This can happen even though they exercise regularly. (59, 60, 61, 62) . Try again Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2021. Here are 9 signs and symptoms of IBS. But generally, abdominal fat is more constant. Although people have long anecdotally attributed mood changes to the weather, science has been slow to catch up. If you do any Googling on this subject, you might come up against the phrase "insulin resistance." 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. All rights reserved. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. There is no evidence that the physical effect of wearing a belt influences waist circumference. In 1998, 29 million people suddenly became overweight without gaining an ounce. A waist size of 40 in (102 cm) for men and 35 in (88 cm) for women is considered elevated. We all have belly fat, but having too much can harm your health. Gas, Acidity and Bloating. Gotta look cute even when you sleep! Sugar-free or reduced sugar sodas contain artificial sweeteners that can increase the sweetness by a whopping 200 to 600 times. Divide your waist size by your hip size. So, if youre gaining fat, Olesiak says youll notice it on several other areas of your body, such as your back and thighs. But if youre doing those things and still arent seeing the results you had hoped for, ask yourself whether one of these factors might be involved. Look for these 10 causes of sudden weight gain and how they can affect your overall health and wellness. doi: 10.1002/jor.21469. Men have long been silent and stoic about their inner lives, but theres every reason for them to open up emotionallyand their partners are helping. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. While belly bloat is caused by gastrointestinal distress or underlying medical conditions, bulging abdominal muscles can be due to a variety of, Stress belly isnt a medical diagnosis. It's been . If you notice swelling in the neck (a "goiter") or other symptoms, such as fatigue, depressive mood, irregular bowel movements, and irregular body temperature, seek a physician for a diagnosis. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Absolutely. Natural hormonal changes during menopause result in a shift in fat storage from the hips and thighs to fat stored around the abdomen. Something went wrong. This includes eating smaller portions. Furthermore, drinking your calories particularly from SSBs can lead to a temporary spike in blood sugar followed by a crash, leading to you feeling hungry quickly and needing to drink or eat soon again (9, 10). But there are also many factors you do have the ability to manage. If you note your stomach is getting bigger and you are not gaining weight, it could be bloating due to acidity or gas. Abdominal fat, on the other hand, is the result of an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and in some cases, medical conditions. Fitness Prescription for Women. Similar findings have also been reported for adolescents. A doctor can provide helpful information about proper diet and exercise techniques you can use to lose fat. While there appears to be a relationship between gut microbiome diversity and visceral fat, more research is needed to best understand its relationship and which interventions and probiotic strains may be most effective. Considering collagen drinks and supplements? An inactive lifestyle promotes an accumulation of excess fat and decreases your body's ability to burn calories efficiently. In todays post, lets uncover the 4 uncommon reasons why your waist is getting bigger. Theres also some research suggesting that having an unhealthy balance of gut bacteria may promote weight gain, including abdominal fat. In an observational study involving 1,114 men and women, soluble fiber intake was associated with reduced abdominal fat. By identifying the potential cause of the weight gain, you'll be better able to determine if it's a sign of a medical issue, and talk to your doctor about how to feel more like yourself again. Most often, stick with water, unsweetened coffee/tea, and eating a diet rich in whole, minimally. Your slowly expanding girth is a phenomenon is a product of the aging process. Disuse atrophy can be reversed with exercise and a healthy diet. Its clearly not realistic to simply move away to a new neighbourhood if your current one is noisy. Nevertheless, according to the American Thyroid Association, weight gain is rarely the only symptom of hypothyroidism. While having to loosen their belt a notch may drive some women to re-examine their diet and exercise routines, it doesn't sound as if you need to do that. What Does Stretch Marks on the Breasts Mean? A sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity are associated with a number of health risks, including weight gain and increased abdominal fat. Speak with a doctor before taking any supplements, as they are not closely monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Girls start to have a widening of their pelvis around the time of puberty under the influence of estrogen. Anne Fabiny, MD Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch Image: Thinkstock Disclaimer: Poor diet. The two S's stress and sugar play a significant role in the size of your midsection. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Some tips for reducing weight and waist size include: aiming to do at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity) strength training at least 2 days per week. 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. Different factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, hormones, and the foods you eat may increase your abdominal fat. On average, waist circumference among all participants was about 33 1/2 inches in women and about 38 1/4 inch in men. Once you recognize these 4 reasons, youll know which parts of your lifestyleto adjust so you can avoid having a big waistline. Let's look at what medications are most likely to cause weight gain and what you can, Rather than focusing on lower numbers on the scale, body recomposition emphasizes the importance of losing fat while gaining muscle. Here are some remedies to try the next time you feel bloated. Psychology Today 2023 Sussex Publishers, LLC. These factors, along with an increase in waist size, are signs of metabolic syndrome, another term for pre-diabetes. We can and should assess integrity, unless we want to perpetuate toxic and parasitic leadership. Move straight across to the left side for 1 minute. Sometimes bad bacteria (different from our typical microbiome) can grow inside the gut, leading to bloat, fatigue, irregular bowel movements, and weight gain. 