Tropical Weight Loss
Photo by Andres  Ayrton Pexels Logo Photo: Andres Ayrton

Why does my stomach hang?

Also called a pannus stomach or mother's apron, it occurs when the belly and fat that surrounds the internal organs expands due to weight gain or pregnancy. This results in additional fat deposits in the omentum, which is an apron-like flap under your abdominal muscles, and in front of your intestines.

Is B12 better at night or morning?
Is B12 better at night or morning?

As a general rule of thumb, take your B vitamins in the morning or with a meal. Vitamin B12, for example, should definitely be taken in the...

Read More »
What vitamins should be avoided when on blood thinners?
What vitamins should be avoided when on blood thinners?

If you are a heart patient who is taking blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin®), you need to be careful not to overdo vitamin K. Blood...

Read More »

Listen to this article

As women, we undergo a series of changes in different stages of our lives. Whether it’s pregnancy, weight loss, weight gain or any other surprise, there’s a lot that’s going to come your way. You might notice that your body looks very different, from what it used to be. Some women also notice that there’s an excessive amount of fat, tissue and skin hanging down like an apron from their abdomen. There’s no denying that it looks unsightly, and you would want to conceal it as much as possible, but you need to tackle the issue. But before we talk about the solution, let’s understand what an apron belly is all about.

Understanding an apron belly

Also called a pannus stomach or mother’s apron, it occurs when the belly and fat that surrounds the internal organs expands due to weight gain or pregnancy. This results in additional fat deposits in the omentum, which is an apron-like flap under your abdominal muscles, and in front of your intestines. It isn’t that everyone has the same apron belly, the size can vary. Generally, there are two causes: giving birth and gaining weight. That being said, it isn’t that it does not occur only in women who are overweight. Having an apron belly increases the risk of certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, and has been linked with higher incidence of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Is it possible to reduce an apron belly?

First of all, it is important to focus on overall health by consuming a healthy diet and exercising regularly. You can’t treat an apron belly separately, because it is a combination of overall weight reduction and non-surgical options. When you lose weight, your fat deposits get reduced. Some people might say that doing crunches and sit-ups will help. Well, it certainly will strengthen the abdominal muscles, but they won’t make your apron belly vanish. That’s because there are two layers of fat in the stomach area, which is why it is hard to lose weight! That’s why instead of focusing on spot exercises, try and do exercises in which you move in all kinds of ways. Also, make sure to eat healthy foods that are low in calories, while getting in regular exercise. You could also go for surgical treatments, but they are often expensive. There is a process called panniculectomy that removes the pannus. It does not tighten the abdominal muscles by removing extra skin and fat, which gives you a flatter abdominal area. It can also be combined with a tummy tuck or any other abdominal procedure, if desired. For those who are not comfortable with this, you could go for cool sculpting, which involves minimal invasion and freezing of the unnecessary belly fat.

Why am I not losing weight even though I'm not eating?
Why am I not losing weight even though I'm not eating?

Conservation Mode. Hardly eating doesn't help with long-term weight loss because severe calorie restriction sends your body into conservation, or...

Read More »
How much magnesium to stop sugar cravings?
How much magnesium to stop sugar cravings?

Max out your magnesium Many doctors believe sugar cravings could actually be a magnesium deficiency, especially if the person craves chocolate. Men...

Read More »

What's the difference between tummy tuck and Panniculectomy?

A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess fat, skin, and tissue, while a panniculectomy is performed to remove a pannus. The pannus is a large flap of skin which is distended over the abdomen, genitals, and thighs following significant weight loss or complications from childbirth.

What is a Panniculectomy?

You might be wondering, what is a panniculectomy? Well, the pannus is an apron of skin that hangs down over the stomach, legs, and genitals following a massive weight loss. A panniculectomy is a body contouring procedure that seeks to remove this loose, sagging skin from the abdomen and surrounding regions. It may be performed on its own as a procedure or can be combined with a tummy tuck. Many patients seeking a panniculectomy have experienced massive weight loss, often following bariatric surgery for obesity, or have had serious complications during a pregnancy that have caused the skin to be unable to return to its original shape and elasticity. The pannus may extend as low as a patient's knees, interfering with the ability to perform routine everyday activities. It can also cause myriad health issues such as back problems, skin rashes, ulcers, or other skin disorders. Additionally, it can interfere with everyday tasks such as walking, sitting, standing, or driving.

How can I lose 3kg in 10 days?
How can I lose 3kg in 10 days?

Here are some tips that will help you lose 2–3 kgs in just 10 days. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Water has a very important role in...

Read More »
What is the hormone that causes belly fat?
What is the hormone that causes belly fat?

High Leptin High levels of the hormone leptin are also associated with increased weight gain in the lower belly. Fat cells release leptin, which...

Read More »
What makes you fatter beer or soda?
What makes you fatter beer or soda?

In the average lagger, there are fewer calories than in a twelve-ounce soda and most light beers have about fifty fewer calories per twelve ounce...

Read More »
What is the highest mg of phentermine you can take?
What is the highest mg of phentermine you can take?

Phentermine 15 mg twice a day is sometimes used by people who have a problem with snacking. This is legal because the combined dose of 15 mg and 15...

Read More »