "suck in your stomach and the corpse spots will fade the belly will go away" resonate better with Zina. It's fast, understandable, and doesn't require much effort.

But working on nutrition, behavior, habits, and lifestyle is longer, boring, and sometimes infuriating.
But it works (1, 2, 3)

This is the foundation of the entire market for quick fixes and unique methods.

That's why Zina so easily jumps from one theory to another.

At best, this leads to a waste of time, money, and motivation. While Zina spent 3-4 months sucking in her stomach and taking cortisol supplements, she could have already lost some fat by improving her diet, sleep, and physical activity.

At worst, it can also harm her health, like a sore lower back.

I would recommend Zina focus on the fundamentals. It's not as fun as sucking in her stomach, but damn, it works.

Besides, it only seems difficult and slow at first. Then you get into it and get used to it. And you just need to get through this adaptation period. It gets easier afterwards 🙂