Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
Struggling with Belly Fat and Overall Wellness
FREE! Just write your question
— get answers from Best Ayurvedic doctors
No chat. No calls. Just write your question and receive expert replies
1000+ doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 02M : 03S
background-image
Click Here
background image
Nutrition
Question #47553
39 days ago
491

Struggling with Belly Fat and Overall Wellness - #47553

Client_f5f541

Please tell me why am I still seeing a increase in belly fat despite doing strength training 3 times a week, yoga/walking 2 times a week, HIIT exercises once a week and 1 day lf recovery rest. My waist is 34 and limbs are thin like a 25 year old adult not like a 35 year old man. Diet wise I am in the introduction phase of protein in all 3 meals a day, its been 3 weeks with this routine. What changes or tweaks are required to be done to ensure I achieve the goals below: 1. Increase muscle mass and strength of the limbs while reducing excess body fat around the belly 2. I have genetic hairloss so want to Increase the hair volume and density and support the regrowth with current protocol of microneedling weekly. 3. I recently had a break-up with someone who i was about to marry. And it brought my confidence down. So i want to improve my confidence byincreasing growth hormones and aging gracefully to improve my chances of having a suitable life partner soon. These are my details: age -35 Height : 173 cms Weight: 68kg Waist: 34 inches And muscle mass is less for my BMI Prakriti: i am mostly vata by mind pitta by digestion. Getting easily affected by seasonal changes as I am working from home currently. I eat a vegetarian diet with only 2 boild eggs or omelette to support protein intake. Otherwise, i eat a well balanced diet containjng sufficient protein and fats from dry fruits, pulses and paneer. Current supplements: since December - Narasimha rasayanam 1 tsp after lunch, draksharishta+bhringrajasava 10ml each post lunch. These were suggssted by a ayurvedic doctor from delhi I consulted around november end. My opinion as per listening to my body: maybe taking shilajit will help boost the absorption and agni, along with gokshura for bala and testosterone boost. And lastly, brahmi at night for better memory and cognitive function

How long have you been following your current exercise and diet routine?:

- 1-4 weeks

Have you noticed any specific triggers that increase your belly fat?:

- Certain foods

How would you describe your energy levels throughout the day?:

- Moderate energy
PAID
Question is closed

Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition

Based on 82 doctor answers
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors' responses

Hello Thanks for being so open and honest. I really get how you’ve laid out everything about your body, mind, routine, and what you’re aiming for. But dont worry we are here to help you out 😊

YOUR CONCERN

You’re 35, 173 cm tall, and weigh 68 kg. Your waist is 34 inches. You’ve got thin arms and legs but some extra fat around your belly.

You tend to get stressed easily and emotions hit you hard. Digestion-wise, you’re pretty sharp, but your body can feel a bit all over the place.

1. That stubborn belly fat, even with all your workouts. 2. Not enough muscle for your height and weight. 3. Hair thinning that runs in the family, and you want to help it grow back. 4. Feeling down on yourself after the breakup. 5. Wanting to age well and feel more lively.

WHY THAT BELLY FAT ISN’T BUDGING

This is a classic case of your body being a bit out of whack due to stress, not because you’re lazy or not trying hard enough.

The main reasons:

👉 Stress-Related Belly Fat

Your breakup and bottling up emotions have revved up your stress system. This makes your body produce more cortisol, which then parks fat right on your belly, even if you’re active. That’s why your arms and legs are still thin – the fat isn’t everywhere, it’s just reacting to hormones.

👉 Digestion Is Okay, But Muscle Building Is Not

You can digest protein fine, but your body isn’t really turning that into muscle. This happens when your digestion isn’t steady.

👉 Too Much Exercise, Not Enough Recovery

You’re doing a lot: HIIT, strength training, yoga, walking – which is good! But your body type needs more gentle recovery. Too much intense exercise can actually break down muscle instead of building it.

👉Belly Fat Building Up

This is pretty common for guys, especially if you sit a lot, eat late, are stressed, or don’t sleep well.

AYURVEDIC PLAN

GOAL 1: Build Muscle in Your Limbs + Lose Belly Fat

The Key Idea We need to calm your stress system, build up your muscle, and then your body will naturally handle the belly fat better.

How to Change Your Workouts (Super Important)

Cut back on intense cardio to just once every 10–14 days. Instead, focus on: Lifting weights in a controlled way, gradually making it harder. Make sure you take 2–3 rest days each week – no exceptions.

