Photo: Erika Reyes

Can you tone a hanging belly?

To lose stomach overhang you have to burn fat cells in both the fat you can see directly under the skin and also the more dangerous fat that you can't see that surrounds your organs. Cardio such as swimming, aerobics, running or dancing will burn this excess fat store.

karidis.co.uk - How to get rid of stomach overhang | Karidis Clinic

What happens when you start drinking more water?

When you drink too much water, your kidneys can't get rid of the excess water. The sodium content of your blood becomes diluted. This is called...

Last updated Jul 7, 2019

Can fat come back after tummy tuck?

During body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck, fat cells are eliminated from the body and cannot return. Because of this, patients may gain...

Last updated Oct 26, 2020

Promotion

Summer is often the season where we feel more self-conscious about our bodies. The warmer weather brings with it the opportunity to wear less clothing – clothes that would usually cover up areas of your body that you are not happy with such as your stomach. We’re all aware of the dreaded ‘bikini fear’ before we head off on holiday and bare all on the beach – often due to insecurities about our stomachs.

A stomach overhang

A common reason for this insecurity and anxiety around baring your stomach on the beach or at the pool is ‘abdominal panniculus’ – the scientific name for stomach overhang that hangs down in front – like an apron of fat. This fatty tissue growth is not only uncomfortable and unsightly, but it is also a health risk. Not everyone who is overweight will have this stubborn layer of fat on their stomach, but in severe cases this layer of fat can appear to be suspended or hang and reach the knees or lower. A stomach overhang can form after fast weight loss, a result of obesity or after pregnancy. Sometimes this excess skin and fatty tissue can be mistaken for a hernia or tumour.

What causes stomach & belly overhang?

A stomach overhang can be caused by a number of reasons, including:

Weight changes

Pregnancy

Genetics

Stress

Ageing

One thing’s for sure – no-one should have to suffer the distress caused by stomach overhang. The good news is that there are things you can do to either remove stomach overhang completely or considerably reduce it. The primary cause of stomach overhang is excess fat gathered in the area around the midriff. If you wish to remove this fat, you need to reduce the fat both on the surface and also around your organs. The ideal scenario is to reduce or remove the fat, then tone the stomach area.

Surgery

The best way of getting rid of stomach overhang is a surgical procedure known as abdominoplasty at our London clinic, which will remove it completely. This procedure tightens the stomach muscles and removes excess skin and fatty tissues from the middle and lower abdominal region. Liposuction is often performed alongside abdominoplasty for the best results. Abdominoplasty can’t be performed on very overweight patients, so if you are considerably overweight you will need to lose weight until you are within several pounds of your ideal weight before the procedure can be carried out.

Opt for CoolSculpting

What is the number one cause of belly fat?

If you eat too much and exercise too little, you're likely to carry excess weight — including belly fat. Also, your muscle mass might diminish...

Last updated Aug 23, 2020

How do I get rid of my hanging belly?

To lose stomach overhang you have to burn fat cells in both the fat you can see directly under the skin and also the more dangerous fat that you...

Last updated Mar 5, 2022

Promotion

For a non-surgical approach to getting rid of stomach overhang, consider a course of CoolSculpting treatments. CoolSculpting is carried out without anaesthetic and there’s no downtime necessary after the procedure. Precisely controlled cooling is delivered to the stomach area, crystallising the fat cells which are then naturally eliminated from your body. You’re left with a sculpted stomach, with no side effects from surgery. CoolSculpting is also ideal to treat stubborn areas such as the upper arms, inner and outer thighs and even under the chin.

Count your calories

To lose weight – either to reduce stomach overhang or before abdominoplasty – you need to eat fewer calories than you burn. The NHS gives some useful advice on calorie counting and recipes. Studies show that those who log their food lose more weight and maintain their weight better. There are lots of apps and websites out there to help you by providing quick and easy ways to log the food and calorie count what you eat on the go, wherever you are. By eating less calories than you are burning, you should see your stomach overhang reduce in time.

