When it comes to body shape and size, no two people are exactly alike. One area of the body that many people struggle with is the belly. While some people have a flat and toned midsection, others may have a belly that protrudes or appears bloated. These different types of bellies can be caused by a variety of factors, including 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.
This type of belly is especially common among men who consume excessive amounts of alcohol. It is characterized by a round and protruding belly.
To get rid of a beer belly, it’s important to 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.
Stress belly
Stress can lead to weight gain, especially in the belly area. Although the term “stress belly” is not a medical diagnosis, it’s known that high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that increases fat storage, can cause excess fat in the abdominal area.
As you can guess, managing stress is essential for getting rid of stress belly. For that to happen, give stress-reducing activities a chance such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness practices, or deep breathing exercises. Incorporating mindful eating into your life is a sustainable method for long-term weight management, too. It will change your body’s satiety response. Not to mention that regular exercise and adopting healthy eating habits are must-dos for anyone.
Post-partum belly
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.
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.
Those who have an insulin belly 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.
Gluten belly
Gluten intolerance can lead to inflammation and bloating, which can result in a distended belly.
To get rid of a gluten belly, it’s important to avoid foods that contain gluten. A gluten-free diet that is high in fiber and low in processed foods and sugar can help reduce bloating and inflammation.
Menopause belly
During menopause, the body’s production of estrogen declines. This can lead to an increase in abdominal fat 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.
However, lifestyle factors such as a clean diet and regular exercise can play a significant role in managing weight and reducing belly fat. Note that strength training is also very important to stop muscle loss during menopause.
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 bellies, 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.
