I eat little and women's bellies grow. Why did my belly get big?

A woman does not immediately notice the fact that her belly is growing, but only after her favorite high-waisted jeans refuse to fasten all the buttons. As a rule, then the time comes to study your reflection in the mirror, and search for the reasons for the loss of your former harmony. Sometimes they are found immediately and are quite banal, but it also happens that the provoking factors can only be found by a specialist of a narrow profile.

This article describes the main and most common causes of abdominal growth in girls and women of different age categories.

Body type

In women of the “male” type, the belly grows much more intensively than in others. This does not mean at all that such ladies are devoid of attractiveness, tenderness or femininity.

It’s just that the maximum accumulation of fat masses is on their sides and stomach, as happens among representatives of the stronger half of humanity.

If this is the main reason for changes in the figure, then it will not be possible to completely correct the situation. The only thing that can be recommended is to exercise hard and adjust your diet.

Eating habits

Eating such foods always ends with the stomach losing its flatness and elasticity:

fast food;
carbonated drinks;
crackers, chips and others like them;
smoked meats;
dishes prepared by smoking, frying or salting;
flour and confectionery products

In this situation, the solution to the problem is obvious - you need to change your diet and bring it back to normal. Along the way, you will have to reconsider your physical activity, start moving more, go in for sports, dance, and so on.

Endocrine system

The answer to why the belly grows in older women may well be disturbances in the endocrine system.

The difficulty is that at this age, female hormones are no longer produced in the required quantities, and this leads to the formation of excess fat mass. It turns out that you should not expect the desired result from intense exercise or strict diets.

In this case, it will not be possible to do without consulting an endocrinologist and taking the medications prescribed by him. Only they can eliminate the causes of obesity in the abdominal area and restore the previous slimness.

Weak muscles

Bad habits or reluctance to lead an active lifestyle do not always become the main reasons for the growth of a “male” abdomen. It also happens that a woman, especially a woman who has given birth, weakens her intra-abdominal muscles. In principle, this is considered a normal process, characteristic of women who have crossed the forty-year mark.

It is quite difficult to overcome this kind of obstacle, so it is better to warn it in advance. Among the preventive measures, we can recommend regular exercise and tightening cosmetic procedures.

Lack of vitamins and disease

Vitamin deficiency is another explanation for why the belly grows. It is especially relevant for older women, whose bodies are no longer able to absorb all the vitamins and nutrients that come with food and drink.

It turns out that there is a need to additionally take vitamin and mineral complexes, adhering to the specified dosage according to the age category. Only such medications will be able to compensate for the deficiency of delicate substances, prevent the accumulation of fat masses, and normalize material metabolism.

In addition, the belly may begin to grow due to the latent or initial stage of diabetes.

Harmful addictions

We all like to do and eat things that bring us pleasure. But you have to pay for it, and sometimes the price of the satisfaction received is the loss of your former harmony.

Older women may notice an enlarged belly for the following reasons:

Intense and prolonged smoking;
Excessive alcohol consumption. The fact is that alcohol is absorbed extremely quickly, and simply does not give the stomach any opportunity to extract all the useful and important substances from the snack (read, food). As a result, excess fat reserves are formed, and, as a rule, they are “stored” in the waist and tummy area;
The habit of overeating, especially at night. It must be avoided by any effort, and the last meal should be organized no later than a couple of hours before bedtime.

A difficult and nervous lifestyle, which is complemented by chronic fatigue and an abundance of work, forces the body to work to the limit of its capabilities. Over time, certain metamorphoses begin to occur in the body, affecting, in particular, the digestive system. The stomach begins to not fully absorb the incoming food, and as a result, it turns into fat stores.

Preventive measures

In order not to wonder what to do when your belly grows, you need to follow simple tips, thanks to which a slender waist will never leave you.

