Tropical Weight Loss
Photo by Marcus Aurelius Pexels Logo Photo: Marcus Aurelius

Why do older women's stomachs stick out?

Getting older Fat tissues produce estrogen, so more is produced after menopause to create a balance. Levels of the hormone progesterone also decrease, which can lead to water weight gain and bloating. The accumulation of belly fat is a natural result of these hormonal and metabolic changes.

Should you eat oatmeal everyday?
Should you eat oatmeal everyday?

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can...

Read More »
What would a size 10 be in waist?
What would a size 10 be in waist?

Step 2: Find Your Size Size Bust Waist 10 38 32 12 40 34 14 42 36 16 44 38 12 more rows

Read More »

In this article, we examine the different causes of belly bulge and their treatment or prevention. We also assess when to see a doctor. Weight gain is a simple explanation for a belly bulge, but there may be other causes. Some people carry a belly bulge for life while others notice growth over time. Weight gain is a serious problem in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 42.4% of U.S. adults had overweight in 2017–2018. While visceral body fat mechanisms are unknown, one study reports that genetics play a significant factor. However, visceral fat is another type of belly fat that lies inside the abdominal cavity between the organs. Research suggests it has links with several diseases, including hypertension, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes . Subcutaneous fat makes up the majority of belly fat. This sits just below the skin, and is pinchable. Whether a person has a moderate weight or obesity , their body fat can distribute in several ways. A small amount of belly fat is relatively harmless. However, the larger the bulge, the higher the chance of serious illness.

Several factors can cause a belly bulge.

Getting older

A person’s body composition changes as they age, which can lead to a belly bulge. For females, the decrease in the hormone estrogen during menopause triggers an accumulation of body fat. Fat tissues produce estrogen, so more is produced after menopause to create a balance. Levels of the hormone progesterone also decrease, which can lead to water weight gain and bloating. The accumulation of belly fat is a natural result of these hormonal and metabolic changes. For males and females, muscle tissue, muscle mass, and the capacity to burn calories decrease with age. Therefore, if a person keeps consuming the same number of calories every day, fat naturally increases.

Stress

In the modern world, day-to-day stress majorly impacts on people’s health and well-being. It not only affects the body psychologically — it also interferes with its ability to function normally. The American Institute of Stress report that 77% of people regularly experience physical symptoms of stress. Possible physical side effects include unwanted belly fat. This relates to the stress hormone cortisol, which is created in the body’s adrenal glands. Cortisol affects fat storage around the lower abdomen, while its receptors are found deep within visceral fat. This hormone provides a physical boost during exercise. However, it also induces acute stress. While working in the brain, it helps control mood and motivation. Cortisol also manages how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It regulates blood pressure and can increase blood sugar levels. If a person is stressed, cortisol increases their need to consume sweet or comforting foods and drinks.

Are wraps better than bread for weight loss?
Are wraps better than bread for weight loss?

Typically wraps will have more calories and carbs than a regular slice of bread, because wraps are more condensed." You could argue that some...

Read More »
What should I eat daily?
What should I eat daily?

How to Eat a Healthy Diet 6 to 8 servings of grains. ... 2 to 4 servings of fruits and 4 to 6 servings of vegetables. ... 2 to 3 servings of milk,...

Read More »

Research shows that chronically stressed individuals are more vulnerable to a high-fat, high-sugar diet.

Bloating

Also called distension, bloating occurs for many reasons. These include:

The feeling of pressure or swelling in the stomach from bloating should not usually be a cause for concern. It could relate to something a person has eaten. Therefore, it should pass relatively quickly. However, if bloating continues for an extended period, people may consider speaking with a medical health professional.

Postpartum recovery

A belly bulge is natural in people during postpartum recovery in the weeks and months after giving birth. The uterus takes 6–8 weeks to return to its normal size. A person with concerns about a belly bulge may consider consulting their doctor about an appropriate diet and exercise regime. A belly bulge may also be a symptom of diastasis recti, a condition that affects pregnant and postpartum people. This is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, in which connective tissue weakens and stretches sideways. This leads to a forward bulge where the muscles separate. Research shows that deep core stability exercises can help people reduce the effects of diastasis recti.

Alcohol

As with many things we consume, moderation is key, especially with alcohol.

Drinking too much alcohol can lead to a belly bulge due to increased calorie intake. An average beer has around 150 calories.

Alcohol also hinders fat burning because the liver prioritizes burning off alcohol.

Consuming too much alcohol also destroys liver tissue over the long term. When liver tissue is damaged in this way, new tissue grows in its place. However, the replacement tissue does not work as well. It does not produce the right enzymes and does not remove toxins and waste as a healthy liver does.

Food sensitivity or intolerance

A regular feeling of bloating or stomach swelling over a long period could be due to food intolerance. Research shows that food intolerances may affect up to 20% of the population. Common food allergies and sensitivities include:

gluten

lactose

dairy

People can consult a medical professional for advice on food intolerance. They may refer them to a nutritionist who can recommend interventions, such as keeping a diet diary and using trial and error to eliminate the problem.

How do I know my burn is healing?
How do I know my burn is healing?

After a burn injury, the area of burned skin may appear red and inflamed. This redness gradually decreases and fades as the skin matures. It...

Read More »
How to test your metabolism?
How to test your metabolism?

Your doctor can see how well your metabolism is working through your BMP. This blood test is like a scorecard for your kidney function, blood sugar...

Read More »
Can PhenQ cause diarrhea?
Can PhenQ cause diarrhea?

Most common side effects are related to an upset stomach such as bloating, nausea, diarrhea, headache and dizziness. Feb 3, 2022

Read More »
What exercises burn lower back fat?
What exercises burn lower back fat?

The Best Lower Back Fat Exercises Deadlift. ... Back Squat. ... Front Squat. ... Incline Barbell Bench Press. ... Overhead Press. ... Barbell Row....

Read More »