Also, try this: oil massage on yourself 3 times a week before your shower. Use sesame oil or something like Bala Ashwagandhadi Taila. This alone will help you build muscle by calming down your whole system.

SUPPLEMENTS (A Better Plan)

1. Ashwagandha (instead of more protein shakes)

Take 3–5 grams of powder at night with warm milk. This helps with muscle growth, supports hormone balance, and cuts down on stress.

2. Shilajit – Yes, but be careful

Trust your gut on this one. Take 250 mg once in the morning on an empty stomach with warm water. It helps your body take in nutrients better, boosts hormones, and helps with belly fat. Just stop if it makes your acid reflux worse.

3. Gokshura

Take 1 tablet twice a day after meals. This helps with energy, hormone balance, and muscle tone.

4. Brahmi at Night (Good Call)

One Brahmi tablet or 3 grams of powder with warm milk at night. This helps you feel more confident, stops overthinking, and supports a calm mind and emotional balance.

About What You’re Taking Now

Narasimha Rasayanam: 👍 Keep taking it (good for hair and strength).

Draksharishta + Bhringrajasava: Taking these for too long can actually add to belly fat. 👉 Cut down to 5 ml each or just take them every other day.

EATING RIGHT (THIS IS HUGE)

✅INCLUDE

Ghee: 1 teaspoon every day (yes, it helps with fat loss by balancing hormones). Eat warm, cooked food. Your biggest meal should be lunch. After your workout, have milk and dates instead of protein powder.

❌ AVOID

Late dinners. Too much cheese at night. Raw salads for dinner. Snacking all the time.

GOAL 2: Thicker Hair (even with microneedling)

Inside Help Keep taking Narasimha Rasayanam.

Add: Amalaki churna 3 grams in the morning. Bhringraj ghrita half a teaspoon at night.

EXTERNAL. CARE

Oil your hair weekly: Use Bhringraj with coconut oil. Try not to sweat too much right after microneedling.

Your hair will really start to improve once your stress levels drop.

GOAL 3: Confidence, Hormones, and Aging Well

This is where traditional plant medicine really shines.

Why your confidence dipped: Emotional shock drained your energy. It’s not a weakness, just a temporary dip.

To boost your confidence: –Oil massages. –Brahmi at night. –Get enough sleep, making sure you’re in bed before 11 pm. –Meditation or slow breathing exercises.

Within 6–8 weeks, you should feel: –More steady and grounded. –More masculine energy. –A natural confidence, not something you have to force.

You’re not broken. Your body is just trying to protect itself after all that emotional stress.

Once your stress calms down, your muscles, hair, confidence, and how attractive you feel will all naturally get better.

Warm Regards Dr. Snehal Vidhate

11499 answered questions
28% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

BELLY FAT DESPITE HEAVY TRAINING HAPPENS WHEN VATA AND PITTA ARE BOTH INVOLVED VATA CAUSES POOR MUSCLE ASSIMILATION AND PITTA CAUSES STRESS DRIVEN CENTRAL FAT EVEN IF LIMBS STAY LEAN THIS IS WHY YOUR ARMS AND LEGS LOOK YOUNG BUT THE WAIST HOLDS ON

THREE WEEKS IS TOO SHORT FOR YOUR TYPE OF BODY TO SHOW VISIBLE CHANGE ESPECIALLY WHEN WORKING FROM HOME RECENT EMOTIONAL SHOCK AND HIGH TRAINING LOAD ARE ALL PRESENT YOUR BODY IS CURRENTLY IN A SURVIVAL ADAPTATION MODE NOT A BUILD MODE

FOR MUSCLE GAIN AND BELLY FAT REDUCTION YOU NEED TO SHIFT FROM HIGH STIMULATION TO HIGH NOURISHMENT TOO MUCH HIIT AND TOO MANY INTENSE SESSIONS DRY OUT VATA AND PREVENT MUSCLE FROM HOLDING SHAPE REDUCE HIIT TO OCCASIONAL KEEP STRENGTH TRAINING BUT SLOW CONTROLLED AND GROUNDED ADD MORE REST BETWEEN SESSIONS YOUR PROTEIN IS FINE BUT ABSORPTION IS THE ISSUE NOT INTAKE