24 April 2017 4497 0

Currently, experts identify several reasons for the increase in abdominal size in women. Etiological factors can be both physiological and pathological. In order to diagnose and prescribe the correct treatment, it is necessary to seek medical help in a timely manner. Determining the reasons why the belly grows in the early stages allows you to get rid of this condition in the shortest possible time. In this article, we will consider the main factors leading to an increase in abdominal size, as well as methods of treating them.

Please note that this text was prepared without the support of our website.

Why does a woman's belly grow?

An increase in belly size is a real problem for women. This can happen for various reasons. They can be of both physiological and pathological origin. The main etiological factors for abdominal growth in women include:

Burdened heredity

A genetic predisposition to obesity is passed on from generation to generation. Depending on the constitutional characteristics of women, there are male and female body types. In the male type, fat deposits are most characteristic of the abdominal area.

Eating disorders and sedentary lifestyle

Irregular and unbalanced nutrition, as well as a sedentary lifestyle, contribute to excess weight gain. Fatty and high-calorie foods lead to obesity. Most often, fat cells are deposited in the abdomen and sides. With a slow metabolism, the process of abdominal growth in women noticeably accelerates.

Having bad habits

Smoking and alcohol negatively affect women's health. High-calorie drinks contribute to excess weight gain.

Hormone imbalance

Hormonal imbalance occurs for various reasons. In women, it is typical for pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, abortion, menopause, and thyroid disorders. An increase or decrease in the amount of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone affects the size of the abdomen. Decreased thyroxine production leads to the development of hypothyroidism, in which the destruction of fat cells slows down.

Gastrointestinal diseases

Pathology of the digestive organs is often accompanied by increased gas formation. This is expressed in an increase in the size of the abdomen.

Oncology

Cancers of the pelvic organs in the later stages are accompanied by an increase in the size of the abdomen. In addition, with oncological pathology, fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity is possible.

Gynecological diseases

An increase in abdominal volume occurs with the development of uterine fibroids or cysts. The larger the size of the formation, the faster the belly grows. Elimination of the etiological factor leads to a return to previous volumes.

Postpartum period

After giving birth, many women notice that their belly continues to grow. This is due to the weakness of the muscle corset. Hormonal imbalance, stress and emotional tension can lead to binge eating. The result of this is abdominal obesity. The abdomen increases in size.

Enlarged abdomen due to hormonal disorders

Hormonal changes are most common in women. This is associated with pregnancy, abortion, menstruation, menopause and endocrine diseases. These conditions affect hormonal levels. As a result, changes in a woman's figure may occur. The main reasons leading to hormonal imbalances and abdominal enlargement in women include:

Climax. During this period, the amount of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone produced decreases. Hormonal imbalance leads to weight gain. It is distributed according to the abdominal type. The volume of the abdomen increases due to the accumulation of excess fat.
Hypothyroidism. After 50 years, the amount of thyroxine, the thyroid hormone, decreases. Its deficiency is expressed in a disease such as hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones break down lipids. This does not happen when their number decreases. An accumulation of excess fatty tissue appears in the abdominal area.
Pregnancy. A natural process in which hormonal changes occur in a woman’s body. The amount of estrogen, progesterone, hCG and somatomammotropin increases. The volume of the abdomen increases as the embryo grows.
Menses. The period of the menstrual cycle is characterized by hormonal changes. The concentration of hormones increases, the size of the uterus increases due to increased blood circulation in this area. All this can lead to an increase in abdominal volume.
Abortion. Hormonal imbalance is one of the most common complications of the procedure. The severity of the manifestations depends on the method by which the abortion was performed. Restructuring the body can cause an increase in the size of the abdomen.

There are various reasons for the appearance of a hormonal belly in women. If you have the first signs of volume changes, you should consult a doctor for a full diagnosis. Correct treatment prescribed in a timely manner will allow you to get rid of the unpleasant symptom in the shortest possible time.

