In a recent episode of On Purpose with Jay Shetty aired on April 14, renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vonda Wright revealed what she calls the scientific “secret sauce” for effectively losing stubborn belly fat — and it doesn’t require endless hours at the gym.
When asked about the most effective way to shed persistent fat, Dr. Wright emphasized a targeted approach that works for people of all ages: sprint interval training (SIT) combined with weight lifting.
“Sprint intervals plus weight lifting are going to transform your body,” she said. “You may never get rid of that extra little inch, but you will get rid of most of it. You will get rid of the back fat and the heavy hips that people don’t like, and you will decrease visceral fat — the fat that smothers your organs. And this is what we really want.”
Sprint interval training (SIT) is a high-intensity workout method that alternates short bursts of all-out sprinting with longer rest or low-intensity periods. Similar to HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), SIT has been proven to burn fat efficiently and boost cardiovascular health.
Dr. Wright also highlighted the importance of strength training — including simple moves like bicep curls and squats — which can be done with free weights or just body weight, either at home or at the gym.
A 2022 Healthline report and a beginner’s guide published in April 2024 both support Dr. Wright’s approach, emphasizing that a balanced routine of interval cardio and resistance training can help people not only slim down but also build strength and improve overall health.
If you’re looking to finally ditch that stubborn belly fat, Dr. Wright’s message is clear: ditch the hours of cardio and start sprinting — with weights in hand.