
Fitness advice is everywhere, but so is misinformation. From viral hacks that promise to melt belly fat overnight to age-old workout beliefs passed around as fact, separating evidence-based...
Fitness advice is everywhere, but so is misinformation. From viral hacks that promise to melt belly fat overnight to age-old workout beliefs passed around as fact, separating evidence-based strategies from fitness fads can be overwhelming, especially when you're just starting your weight loss journey. Understanding what actually works can save you time, effort, and disappointment, helping you focus on habits that deliver sustainable results instead of chasing quick fixes.
According to Siddhartha, lemon water can support weight loss by helping you feel fuller for longer while encouraging a healthier hydration habit. However, he emphasises that its benefits are only meaningful when it replaces sugary beverages.
He explains, “Lemon water melts belly fat. Five out of 10 only if you're replacing your sugary drinks with no sugar. Lemon water will keep you fuller for longer. May end up being a healthy habit.”
Siddhartha highlights that sweating has nothing to do with fat loss. If sweat were an indicator of burning fat, activities like swimming – which involve little to no noticeable sweating – wouldn't be considered effective forms of exercise.
Siddhartha points out that fat loss occurs across the entire body, not in one specific area, so no exercise can selectively burn fat from your midsection. While ab workouts can strengthen and define your core muscles, visible abdominal fat will only reduce as your overall body fat percentage decreases through a combination of a calorie deficit, regular exercise, and consistent healthy habits.
He explains, “You can target belly fat with ab workouts. One out of 10. There is no way to target a specific body part. Ab workouts will make your abs stronger, but that does not mean you will lose fat in your belly because fat loss happens overall. So doing only crunches will not do anything for your belly fat.”
According to the fitness coach, aiming for 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day is a great habit, especially for people with desk jobs who spend long hours sitting. However, he notes that you'll reap the greatest benefits when those steps are spread throughout the day rather than completed in a single session.
Siddhartha highlights, “10k steps every day. Eight out of 10. Eight to 10k steps done daily is great especially if you have a sitting job because they can't be done in one go. You have to break it down and do a little bit of walking throughout the day keeping you active. Great way to feel less lazy and more active throughout the day.”
Siddhartha emphasises that the most effective approach to fitness lies in building simple, sustainable habits that you can stick to consistently. Summing up his advice, he says the following everyday practices deliver the best long-term results:
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More