Big belly in women: reasons

The following are the reasons for abdominal growth in women:

Hormonal imbalance. It can accompany a woman throughout her life. Hormonal changes are typical for menstruation, pregnancy, abortion, menopause, and thyroid pathology. Fluctuations in estrogen, testosterone and progesterone levels affect the size of the abdomen. With hypothyroidism, lipolysis is impaired, which leads to abdominal obesity.
Gynecological diseases. The development of uterine fibroids and cysts provokes an increase in the volume of the abdomen. Growth depends on the stage of the disease. The larger the tumor, the faster the size of the abdomen increases. Additional symptoms may include pain in the lower abdomen and uterine bleeding.
Heredity. Experts do not deny a hereditary predisposition to obesity. At the same time, a woman’s appearance depends on the constitution of her figure. The male type is characterized by the accumulation of adipose tissue in the abdominal area.
Unbalanced and irregular diet. The modern rhythm of life does not always allow you to eat properly and in portions. High-calorie and fatty foods contribute to excess weight. In women, obesity primarily manifests itself on the stomach and sides. In addition to eating disorders, many lead a sedentary lifestyle. Physical inactivity makes the situation worse. Pain syndrome develops in the joints and back, and stiffness of movements. Obesity provokes shortness of breath, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, and skin problems.
Bad habits. Alcohol abuse and smoking cause chronic intoxication of the body. Many alcoholic drinks are high in calories. Excessive amounts of them contribute to excess weight gain, and as a result, an increase in the size of the abdomen.
Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. Increased gas formation and bloating are characteristic of many diseases of the digestive system. In addition, heartburn, belching, bitterness in the mouth, abdominal pain and unstable stool may be bothersome.
Oncological diseases. Cancers of the pelvic organs are accompanied by an increase in the size of the abdomen. This happens when the tumor reaches a large size. It grows into nearby organs and tissues, causing pain.
Postpartum period. An increase in the size of the abdomen in women after childbirth occurs due to various reasons. These include weakness of the abdominal muscles. As a result of prolonged stretching, they do not have time to get into shape. Apart from this, hormonal imbalance also causes belly growth.

Why does the belly grow in women after 40 years and what to do?

Many women notice that their figure changes with age. This occurs for physiological or pathological reasons. The main conditions that cause an increase in abdominal size in women include:

Heredity. There is a hereditary predisposition to obesity. In this case, a woman’s male type of constitution is distinguished. It is characterized by the appearance of fat deposits in the abdominal area.
Unbalanced and irregular nutrition. Together with a sedentary lifestyle, they negatively affect the condition of the figure. Excessive consumption of fatty and high-calorie foods increases weight. Fat cells are most often deposited in the abdomen and sides. In women after 40 years of age, metabolism slows down. To maintain a toned figure, you need to engage in physical activity. This is especially true for office workers who lead a sedentary lifestyle. In addition to sports, it is recommended to adhere to a balanced fractional diet.
Bad habits. Smoking and alcohol abuse cause chronic intoxication of the body. High-calorie drinks contribute to excess weight gain. Giving up bad habits will significantly improve a woman’s health.
Hormonal imbalance. After 40 years, many women experience menopause. It is accompanied by hormonal changes. At the same time, the amount of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone produced decreases. Menopause is characterized by a decrease in thyroxine concentration. Thyroid gland insufficiency develops, which is reflected in impaired lipolysis. Fat cells accumulate in the abdominal area, increasing the size of the belly. Hormonal imbalance can be eliminated with the help of medications individually selected by an endocrinologist.
Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. Many diseases of the digestive system are accompanied by an increase in the size of the abdomen. This occurs due to increased gas formation. Special medications, as well as dietary nutrition, will help reduce the severity of symptoms.
Oncological diseases. Changes in abdominal volume appear due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Ascites is characteristic of many cancer pathologies. Depending on the type of tumor, conservative or surgical treatment of the disease is distinguished.
Gynecological pathology. Uterine fibroids, cysts and other neoplasms of the pelvic organs are accompanied by an increase in the size of the abdomen. The severity of the symptom depends on the volume of formations. There are surgical and drug treatments for these diseases.
Postpartum period. There are several reasons why a woman’s belly increases in size after childbirth. Abdominal muscles do not have time to return to tone after stretching; hormonal imbalance and poor nutrition are the main ones. Regular exercise, hormonal therapy, and a balanced menu will help get rid of belly fat.

