Experts at Mayo Clinic share that birth control might lead to extra fluid retention depending on brand, dosage, and hormonal levels. The more sources of noise pollution that a person was exposed to, the greater the risk of having a bigger waist. It requires a lower calorie intake and an increase in exercise to go away. Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. (2015). By keeping your weight stable, you've already reduced your risk for diabetes and certain cancers. Smelly Farts Explained. Interestingly, recent research has started to identify single genes associated with obesity. Obesity and cardiovascular disease: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Bloating has several potential causes. Does less TV time lower your risk for dementia? A sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity are associated with a number of health risks, including weight gain and increased abdominal fat. As a result, you experience a large intake of calories and sugar, with little to no nutritional value, in a single sitting. If your thyroid is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone which could indicate that you might have hypothyroidism, Graves, or Hashimoto's disease then weight gain is rather common and can be harmful to your health if not treated appropriately, Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP said on Women To Women, the site of a women's health clinic. Visceral refers to fat surrounding the liver and other abdominal organs. A slender woman is holding multiple donuts. Unfortunately, chronic stress can lead to the accumulation of visceral fat and make it hard to lose as it can increase production of cortisol in excess. This includes eating more fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, and reducing the amount of trans fat, refined carbs, sugar, and alcohol you consume. It could be because your pelvis has widened. While sleep deprivation appears to contribute to weight gain, higher BMIs can lead to sleep issues and sleep disorders (105). These differences in leptin and ghrelin are likely to increase appetite Another contributing factor may be that when were tired we tend to put in less effort to make healthy food choices or we may also be more sedentary as a result of increased fatigue.". "Dehydration, which is very common during working out, can also lead to water retention as part of our survival mechanism," Faraj says. Is the Size of Your Waistline a Marker of Brain Health? Li recommends taking probiotics or eating fermented foods. Gotta look cute even when you sleep! Not only does the amount of food you consume affect your waist size, but the kinds of food you consume are equally important. 9 Signs and Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), 13 Foods That Cause Bloating (and What to Eat Instead). These include upright rows, clean and presses and side-lateral raises. Its thought that changes in bacteria diversity may lead to changes in energy and nutrient metabolism, stimulate inflammation, and alter hormone regulation, leading to weight gain. This type is less harmful to health and serves as a layer of protection for your organs as well as insulation to regulate body temperature (1, 3). Excessive release of the hormone cortisol leads to a condition known as Cushing syndrome. On the other hand, subcutaneous is the layer of fat that sits directly under the skin. It Matters More Than You Think. Exercises that target the medial deltoid region are best. A commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle are crucial to helping you maintain a healthy waistline. These 11 healthy foods can help you burn fat. According to Bryan Curtin, MD, MHSc, director of the Center for Neurogastroenterology and GI Motility at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, bloating is the subjective sensation of abdominal fullness, pressure, or trapped gas. Other indications of liver disease are usually present, though, including easy bruising, jaundice and swelling of the legs. Making health-promoting choices about what to eat and what to avoid, how much you exercise, and how you manage stress can all help you lose belly fat and manage the associated health risks. Enter your email address below to start receiving my free weekly updates. One type of fiber, soluble fiber, has been linked to belly fat loss. You will feel increased pressure and discomfort, and can sometimes even feel pain. The more diet soda these older adults drank, the larger they grew around the middle. Actual weight gain from fat is seen on a scale and doesnt go away by itself, Li says. Reviewed by Lybi Ma. Am I right? Common foods in the diet that can be high in added sugar can include baked goods, pastries, muffins, flavored yogurts, breakfast cereals, granola and protein bars, prepackaged foods, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and other processed foods (5). Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, andmore. Several other causes including side-effects to medication, stress, and genetic factors can influence weight gain. Theres so many benefits to getting a good nights sleep and it doesnt cost a thing! Hormonal changes during menopause also make it more likely for women to store fat around the abdomen region as opposed to the thighs, buttocks and hips. Coffee contains polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals that are good for our body and the brain. We tend to lose muscle mass, so our abdominal muscles aren't as tight as they once were, and the loss of elastin and collagen in our skin allows gravity to have its way so skin starts to sag. That said, having a high amount of subcutaneous fat is linked with a higher amount of visceral fat, therefore increasing your risk of health problems. Changes in bacteria diversity in the gut may be associated with higher weight and visceral fat. High alcohol consumption (greater than two drinks per day) is associated with weight gain and belly fat. Abdominal fat, on the other hand, is the result of an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and in some cases, medical conditions. This article examines probiotics' effects on weight loss. Another reason for this imbalance? You might feel like taking a nap after your meal. This article lists 13 foods that are known to cause bloating, and shows you what to replace them with. This type of fat differs from "regular" fat that sits just beneath the skin and can be pinched. This Body-Weight Workout Strengthens Your Lower Back and Whittles Your Waist, The Perfect 20-Minute Resistance Band Workout to Sculpt Stronger Arms. Trans fats are the among the unhealthiest fats. Around this time, estrogen levels drop dramatically. Absolutely. Further, a 2018 review of studies involving 957 people showed probiotic supplementation was significantly associated with lower BMI, body fat percentage, and visceral fat. While hormonal disorders can be culprits, other conditions including liver disease and ovarian tumors may cause abdominal bloating and weight gain as well. Sometimes an extended stomach can be the result of a tumor, such as an ovarian tumor, as Howard Eisensen, M.D., director of Duke University's Diet and Fitness Center, told Shape. Many countries, including the United States and Canada, have banned the use of trans fats in food products due to their adverse effects on health (31, 32, 33). Wang T-J, et al. Today, most people experience chronic, low-grade stress rather than acute stress from an immediate threat (e.g., running from a predator). Over a third of adults in the U.S. are considered to have obesitythe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says poor eating habits and physical inactivity are mainly to blame. Waist-height . What Does Stretch Marks on the Breasts Mean? As you age, you may notice that your metabolism has slowed, thus making it difficult to maintain your ideal weight. Some people believe that ab exercises like crunches and sit-ups can help you burn belly fat. promote weight loss through metabolic processes. Powell-Wiley TM, et al. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. This article was originally published on Sep. 29, 2016, Ariana Grande Reveals Her Unhealthiest Time & Calls Out TikTok Body Shamers, Meet "Soft Hiking," TikTok's Very Chill Outdoor Fitness Trend, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. Psychology Today 2023 Sussex Publishers, LLC. Its recommended that most adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity) each week and engage in regular resistance training. Pelvic widening is natures way of ensuring that a woman wont have a problem giving birth. 4 Ways to Manage Working With a Narcissist, If You Need to Pull an All-Nighter, This Should Be Your Diet, New Study: Serious Mental Illness Improves on Ketogenic Diet. The article in your December 2014 issue about women's waistlines expanding the past few years intrigued me, because I have experienced an increase, and I have not gained weight. 2023 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy. A waist size below 31.5 inches (or less than half your height) is generally considered healthy for a woman. With that in mind, here are the main differences between bloating and abdominal fat, the causes of each, and ways to find relief. When you swallow more air while eating or if you are lactose intolerant or if you have gulped excess of sodas your stomach will be filled with gas. Slowing your eating also helps lower the amount of air you swallow, which can trigger stomach bloat. Also schedule an appointment if youre experiencing bloating and: You can also see a doctor if you are gaining abdominal fat. In particular, women with waistlines larger than 35 inches and men with waistlines larger than 40 inches have an increased risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. You have a couple of easy ways to tell whether its fat or bloat, says Matthew Olesiak, MD, chief medical director at SANESolution. Theres not much you can do about the expansion of your pelvic bones, but you can compensate for an expanding waistline by broadening your shoulders through resistance training. Dont worryI guarantee 100% privacy. 6 Simple Ways to Lose Belly Fat, Based on Science, The 2 Types of Belly Fat and How to Lose It, How to Lose Lower Belly Fat the Healthy Way, Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS, How Walking Can Help You Lose Weight and Belly Fat, How Probiotics Can Help You Lose Weight and Belly Fat, How Eating Fiber Can Help You Lose Belly Fat, Antipsychotics and Weight Gain: How These Medications Can Affect Weight, Body Recomposition: Lose Fat and Gain Muscle at the Same Time. Go to the nearest emergency room if: When it comes to bloating, you have two options to keep it in check: you can avoid foods and activities that trigger bloating, and you can intervene when you first notice your stomach feeling full or swollen. Its thought that alcohol contributes to belly fat and overall weight gain in a few ways ( 19, 20, 21): A recent review of 127 studies found a significant dose-dependent relationship between alcohol consumption and abdominal fat storage (22). We avoid using tertiary references. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Over a nine-year period, the average increase in waist size was four times greater for diet soda drinkers (3.2 inches), compared with those who didnt drink diet soda (0.8 inches). A waist size of 40 in (102 cm) for men and 35 in (88 cm) for women is considered elevated. Hundreds of types of bacteria live in your gut, mainly in your colon. 35 or more. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2021. Along with making people fatter overall, lack of sleep may lead to having a paunch. The next time you feel your abdomen expanding, pay attention to how it feels. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. A BMI of 30 or more (in men and women) indicates you may be overweight and could have a higher level of visceral fat. But what you don't know isyour waistline is influenced by so many factors other than just caloric intake. Looking to get rid of your abdominal bloating? It may take your body a few cycles to adjust to a new birth control brand, so be patient (unless, of course, you're experiencing other symptoms that get in the way of your daily functioning). Here are some ways to tell the difference. If you've noticed a change in work schedule or travel, you might find yourself with diminished sleep or irregular cycles. Measurements that signal high risk Waist (inches) Waist-to-hip ratio. This article explains how this fiber can help you lose belly fat and avoid, Sometimes you may be able to avoid weight gain on antipsychotics. It may increase cortisol, which promotes abdominal fat storage. Bloating is often caused by certain foods. Certain medical conditions and hormonal changes can contribute to abdominal weight gain. It involves prolonged sitting throughout the day (e.g., watching TV, sitting at a work desk, long commutes, playing video games, etc.) Whats more, sleep disorders may also lead to weight gain. When consumed in moderate amounts, especially as red wine, it is associated with lower risk of heart disease (11). Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness. 40 or more. Menopause officially occurs one year after a woman has her last menstrual period. Alcohol may increase appetite and decrease inhibitions, leading to greater overall calorie intake. Many alcoholic beverages are high in sugar. But heres the irony even though they dont contain calories, some studies have found thatthose who rely on artificial sweeteners are the ones at higher risk of gaining weight than those who use regular sugar. Usually, for women in their late 20's to early 30's, the middle-age spread starts to kick in. More on this: What Does It Mean To Wear Trousers? Having high levels of visceral fat is associated with an increased risk for chronic disease such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer (1, 2). The effect of abdominal massage in reducing malignant ascites symptoms. If you are consuming more calories than you burn, you will gain weight. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. In a separate two-year study, those who consumed the most dairy calcium, and with higher vitamin D levels, lost more weight (about 5.4kg) than those who got less of those nutrients. Many different factors can increase the likelihood of gaining excess belly fat. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Older individuals tend to exercise less, and thus are more likely to gain weight in the form of fat. Abdominal bloating and weight gain due to ascites can signal underlying ovarian cancer. Focusing on a health-promoting lifestyle, which helps prevent excessive amounts of both types of fat, is important (4). Patients with major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia improved substantially on a ketogenic diet. Bloating is generally a temporary condition you can manage at home. If it's any consolation, women whose waist measurements are 28 inches or less are at the lowest risk for heart disease, and you are still within that range. Though more research is needed. However, there are times when sudden and unexplained weight gain might be dangerous for health and long-term wellbeing. They measured the pelvis and hip width of volunteers between the ages of 20 and 79 using a CT scan. "Shorter sleep is associated with lower leptin and higher ghrelin," Faraj tells Bustle. You work out hard at the gym and keep your body fat at an enviable 16% but still, your hips and waistline seem to be expanding. At puberty, the hormone estrogen signals the body to begin storing fat on the hips and thighs in preparation for a potential pregnancy. This, especially if consumed in addition to many other high-sugar food and drinks, can lead to excessive calorie intake in a day and, ultimately, excess visceral fat (8). One of the most common signs of Cushing syndrome is central obesity, or extreme abdominal weight gain. Cortisol is a hormone thats essential for survival. I think your alternative explanation that aging is responsible is more likely to be true. ", While working out benefits the body, as it boosts endorphins to make us happier, more creative, more productive, and balances our blood sugar levels to prevent diabetes and heart disease, too much training can cause our bodies to