Where you lose weight first varies significantly from person to person and depends on several factors including genetics, sex, and body fat distribution.

• Genetics play a major role in determining where your body stores fat and consequently where you lose it first. People often lose weight in the same areas where they tend to gain it, which can be inherited traits

• Sex differences influence weight loss patterns. Men generally lose weight first from their trunk and abdominal areas, including the belly and chest, while women tend to lose weight from their hips, thighs, and lower body first. This is due to hormonal differences and body composition variations

• Face and neck are often the first areas where weight loss becomes noticeable regardless of sex, especially when dieting dominates. These areas are highly responsive to small weight changes, making fat loss here more apparent early on

• Some people may notice weight loss first in their arms or shoulders, especially women, as these areas tend to have less fat storage and thus show changes sooner

• Age also affects fat loss distribution. Middle-aged men and postmenopausal women tend to store more fat around the midsection, which can influence where weight loss is first observed

• Importantly, targeted fat loss (spot reduction) is not supported by scientific evidence. Exercising a specific body part does not guarantee fat loss in that area first; fat loss tends to occur throughout the body based on overall calorie deficit and individual physiology

In summary, while men often lose weight first from the belly and trunk, and women from hips and thighs, the face and neck are commonly the earliest visible areas of fat loss for most people. However, individual variation is large, and genetics and hormones largely dictate the exact pattern of weight loss