How to remove a big belly: treatment of causes

To effectively combat abdominal obesity, it is necessary to diagnose the cause. Once it is determined, the issue of prescribing the correct therapy is decided. Depending on the etiological factor, the following methods of treating abdominal enlargement are distinguished:

Maintaining an active lifestyle. An unbalanced and irregular diet, consumption of large amounts of fatty and high-calorie foods, a sedentary lifestyle, emotional stress, smoking and alcohol abuse negatively affect a woman’s body. There is an accumulation of fatty tissue in the abdominal area. To combat these deposits it is necessary:

Include foods rich in vitamins and minerals in your diet. To normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the daily menu must contain a sufficient amount of fiber.
Maintain drinking regime.
Exercise. Thanks to the variety of sports activities, each woman can choose an individual set of exercises to perform regularly.
Quit smoking and alcohol.
Avoid stressful situations. The modern rhythm of life does not always allow you to follow this recommendation. However, it is worth learning to perceive failures less emotionally.

Hormonal imbalance occurs due to various conditions. Due to the failure, an increase in the size of the abdomen in women occurs. After a complete examination and the etiology of the hormone imbalance, therapy is prescribed. Treatment is prescribed individually by an endocrinologist.
Gynecological diseases are considered one of the most common causes of abdominal enlargement in women. The main diseases leading to this condition include uterine fibroids and cysts, as well as oncological formations. Various conservative and surgical methods are used for treatment. Therapy is selected individually depending on the size, location and degree of development of the formation. After eliminating the etiological factor, the size of the abdomen returns to its previous state.
The postpartum period is accompanied by hormonal changes. In addition, the abdominal muscles do not have time to return to tone after prolonged stretching. To restore and reduce abdominal volume, it is recommended to gradually increase physical activity. Hormonal imbalance is corrected by an endocrinologist after determining the quantitative indicators.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract quite often lead to increased gas formation. Irregular nutrition and stress negatively affect the state of the digestive system. To determine the causes of bloating, it is recommended to undergo instrumental and laboratory tests. Based on their results, the gastroenterologist selects the correct treatment. Diet adherence is important. Errors in nutrition lead to exacerbations of chronic diseases of the digestive system.

You can undergo a full examination to find out the reasons for the increase in abdominal size in our clinics. Our specialists have many years of experience, allowing us to quickly determine the etiological factor and prescribe individual treatment. Clinics have modern equipment necessary for a complete diagnosis of the causes of abdominal obesity.

Big belly with fibroids - treatment in Moscow

Uterine fibroids are one of the causes of increased abdominal volume. When the etiological factor is eliminated, its size returns to its previous levels. Doctors from our medical institutions perform removal of fibroid nodes in Moscow. The clinic's doctors are highly qualified specialists in the treatment of uterine fibroids. In their work, they use modern equipment necessary for accurate diagnosis and effective removal of myomatous nodes. You can learn more about the cost of treatment, as well as make an appointment with a doctor, by calling the phone number listed on the website.

Hello my dears. I remembered the phrase of the gorgeous Marilyn Monroe: “A woman without a tummy is like an apartment without furniture.” They say that many men are not a fan of the inflated, inverted belly of their fair sex. They don’t need these notorious cubes; they like it when everything is round, streamlined and appetizing. So let's exhale, girls.

Now, let's evaluate our tummies. Are they too round or even saggy? Pull in, don’t pull in, but the belly sticks out treacherously. It is unlikely that Monroe had in mind such a vague, shapeless ugliness. Unfortunately, this is a problem for thousands of us. No matter how you diet or exercise your abs, your belly will grow. The reasons for a woman can be completely different.

