Types of Bellies and How to Get Rid of Them

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When it comes to body shape, each person is unique. The belly area is a common concern, with various types of bellies caused by factors like hormones, diet, and lifestyle

In this article, we will explore the various types of bellies and provide tips on how to get them in better shape.

Key takeaways

• Different belly types can result from various factors, including diet, hormones, and lifestyle.
• Specific types include gluten belly, stress belly, menopause belly, beer belly, insulin belly, post-partum belly, IBS belly, and visceral fat belly.
• Managing these belly types often involves dietary adjustments, stress management, exercise, and medical consultation.

Gluten belly

“Gluten belly” isn’t a medical term, but it’s used to describe discomfort some experience after eating gluten and gluten belly shape may not be the same for everyone. The gluten belly happens due to gluten sensitivity (non-celiac gluten sensitivity or NCGS) or celiac disease. Both can lead to bloating and digestive issues.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

1. Gluten sensitivity: Some people may experience digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort after consuming foods that contain gluten. This condition is often referred to as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). It is distinct from celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion.
2. Celiac disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. This damage can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Celiac disease can also cause systemic symptoms and long-term health complications if not managed through a strict gluten-free diet.

Gluten intolerance can lead to inflammation and bloating, which can result in a distended belly.

To avoid a gluten belly, adopt a gluten-free, high-fiber, and low-processed-food diet.

Stress belly

Stress can lead to belly fat accumulation, often referred to as a stressed belly, driven by cortisol, a stress hormone. This condition contrasts with a hormonal belly, which is influenced by other hormonal imbalances.

When comparing a stressed belly vs hormonal belly, it’s important to understand the different triggers behind belly fat accumulation.

To avoid a stress belly, managing stress through activities like yoga, meditation, deep breath exercises, and mindful eating is crucial. Meanwhile, addressing a hormonal belly may require a broader approach including regular exercise and healthy eating habits. Both strategies are crucial for anyone looking to mitigate the effects of a stressed belly vs hormonal belly.

Menopause belly

During menopause, the body’s production of estrogen declines. This hormonal change can lead to abdominal fat gain as the body tries to store fat in this area to compensate for the loss of estrogen.

Plus, aging and a decrease in muscle mass can contribute to weight gain and a change in body composition during menopause.  Hormonal changes can also affect appetite and metabolism, leading to weight gain.

To avoid menopause belly, maintaining a clean diet, regular exercise, and strength training can help manage weight and reduce belly fat.

Beer belly

Excessive alcohol consumption, especially in men, can cause a beer belly It is characterized by a round and protruding belly.

To get rid of a beer belly, limit your alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.  Additionally, a healthy diet that is low in calories and high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help you lose the beer belly fat.

Insulin belly

Insulin belly is common among people with type 2 diabetes, who have high insulin levels in the body. It is characterized by excess fat around the waistline.

To get rid of insulin belly, you have to know what to eat when blood sugar is high. A low-carb diet with high amounts of protein and healthy fats can help regulate your insulin levels and reduce belly fat.

Intermittent fasting is also very effective at managing blood glucose levels. But if you have type 2 diabetes, you should consult your doctor to find out if starting intermittent fasting is beneficial for your condition as every physiology is unique.

Post-partum belly

The type of belly fat that females might have if they give birth is called “postpartum belly fat”. That’s why, how to get rid of postpartum belly fat is a common concern for women who have recently given birth. It is characterized by loose skin and excess fat around the abdominal area.

To get rid of a post-pregnancy belly, a.k.a. mummy belly or mummy tummy, it’s important to give your body time to heal and recover from childbirth.

Do not strictly cut on calories during this period as your body requires a lot of energy for breastfeeding and taking care of a baby. Eating healthy and nutritious food and avoiding processed junk food will be just fine.

But regular exercise should be a part of your life to tone and tighten the abdominal muscles. You can do cardio exercises at home like:

• Plank jacks
• Mountain climbers
• Jumping jacks
• Burpees

and strength training, too.

IBS belly

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) doesn’t manifest as a visible “belly” but involves various digestive symptoms and abdominal discomfort. Diagnosis relies on symptom presence (like gas, diarrhea, bloating, or constipation) and exclusion of other conditions.

Hormonal changes and genetics may play a role in predisposing some individuals to IBS.

To deal with an IBS belly, avoid stress and eating IBS-triggering foods.

Visceral fat belly

Visceral fat is a type of fat that surrounds the vital organs in the abdominal area such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which is found just beneath the skin, visceral fat is hidden deep within the body and can be difficult to detect without medical imaging.

Excess visceral fat is associated with a range of health problems, including an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. This is because visceral fat can release harmful chemicals that can affect the functioning of organs and increase inflammation in the body.

It’s best to consult a medical professional before starting any weight loss regimen as it’ll become easier to have a road map if you know what exactly is going on in your body.

To sum up

There are different types of belly fat and each requires a different approach to get rid of the excess fat. But incorporating a healthy diet, quitting the sedentary lifestyle, and doing regular exercise are essential in any circumstance to achieve a slimmer, toned and healthier body.