Fortunately, I don't have the "huge" gut issue, (I'm 48-32-42 down from 49-45-44 2 years ago (never trained beforethat)), but have outline definition (vertically) for abs, just no cross definition and my pecs are still hard underneath with a 1/2" of bf ontop.....
On the other hand, my gal started training 9 weeks ago and dropped 9% bf (from 19 to 10) and has her 6 pack coming in (she's never trained in her life)....gotta love good genetics, just hate the ease it came for her<LOL>. She meters in at 5'9", 130# and 35,23,36.....one sweet drink of water. Just wish I had her genetics (although she struggles with putting on mass).