YOUR CURRENT MEDICINES ARE SUPPORTIVE FOR HAIR AND BLOOD BUT THEY ARE NOT MUSCLE BUILDING OR HORMONE STABILIZING

YES YOUR INSTINCT ABOUT SHILAJIT IS CORRECT BUT IT SHOULD BE PURE AND TAKEN IN SMALL CONSISTENT DOSE SHILAJIT HELPS CELLULAR ABSORPTION TESTOSTERONE RESPONSE AND RECOVERY GOKSHURA IS ALSO APPROPRIATE FOR YOU FOR STRENGTH CONFIDENCE AND MALE VITALITY BRAHMI AT NIGHT IS EXCELLENT FOR VATA MIND TRAUMA AND COGNITIVE CALM

AYURVEDIC SUPPORT YOU CAN CONSIDER UNDER SUPERVISION ASHWAGANDHA LEHYAM AT NIGHT FOR MUSCLE AND NERVOUS SYSTEM SHUDDHA SHILAJIT RESIN IN VERY SMALL AMOUNT MORNING WITH WARM WATER GOKSHURA POWDER DAILY FOR STRENGTH AND HORMONAL SUPPORT BRAHMI POWDER OR TABLET AT NIGHT FOR MIND AND SLEEP QUALITY

FOR HAIR LOSS YOUR INTERNAL STATE MATTERS MORE THAN MICRONEEDLING STRESS GRIEF AND OVERTRAINING PUSH HAIR INTO SHEDDING PHASE YOU WILL SEE BETTER DENSITY WHEN YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM FEELS SAFE AGAIN NARASIMHA RASAYANAM CAN BE CONTINUED BUT ADDING ASHWAGANDHA AND SHILAJIT WILL MAKE IT WORK BETTER

ABOUT CONFIDENCE AND HEALING FROM BREAKUP THIS IS IMPORTANT AND I SAY THIS GENTLY YOUR BODY IS STILL PROCESSING LOSS WHEN A MAN GOES THROUGH SUCH A BREAK HIS AGNI AND HORMONAL RHYTHM DROP SUBTLY YOU ARE NOT WEAK YOU ARE HEALING CONFIDENCE RETURNS WHEN THE BODY FEELS STABLE NOT WHEN IT IS PUSHED

FOCUS ON CONSISTENCY NOT INTENSITY FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS LET THE BODY TRUST YOU AGAIN BELLY FAT WILL REDUCE LIMB MUSCLE WILL IMPROVE HAIR WILL STABILIZE AND YOUR PRESENCE WILL CHANGE PEOPLE AROUND YOU WILL FEEL IT

13013 answered questions
29% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Accepted response

0 replies

Hlo,

You’re actually doing many things right, but a few physiology + timing mismatches explain why belly fat hasn’t reduced yet and why limbs look lean while the abdomen holds fat. I’ll address this calmly and practically, blending modern physiology + Ayurveda, aligned with your Vata–Pitta prakriti, age (35), breakup-related stress, and vegetarian diet.

FIRST — Why belly fat is increasing despite training 1️⃣ You are only 3–4 weeks in Fat loss (especially visceral & stress-related abdominal fat) lags behind strength gains by 4–8 weeks. Muscle glycogen + inflammation from new training can temporarily increase waist measurement This is very common in disciplined beginners ➡️ Verdict: Too early to judge fat loss

2️⃣ Cortisol + Vata imbalance = belly fat storage Your routine includes: Strength (3x) HIIT (1x) Yoga/walking (2x) For a Vata-dominant nervous system, this can overstimulate cortisol if: Sleep timing is inconsistent Calories are slightly low HIIT intensity is high 📌 Cortisol selectively pushes fat to the abdomen, even if limbs remain lean. ➡️ Lean limbs + belly fat = stress hormone dominance, not laziness or poor discipline.

3️⃣ Protein quality > protein presence You’ve introduced protein, but: Vegetarian protein often lacks leucine threshold Paneer, pulses, eggs help—but per-meal anabolic signal may be weak Your body is currently: Preserving fat Under-building muscle ➡️ Muscle gain requires signal strength, not just intake.