Understand insulin

Insulin is the hormone that distributes blood sugar within our bodies as an energy source. Once insulin has fully supplied the energy to each tissue and cells, the insulin uses any surplus to create reserve fuel in storage units. That storage is often located in the stomach area! Insulin spikes when you eat foods with a high sugar level and the insulin increases its activity but your body can’t break down this fat when insulin is in motion. So you must avoid foods high in sucrose and fructose and refined carbohydrates.

Move more

The fat cells stored in your stomach overhang are energy fuels that are mean for burning – so use it to lose it! This is going to take dedication, effort and discipline. To lose stomach overhang you have to burn fat cells in both the fat you can see directly under the skin and also the more dangerous fat that you can’t see that surrounds your organs. Cardio such as swimming, aerobics, running or dancing will burn this excess fat store. HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) is the fastest way to trim down stomach fat. For example, studies have shown that it is best to do short bursts of exercise, such as sprinting for 10 seconds on a treadmill and then walking for 20 seconds. Exercises such as oblique twists, planking and crunches will also tone the lower stomach area.

Does cucumber water help you lose weight?

Cucumber water has many potential health benefits, including hydration, weight loss, lowering blood pressure, and skin health. It is easy to make...

Last updated Nov 26, 2020

Are cucumbers good for weight loss?

SUMMARY:Cucumbers are low in calories, high in water and can be used as a low-calorie topping for many dishes. All of these may aid in weight loss.

Last updated Feb 24, 2019

Promotion

Weight training

Everyone is sure to like the idea of burning fat even when you are resting! You can do this by weight training. When you are building lean muscle mass your body keeps on burning that fat even when you are in the recovery phase after your session. When beginning to weight train, you should ask a trainer to create a program for you which focuses on the abdominal muscles. You can then create a ‘corset’ of muscles to hold you in for a flatter stomach.

Understanding food digestion

We burn more calories digesting protein than we do eating carbohydrates or fat. We also burn twice as many calories digesting whole food than processed food. By making simple swaps in your diet, such as eating wholemeal bread instead of white bread, you can burn calories faster.

Avoiding stress

When you are stressed your body takes on a ‘fight or flight’ survival mode. You get a sudden influx of stress hormones including insulin and cortisol. You will then find yourself craving sweet foods such as chocolate and ice cream and salty foods such as crisps and highly processed junk food. Your body will then store those calories as a survival deposit – often on the stomach area.

There are so many ways to actively reduce your stress levels, including:

Massage (especially aromatherapy)

Meditation

Yoga

Avoiding caffeine

Making sure you get 7-8 hours sleep each night

Exercising – making sure it’s something you enjoy!

Spending time outside

Listening to music

Spending time with friends

A break away

If you have been trying to reduce your stomach overhang for a long time and you still aren’t seeing the results that you want, then it may well be time to consider surgery, but do bear in mind that your surgical results will be more positive if you are following a healthy diet and exercise routine.

karidis.co.uk - How to get rid of stomach overhang | Karidis Clinic

Does sleeping on your stomach flatten it?

No, sleeping on your stomach does not flatten it. Instead, sleeping on your stomach throughout the night ends up pulling your stomach weight...

Last updated Mar 22, 2019

What is the leptin reset diet?

The leptin diet centers around five rules: Eat foods that supply 20 to 30 grams of protein for breakfast. Don't eat after dinner. ... Eat three...

Last updated Jul 5, 2022

Promotion

Does honey expire?

In general, honey doesn't spoil. However, it can go bad if it's contaminated or incorrectly stored. If your honey has visible mold, or if it smells...

Last updated Apr 19, 2021

Promotion

What is the number 1 vitamin to take?

Vitamin B1, or thiamin, is crucial for the basic function of our cells and the metabolism of nutrients for energy. The brain is one of the most...

Last updated Jul 8, 2018