NEW YORK, April 26: If you're looking to shed some pounds but want to avoid weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, a leading doctor has shared five powerful foods that can help burn fat without the need for injections or harmful side effects.

Dr. William Li, a renowned diet expert and the author of the New York Times bestseller Eat to Beat Your Diet, has highlighted the importance of targeting visceral fat, commonly known as belly fat. This dangerous fat accumulates deep inside the abdomen, surrounding vital organs like the liver, intestines, and kidneys, posing serious health risks.

Dr. Li explains: "The more this fat grows, it starts to strangle your organs, and when it becomes inflamed, it becomes really dangerous. So, it's important to burn that fat down."

The key to burning this "wiggly jiggly" fat, according to Dr. Li, is activating brown fat, a special type of fat that burns calories to generate heat. Though present in smaller amounts than visceral fat, brown fat can be found in areas like the neck, upper back, kidneys, and spinal cord.

To help activate brown fat, Dr. Li recommends adding the following five foods to your diet:

Apples:  Dr. Li suggests incorporating apples into your meals, as they are rich in chlorogenic acid, a compound that helps activate brown fat to burn white fat. Each apple contains around 95 calories, making it a healthy and low-calorie option. Research from Cornell University has also supported apples as a weight-loss aid, linking them to reduced risks of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, asthma, and type II diabetes.

Broccoli and Kale:  Next on Dr. Li's list are broccoli and kale, both rich in a phytochemical called sulforaphane, which helps activate brown fat cells. These vegetables are low in calories, providing around 30 calories per cup, making them perfect for those looking to slim down.

Bok Choy: This vegetable is another great addition to your weight-loss plan. With just 9 calories per cup, bok choy is packed with fiber and nutrients, which help maintain a healthy weight by promoting fullness and reducing overeating. Dr. Li recommends sautéing it in a wok with extra virgin olive oil and garlic for an easy and delicious meal.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil:  Although calorie-rich, with approximately 120 calories per tablespoon, extra virgin olive oil offers several health benefits. It contains compounds like hydroxytyrosol and oleocanthal, which studies suggest can help with fat oxidation, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity—all crucial factors in weight management. Additionally, oleocanthal’s anti-inflammatory properties have been compared to ibuprofen, contributing to overall health and weight loss.

By combining these foods—apples, broccoli, kale, bok choy, and extra virgin olive oil—Dr. Li believes you can effectively activate brown fat and support your weight loss journey in a natural and healthy way.

Dr. Li concludes, “Now you actually have the greens and the olive oil, that will trigger your brown fat to turn it down.”