Nerves, stress and wine

The previously sexy and flat tummy began to suddenly increase in volume, as if it had been inflated like a beach ball? Are you pregnant by any chance? Sometimes the belly begins to show in the early stages. You can't pull him in, no matter how hard you try. If this is definitely not pregnancy, we will conduct a detailed investigation into what else could be causing the belly to grow.

The work is sedentary, colleagues often bring treats from home, pies and pies are not transferred to the home table. And where do these same pies go later, pray tell? We drove home from work by car, that is, without particularly straining. This is just a family dinner. We sat, ate, and then went to the side. It's early to get up tomorrow. So the eaten pies and other harmful things remained inside you, and successfully turned into fat deposits, first on the stomach, then on the buttocks and thighs, etc.
Admit it: do you smoke? Only honestly! Do you drink beer or wine on weekends? If the answer is yes, and your stomach is literally protruding, throw away this cigarette and introduce a personal prohibition law. Nicotine and alcohol, when regularly introduced into the body, disrupt metabolism. So fat is deposited in our problem areas, including on the stomach.
If you just recently “visited” the maternity hospital and your stomach is just a “relic” of a recent birth, then this is a fixable matter. Especially if you regularly went to the gym before pregnancy. If you have never been an athlete, but you really want a flat tummy, then you need to make an effort. Do yoga, hula hoop at home, and after a while, all the excess in the waist area will gradually burn away under the pressure of exercise.
Endless stress, without which, unfortunately, our life is unthinkable, can add another big and noticeable stress to you - a bulging belly. Try to think positively, even if you were deprived of a bonus at work or your child brought back a two- or three-grade diary from school. Don’t worry too much, otherwise an ugly “bundle of nerves” will grow instead of a toned, slender tummy.
Are you always unable to get enough sleep, like wet salt from a salt shaker? Every day you promise yourself to go to bed early, but work and watching your favorite TV series do not allow you to keep your promise. How familiar, right? So, you will be surprised, but lack of sleep, as well as “oversleeping,” lead to weight gain and, in particular, a rounding of the abdomen. Try to follow the ideal regime for at least a couple of weeks. Go to bed at 22:00, get up at 6:00. You'll see, your body will thank you. Your stomach will deflate a little, and you will feel much better.
Play, hormone, but don’t play around. It’s a pity, but we are not able to give such an order to our hormones. Imbalances can happen unexpectedly. There are many reasons for such failures, sometimes they can only be calculated after lengthy examinations. But the consequence is immediately obvious - severe obesity and other serious health problems. In such a situation, an unsightly belly can be removed only by restoring normal hormonal levels. Note, hormones that require special attention: adrenaline, estrogen, thyroxine, cortisol, insulin, triiodothyronine. Our female well-being and even weight often depend on their level.
“Girl, sit down, you’re pregnant,” the young man on the bus tells you, giving up his seat. And you are not pregnant at all. It’s just winter, so we relaxed and saved up fat for the cold weather. Of course, blaming the time of year is not entirely correct. As such, winter is not to blame for anything, it’s just that with its arrival we all go into “sleep mode”. I don’t feel like training in the gym; summer and beach season are still a long way off. Sometimes you can rob the refrigerator at night. Again, the autumn-winter depression has arrived. Do you recognize yourself? Same thing.
Team "Gases!" Alas, the belly often grows precisely in response to this command. Increased flatulence sometimes causes the stomach to swell like a ball. Hush, Tanechka (Yulia, Mashenka, Irina), don’t cry, we’ll blow away the stupid ball! To do this, we do not eat dry food, follow a diet and monitor which foods could provoke the accumulation of excess gas in the intestines.
Gynecology. Unfortunately, a purely female, but very dangerous cause of abdominal growth is often benign and malignant neoplasms of the uterus and ovaries. At the same time, it is the lower abdomen that suffers, tenses, and swells. This bloating is usually accompanied by menstrual irregularities, the appearance of “unscheduled” bleeding, frequent urination and a constant feeling of indigestion.
If you have decidedly rejected all of the above reasons, go for an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. Perhaps it's all about the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Otherwise, this is called ascites, and, sadly, it does not come alone. It is just an accompaniment of many serious diseases: cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, acute heart failure.