4️⃣ Work-from-home + seasonal sensitivity Sitting + reduced NEAT (daily movement) + Seasonal Vata aggravation = Slower fat mobilization Water retention in abdomen Digestive fire fluctuation

NOW — How to achieve your 3 goals

🎯 GOAL 1: Increase limb muscle & reduce belly fat 🔧 TRAINING TWEAKS (Very important) REMOVE HIIT for 6–8 weeks Yes—counterintuitive, but necessary. Replace with: Zone-2 walking (30–45 min, nasal breathing) Light yoga on non-lifting days Strength training (3x/week): Progressive overload only Rep range: 6–10 Rest: 90–120 sec Focus: Squats, RDLs, Pushups, Rows, Overhead press ➡️ Less cortisol = better fat loss + testosterone response

🍽️ DIET TWEAKS (Vegetarian-friendly) Protein target: ~1.6 g/kg ≈ 110 g/day Per meal rule: Minimum 30–35 g protein Include leucine-rich sources Best vegetarian combo: Paneer + dal Eggs + curd Whey isolate (if acceptable) post-workout (optional but powerful) ⚠️ Do NOT reduce fats Vata needs fats for hormone balance.

⏱️ MEAL TIMING (Ayurvedic alignment) Largest meal → lunch Light dinner before 7:30 pm No intense training after sunset

🎯 GOAL 2: Hair density + regrowth support You already do microneedling weekly 👍 Now support it internally: What’s REALLY needed: Insulin sensitivity Microcirculation Androgen balance Low cortisol Supplements (your intuition is good — but refine it) ✅ Shilajit ✔ Yes — but purified & low dose 250 mg in the morning with warm water Improves nutrient absorption & mitochondrial energy ✅ Gokshura ✔ Good choice Supports testosterone without overstimulation Helps urinary & reproductive tissues ⚠️ Brahmi at night ⚠️ ONLY if anxiety is high Otherwise Brahmi may increase Vata dryness. 👉 Better night option: Ashwagandha (250 mg) or Tagara for sleep depth & GH release 📌 Growth hormone is released during deep sleep, not workouts.

🎯 GOAL 3: Confidence, hormones & graceful aging (most important) Your breakup has caused a subtle nervous system shock. This is not weakness—it’s unprocessed grief. Signs: Central fat gain Reduced muscle response Hair concerns Confidence dip What restores masculine confidence biologically: 💤 Sleep discipline (non-negotiable) Sleep by 10:30 pm No screens after 9:30 Magnesium glycinate if needed

🌅 Morning sunlight + walk 10–15 minutes daily Raises dopamine & testosterone naturally

🧠 Mental reframing (Ayurvedic view)

In Ayurveda: Loss before marriage is considered Agni Pariksha — a refinement, not rejection. Your body is recalibrating. Confidence returns after physiological balance, not affirmations.

ABOUT YOUR CURRENT AYURVEDIC MEDS ✔ Narasimha Rasayanam – good for strength & immunity ✔ Draksharishta + Bhringrajasava – fine short-term

⛔ Do NOT add everything at once. Introduce only 1 new supplement every 10–14 days.

Tq

11454 answered questions
29% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Accepted response

0 replies

You are exercising regularly, but belly fat is increasing because your body is under stress. Emotional stress from the breakup, work-from-home routine, and too much training raise cortisol. Cortisol pushes fat to the belly and blocks muscle growth, especially in a Vata-dominant body. Right now you are training more than your recovery capacity. Reduce intensity. Do strength training only 4 days a week. Keep walking or yoga 2 light days. Stop weekly HIIT; do it once in 10–15 days or avoid it. Food is clean but insufficient for muscle. Continue protein in all meals, but add carbohydrates after workouts (rice, roti, banana). Use ghee daily. Do not go to bed hungry. Muscle will not grow without enough food. Thin limbs mean muscle is not getting the signal to grow. Once stress reduces, calories increase, and recovery improves, limbs will respond first. Belly fat will reduce later. For hair, continue microneedling weekly. Oil the scalp 3 times a week. Protein intake and sleep before 11 pm are more important than adding more medicines. Supplements can be kept simple. Take Shilajit 250 mg in the morning on an empty stomach. Take Gokshura after meals. Continue Narasimha rasayanam after lunch. Take Draksharishta and Bhringrajasava in the evening. Take Brahmi at night. Confidence, hormones, and graceful aging will improve when sleep, recovery, and mental calm improve. Less stress leads to better testosterone, better growth hormone, and better self-confidence.

12854 answered questions
34% best answers

0 replies

Take Ashwagandh ksm 66 2 bd Take shilajit pure small amount with water Take livtone 2 bd Take shatavri 2 bd Take arogyavardhani vati 2 bd Take medohar gugulu 2 tds

912 answered questions
33% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.

