How 11-line abs trend loved by celebs is NOT a sign of good health as women warned to not be fooled by Instagram snaps
THIS summer’s celebrity trend isn’t a snatched waistline or even a peachy backside.
It’s the ‘11-line abs’ – a pair of razor sharp lines running down the stomach.
A host of stars, including Jodie Comer, Zendaya and Maura Higgins, have been proudly proving the magic number is 11 by flaunting their honed stomachs.
It’s an enviable look that screams gruelling hours at the gym and super-low body fat.
Until now, the number 11 was something women dreaded as it referred to the pair of lines that form between the eyebrows through frowning.
Now, however, 11 has become the ultimate badge of fitness — 11-line abs are created by the natural gap between the six-pack muscles (rectus abdominis) and the abdomen’s side muscles (obliques).
While it may have once been tacky to show off your naked waist, this year people are exhibiting their defined midriffs everywhere — not just at the beach or the gym but on the red carpet, too.
Earlier this month, actress Jodie Comer looked sensational at a star-studded bash as she flashed her sculpted midriff in a black dress.
But if you think achieving this physique is as simple as jumping on fat jabs, you need to think again — it’s down to exercise and good nutrition, according to women’s fitness expert Shakira Akabusi.
“There isn’t a single magic exercise to achieve visible abs,” says mum-of-four Shakira.
“But a great set of core exercises are planks, dead bugs, hanging knee raises and bicycles. Compound exercises like squats and deadlifts are also great.”
Although Shakira recommends a well-rounded diet, she says “a modest calorie deficit” is necessary to reduce body fat.
She adds: “Your abdominal muscles sit beneath a fat layer, so visible definition relies on overall body composition as well as building muscle.”
The expert emphasised that aesthetics and health shouldn’t be confused.
“Visible ab definition is not a marker of health, and is down to many factors including genetics, hormones, body fat distribution, nutrition and even lighting.
“So, don’t be fooled by social media posts.”