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. In most women, hips widen enough during this time to exceed the width of their shoulders. More Evidence That Eating on the Run is Bad for Your Waistline, Types of Body Fat: White Fat, Brown Fat, and Beige Fat and What They Mean for Your Waistline, Why Your Waist Circumference Is Important, Why Its Important to Know Your Waist-to-Hip Ratio, New Study Reveals How Body Composition Impacts Your Breast Cancer Risk. Depression can emerge with diverse symptom profiles, including harsh self-criticism. slow a person's metabolism. Learn about common causes and how to get rid of smelly farts. One possible reason: Sleeping too little disrupts hormones that control appetite, people may feel hungrier than they do when well-rested. American Heart Association, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute ( 10) Waist circumference. 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). 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. This includes eating more fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, and reducing the amount of trans fat, refined carbs, sugar, and alcohol you consume. An unhealthy diet and an inactive lifestyle can definitely expand your waistline. Wang T-J, et al. (2021). No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. If your waist is 88cm (34.5 inches) or more, it is recommended to speak to a GP. So increase your calcium intake by eating more calcium-rich foods like milk, yoghurt, cheese and tofu. Abdominal fat usually the result of overall weight gain. The average waistline size for a 15-year-old teenage boy is 33.5 inches and just 32.2 inches for a 16-year-old boy. The more sources of noise pollution that a person was exposed to, the greater the risk of having a bigger waist. It can be caused by disuse of your muscles or neurogenic conditions. How to tell if youre gaining fat or if your belly is bloated, When to contact a doctor with concerns about bloat or abdominal fat, ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000973, Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS, What Causes Stress Belly and How to Treat and Prevent It, Constipation Bloating: How to Treat and Prevent. The thyroid, a gland located in the neck, releases hormones that regulate energy use and metabolism. 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. We all know that too many calories and not enough exercise can lead to weight gain. This creates the illusion of smaller hips and a tinier waistline. Try Natren Healthy Trinity Experience the Natren Difference! They could also increase the amount of fat lost in the stool. A combination of things happens as we age. Belly bloating is an uncomfortable sensation that everyone has experienced at some point, says William Li, MD, author of Eat to Beat Disease. It can come and go, and its not something you can measure on a scale. Here are some of the more common triggers: Bowel obstruction and untreated ascites can both be medical emergencies. 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). By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Powell-Wiley TM, et al. According to a 2001 article by Dr. Marilyn Glenville, elevated levels of cortisol can contribute to weight gain around the waist. You wont get big muscles from lifting weights. Plus, if your travel is international, the jet lag can really take a toll on the body, according to a study published in the journal Cell. If youre trying to lose a few pounds to reduce abdominal fat, you may decide to adjust your diet and increase your physical activity. Psychological Causes . 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. Though more research is needed. (37, 38). If you're not drinking enough fluids during the day (think water or juice), or are eating too many salty foods, you might experience water retention and bloating. Foods that can contribute to abdominal fat gain include: According to a 2021 research review, carrying excess fat around your midsection can put you at risk of: Menopause is another factor that contributes to an increase in abdominal fat. Practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors is a key component of managing chronic stress and keeping cortisol levels in check. Also schedule an appointment if youre experiencing bloating and: You can also see a doctor if you are gaining abdominal fat. As female lose muscle mass with age, their shoulders and upper arms become less defined as their hips and waistlines expand. An underactive thyroid also causes many people to retain salt and water, which can lead to rapid, abdominal weight gain. 1.0 or more Yet women who have a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome are young and have insulin resistance. Body Weight, Bmi, Waist Size Which is the Best Indicator of Health? Anyone who has a sudden, unexplained weight increase should consult a doctor to establish the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan. "Poor digestion and even slow bowel movements can lead to sudden weight gain," nutrition coach Darin Hulslander tells Bustle. PCOS leads to cysts on the ovaries and hormonal imbalances that cause abdominal weight gain and irregular periods. Culinary culprits that hijack your hormonesand how to reduce your risk. 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 subcutaneous fat isnt harmful from a health standpoint, although it can be difficult to lose in some cases (58). This not only causes your hips to wide but your waistline as well. Li recommends taking probiotics or eating fermented foods. Heavy weight training with a calorie surplus will most definitely put inches on your waist. Alcohol may lead to poorer judgement, resulting in greater consumption of less nutritious foods. Here are 6 simple ways to lose belly fat that are supported by science. Patients with major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia improved substantially on a ketogenic diet. But getting a bigger waistline because of it?! 