Can the Popular TikTok “Belly Fat Burn Dance” Help You Lose Weight?

If you’re looking to shed some extra pounds, especially around your belly, you may have come across the “Chinese belly fat burn dance” trending on TikTok. This rhythmic back-and-forth pelvic movement, popularised by a sports coach with nearly 10 million TikTok followers, claims to promote weight loss and help you burn belly fat. But can this dance-like exercise really help you trim down as the viral videos suggest?

TikTok Trend: Chinese Belly Fat Burn Dance

TikTok is brimming with videos of enthusiastic individuals performing a unique dance move that involves moving their pelvis back and forth. This trend, introduced by a user named wanyomori4515 in March 2021, is often promoted as a quick and fun way to lose weight. Her TikTok account is primarily focused on this exercise, featuring numerous before-and-after videos.

One such video, boasting eight million views, claims a participant went from weighing 57kg to 36kg thanks to this pelvic movement. Another video suggests that a woman lost over 50kg with the help of this technique. Since then, users worldwide have echoed these results, stating that this dance has contributed to their rapid weight loss.

@wanyomori4515 Stay motivated and keep moving. Your efforts will pay off! #coach #workout #diet #china Kiat Jud Dai – DJMuchY

Is the Belly Fat Burn Dance a Weight Loss Fantasy?

While the idea of using a simple dance move to lose belly fat and slim down may seem appealing, it’s not necessarily as effective as you might think. Paris-based dietician, nutritionist, and sports coach, Juliana Massamba, warns against believing these dramatic transformation stories. According to her, “You can’t target weight loss solely on the stomach. To lose weight, it’s predominantly about your diet. Most likely, these individuals are also following a diet and engaging in other physical activities.”

The Potential Risks

It’s also important to note that this dance is not suitable for everyone. If you’re overweight or have back issues, Massamba advises against this exercise as it could potentially cause harm to your already fragile spine. She explains that constant flexing of the spine puts pressure on the back’s discs, leading to tightened discs and compression throughout the spine. Proper spinal alignment is crucial when engaging in any physical activity.

Effective Weight Loss Strategies

If your goal is to lose weight and belly fat, a varied, balanced diet combined with regular exercise is the most effective method. It’s not necessary to engage in high-intensity sports like running. “I recommend fairly regular walking to my patients, which is just as effective as running,” says Massamba. Walking for at least 30 minutes a day can positively impact your weight, with sports based on walking, such as rucking or YogiWalkie, being suitable alternatives.

Moreover, stress can play a significant role in weight loss. “Stress can increase cortisol levels (the stress hormone), often leading to weight gain,” says Massamba. “Everyone has their own pace. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and listening to your body should be your primary focus. Don’t solely rely on this type of exercise to lose weight.”