0 replies

I understand your concern and I can see you are following a disciplined routine with strength training yoga walking HIIT and a protein rich diet yet still noticing belly fat and wanting lean muscle growth denser hair and more confidence From an Ayurvedic perspective your body type being vata by mind and pitta by digestion explains a lot even with good exercise and diet the midsection tends to hold fat when the nervous system is sensitive stress is high digestion fluctuates and subtle hormonal imbalance exists This is common in people who have recently undergone emotional stress and lifestyle changes Your waist may remain larger than limbs because visceral fat is often more stubborn and slower to respond than muscle growth in limbs even if BMI is normal

Along with your current regimen you can add Ayurvedic support for muscle strength hair density and nervous system balance Narasimha rasayanam one teaspoon after lunch continue Draksharishta ten ml and Bhringrajasava ten ml after lunch continue Shilajit purified 250 mg with warm milk in the morning Gokshura powder half teaspoon twice daily with milk or warm water Ashwagandha powder half teaspoon at night with warm milk Brahmi powder half teaspoon at night with warm milk Bhringraj powder half teaspoon in the morning with warm water These medicines help improve agni hormone balance circulation and hair nourishment Diet should continue high in protein from paneer pulses eggs nuts seeds and include warm cooked vegetables healthy fats from ghee sesame olive oil and flax seeds Avoid cold raw food excessive processed food and very spicy or oily food Exercise can include targeted core stability for belly fat reduction moderate steady state cardio two times a week and continue strength training focusing on compound lifts Recovery sleep before eleven pm meditation breathing or yoga for stress reduction and consistent daily routine will support natural growth hormone release With patience and consistency belly fat reduction muscle gain hair density and mental clarity will gradually improve in three to six months

4247 answered questions
40% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.

0 replies

Hello.

Please note that belly fat is a cause of 3 major reasons 1. Stress - Like you mentioned about the breakup may be a cause. Get your CORTISOL LEVELS TESTED 2. Lack of protein - Which is not your case 3. Dairy products - As you are a vegetarian major diet may include dairy which you need to curb down.

✔️ Continue you exercise routine as it is.

✔️ Keep your previous medication on

💊Add 💊

Tab. Asthiposhak Vati 2 tabs twice a day before food Tab. Ampachak Vati 2 tabs twice a day before food Tab. Lashunadi Vati 2 tabs twice a day before food

Tab. Shankhavati 2 tabs just after food suck and eat twice a day

Castor oil 3 tsp at bed time with a cup of hot water…

❌Skip dairy products. Switch to vegan protein source.

❌Cut down stress completely. 🧘‍♀️Meditation and Tratak will help. Music will also help.

❌Try fasting for atleast 12 hours so that your body uses stored belly fats.

967 answered questions
27% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.

0 replies

1.Narsimha rasayan 1 tsp with warm milk in the lunch 2.Gokshura tablets 2 tab twice daily with water after meals 3.Ashwagandha churna 1 tsp twice daily with warm milk after meals 4.Brahmi Ghrita 1/2 tsp at bedtime with warm milk

🥗 Diet & Lifestyle Tweaks - Protein timing: Ensure protein intake post-workout (paneer, lentils, eggs). - Avoid belly-fat triggers: Fried foods, excess sweets, irregular meal timings. - Yoga focus: Add Surya Namaskar and Kapalabhati for belly fat reduction. - Stress management: Nadi Shodhana pranayama daily for calming Vata and lowering cortisol.

Warm Regards Dr. Anjali Sehrawat

11179 answered questions
28% best answers
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.
Your personalized treatment is ready
We've added the medicines recommended by your doctor.

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Latest reviews

Walker
4 hours ago
Thanks a ton for the advice! Super clear steps that I can actually follow. Appreciate the quick response and specific recommendations!
Thanks a ton for the advice! Super clear steps that I can actually follow. Appreciate the quick response and specific recommendations!
Isaac
4 hours ago
Really appreciated getting such a clear and practical answer! The steps feel doable and i'm hopeful it helps. Thanks for the guidance!
Really appreciated getting such a clear and practical answer! The steps feel doable and i'm hopeful it helps. Thanks for the guidance!
Jaxon
12 hours ago
Thanks so much for the reassurance. Your suggestions gave me a clearer path to try. Really appreciate the help!
Thanks so much for the reassurance. Your suggestions gave me a clearer path to try. Really appreciate the help!
Raven
19 hours ago
Thank you! This answer really put my mind at ease, understanding everything so clearly helps a lot. Feeling hopeful now about avoiding future issues.
Thank you! This answer really put my mind at ease, understanding everything so clearly helps a lot. Feeling hopeful now about avoiding future issues.