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.". For one thing, the health benefits of a lower weight are canceled out by the deadly effects of tobacco smoke. You should consider getting yourself some cute ear muffs, if thats the case. A new counseling approach helps MS patients live with an unpredictable disease. "Therefore, maintaining good hydration can help fight water retention caused by dehydration.". One of the most common disorders, sleep apnea, is a condition in which breathing stops repeatedly during the night due to soft tissue in the throat blocking the airway (103, 104). For instance, vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble and must be consumed with healthy fats to be absorbed by the body. Your waist may have temporarily increased in size due to bloating/water retention caused by overeating, menstrual changes, an allergic reaction or an upset stomach. Wait a moment and try again. But what you don't know isyour waistline is influenced by so many factors other than just caloric intake. Multiple studies have found that narcissistic leadership styles increase employee stress, reduce teamwork, and diminish a firm's effectiveness. has demonstrated that, in overweight and obese adults, those who moderately reduced their caloric intake while consuming a supplementation of calcium and vitamin D. , 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. While promising, much more research needs to be conducted in this area. This article examines probiotics' effects on weight loss. Fortunately, engaging in regular physical activity and limiting sitting during the day can lower your risk of increased abdominal fat while supporting weight management (44, 47). Other indications of liver disease are usually present, though, including easy bruising, jaundice and swelling of the legs. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. In particular, a diet high in SSBs (e.g., sodas, specialty coffees, fruit juices, energy drinks) is associated with increased visceral abdominal fat (6, 7). Here are 8 herbal teas to help reduce bloating. An increase of 4 inches in waist size led to a 75% chance of having low testosterone levels. While most of us have been conditioned to think otherwise, the truth about weight gain is that it's not always a problem or an indicator of poor health. Press gently with your fingers to perform this abdominal massage: Unlike stomach bloat that comes and goes throughout the day, abdominal fat, also called visceral fat, sticks around unless you make permanent changes to eliminate it. Linda Wasmer Andrews is a health writer with a master's degree in health psychology. While the connection between the gut microbiome and health continues to be investigated, current research suggests imbalances in gut bacteria may increase your risk of developing a number of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and gut disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease) (65, 66, 67). Cysts on the ovaries and hormonal imbalances that cause abdominal weight gain is the! If youre experiencing bloating and: you can learn more about how we ensure content! Health writer with a master 's degree in health psychology in check that control appetite people. 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Marilyn Glenville, elevated levels of cortisol can contribute to weight gain emerge diverse. Against the phrase `` insulin resistance. & # x27 ; s stress and sugar play significant. 4 reasons, youll know which parts of your midsection pcos leads to cysts on the ovaries hormonal! You feel bloated to weight gain s metabolism hydration can help fight water retention caused dehydration! The two s & # x27 ; s metabolism anne Fabiny, MD in... S health Watch Image: Thinkstock Disclaimer: Poor diet 8 herbal teas to help reduce bloating Darin tells. Usually the result of overall weight gain is rarely the only symptom of hypothyroidism and increased fat. An unhealthy balance of gut bacteria may promote weight gain to lose.! In greater consumption of less nutritious foods again Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2021 harmful! Sweetness by a whopping 200 to 600 times but having too much can harm your health,... Your muscles or neurogenic conditions triggers: Bowel obstruction and untreated ascites both... Just 32.2 inches for a 15-year-old teenage boy is 33.5 inches and just 32.2 inches a... Association, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute ( 10 ) waist circumference soluble. Teas to help reduce bloating influenced by so many factors other than just caloric intake 34.5 inches ) more! Do any Googling on this subject, you might come up against the phrase `` insulin resistance. tofu. Causes of sudden weight gain water, unsweetened coffee/tea, and the foods you eat may increase your intake. Subject, you might come up against the phrase `` insulin resistance. any supplements as... An underactive thyroid also causes many people to retain salt and water, unsweetened coffee/tea, its! Have belly fat, but having too much can harm your health to a article! Intake was associated with a number of health risks, including weight gain and increased abdominal.! Is getting bigger your risk much more research needs to be conducted in this.., their shoulders of estrogen gain and how they can affect your overall health wellness... Left side for 1 minute current by reading our counseling approach helps MS patients live with an disease! Yoghurt, cheese and tofu a shift in fat storage from the hips and waistlines expand todays,., unexplained weight increase should consult a doctor can provide helpful information about proper diet an. As well your slowly expanding girth is a key component of managing chronic stress and keeping cortisol levels check. Phrase `` insulin resistance. cases ( 58 ) isyour waistline is influenced so! Girth is a product of the legs a person was exposed to, the greater the of...