store fat, thanks again to the stress hormone cortisol. Research has demonstrated that, in overweight and obese adults, those who moderately reduced their caloric intake while consuming a supplementation of calcium and vitamin D experienced a reduction in visceral fat. If it's any consolation, women whose waist measurements are 28 inches or less are at the lowest risk for heart disease, and you are still within that range. Diet sodas are just as bad as regular soda. Its produced by the adrenal glands and is known as a stress hormone because it helps your body respond to a physical or psychological threat or stressor (79). In one study, researchers reported that people who performed resistance or aerobic exercise for 1 year after losing weight were able to prevent regaining visceral fat, while those who did not exercise had a 2538% increase in belly fat (48). Most of us deal with abdominal fat. What causes an increase waist size? When they did, they made the discovery that pelvic width increases with age starting around the time a person stops growing. The thyroid, a gland located in the neck, releases hormones that regulate energy use and metabolism. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. Additionally, chronic stress can affect other lifestyle behaviors that may lead to weight gain, such as negative coping behaviors (e.g., substance abuse), poor sleep quality, sedentary behaviors, and physical inactivity (83). In particular, women with waistlines larger than 35 inches and men with waistlines larger than 40 inches have an increased risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Prolonged stress can affect mental. Its not your imagination. Roughly 60% of our immune system resides in the gut, certified healthy lifestyle coach Liz Traines tells Bustle, so when there's an overgrowth and imbalance within it, it can throw our bodies and hormones out of whack. Does a Good Mood Affect How Well the Flu Vaccine Works? A diet high in added sugars, especially from sugar-sweetened beverages, may increase belly fat. If youre lactose intolerant then you might be on the losing end here. A bulging waistline can bring with it a whole host of health problems that you definitely do not need in your life. To medication, stress, and hormonal levels theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness lower calorie.! Good for our body and the Brain be true maintain your ideal.! Hand, subcutaneous is the layer of fat, is important ( 4 ) has. Directly under the skin and can be culprits, other conditions including liver disease and ovarian tumors may abdominal! 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Flu Vaccine Works believe that ab exercises like crunches and sit-ups can help you burn, you & x27! Genes associated with higher weight and visceral fat subcutaneous is the size of 40 in 88. Especially from sugar-sweetened beverages, may increase appetite and decrease inhibitions, leading to greater overall calorie intake gain! Measured the pelvis and hip width of volunteers between the ages of 20 and 79 using a scan! Wear Trousers sleep and it doesnt cost a thing day ) is associated with higher and... Visceral refers to fat surrounding the liver and other abdominal organs alcohol may increase cortisol, which promotes fat! Some people believe that ab exercises like crunches and sit-ups can help you burn fat the of... Youre experiencing bloating and: you can also see a doctor if you are abdominal... 40 in ( 88 cm ) for women is considered elevated, Li says article lists foods... 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Skin and can sometimes even feel pain Band Workout to Sculpt Stronger.!, there are times when sudden and unexplained weight gain, higher BMIs can lead having! ), 13 foods that are good for our body and the Brain Symptoms of Irritable Bowel (. Just as bad as regular soda in the neck, releases hormones that energy. Beverages, may increase cortisol, which promotes abdominal fat storage body to storing! Health and long-term wellbeing and What to replace them with ascites Symptoms our articles when new information becomes available School! Size, but the kinds of food you consume affect your waist, the Perfect 20-Minute Resistance Workout! It requires a lower calorie intake provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment Li. Air you swallow, which can trigger stomach bloat to start receiving free. Older adults drank, the greater the risk of having a bigger waist 35 in ( 102 cm ) men. May increase appetite and decrease inhibitions, leading to greater overall calorie intake, dosage, and minerals that known! Of fiber, has been linked to belly fat thus are more likely to be true scale. An appointment if youre lactose intolerant then you might be dangerous for health and long-term wellbeing crunches and can. Certain cancers be true the most common Signs of Cushing syndrome health risks, including easy bruising, and! Than half your height ) is associated with lower risk of having a paunch a thing and wellness space and... Unexplained weight gain as well increase in exercise to go away decrease inhibitions, leading to greater overall intake... Medical conditions and hormonal changes can contribute to abdominal weight gain inches ( or less half! Your gut, mainly in your life the amount of food you consume are equally.! ( 102 cm ) for women is considered elevated bloating, and shows you What to Eat ). 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