Not a ball, but a beautiful plane

So, we now know the main reasons for the growth of the abdomen. Starting from them, we begin to take decisive action and begin to fight. If the belly is rounded not due to pregnancy or illness, then the plan is as follows:

We exclude sugar, white wheat bread, salt, and animal fats from the diet;
We run to the gym or organize it at home. Even a modest arsenal will be enough: a pair of dumbbells, a mat, a hoop. Just a couple of hours a week devoted to sports - and gradually the volume, including the abdomen, will decrease. Walk more, breathe fresh air, and you will receive gratitude in the form of a slender figure and the envious glances of women and admiration from men.
Visit an endocrinologist. This is in case you follow both of the previous points, but the result is still not visible. A doctor can help get to the root of the problem. Perhaps you have a long-term illness, which, apart from a perpetually bloated belly, does not manifest itself in any way. As soon as you get rid of the disease, the belly will deflate on its own.

Well, my slender little ones, now we understand that a big belly is given to us in exchange for something: the opportunity to bear a child, the habit of being nervous or smoking, delicious fried pies, etc.? So we keep ourselves in control, try to get enough sleep, eat right, and exercise. Because doing the opposite means literally not sparing your belly. Do we need it?

Let me take my leave. I can’t bear to bow deeply, as my stomach swelled up in the evening, right in line with the topic of today’s article. I look forward to your responses and comments, as always, with great impatience!

An increase in the size of the abdomen can have completely banal reasons, despite proper nutrition and the absence of pregnancy. Exhaustive exercises and diets do not always help cope with this problem. Why does a woman's belly grow? The reasons may be heredity, endocrine pathology, age-related changes or diseases of internal organs.

The main causes of abdominal growth observed at different ages in women:

hereditary predisposition;
unhealthy lifestyle (poor diet, low physical activity, bad habits, stress);
hormonal disorders (pregnancy, premenstrual period, menopause, thyroid disease, metabolic disorders);
metabolic syndrome;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (flatulence and stool disorders, enteropathy, irritable bowel syndrome);
ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity);
tumors of internal organs.

Heredity

Why does a woman's belly grow? Many people have heard about the concept of “constitution”. This is a certain complexion of the human body, genetically endowed by nature. A girl can be built according to a male or female type. If you have a female body type, fat in the body is deposited evenly, accumulating most on the hips and back. If the figure type is male, the first fat folds begin to appear on the stomach, which can appear after 30 years.

Wrong lifestyle

The most common cause of fat deposition in the abdominal area is poor nutrition. Abundant amounts of fatty and fried foods, increased consumption of carbohydrates lead to the formation of fat folds, and a belly appears like a pregnant woman. A strongly growing belly can form when eating dry food or shifting the time of eating to the second half of the day. This also leads to a hearty dinner with a fairly modest breakfast and lunch. A bloated stomach often appears after eating large amounts of fiber, especially legumes.

A sedentary lifestyle, work associated with mental work or limited physical activity, passive rest during free time - all this leads to the appearance of cellulite, and the belly begins to grow. Incorrect physical exercise also contributes to fat deposits, when the emphasis is on training the heart muscle in the cardio zone and no time is devoted to strength exercises. An enlarged belly makes it difficult to move and wear usual clothes that do not meet at the waist.

The abdomen may become bloated due to bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol. There is an opinion that smoking leads to weight loss, so women wonder why their belly grows. When inhaling nicotine, metabolism is disrupted, which leads to fat deposits. Drinking alcohol, which is a high-calorie drink and leads to the accumulation of fat in the tissues, can increase the size of the belly.

Nervous conditions at work and at home, constant stress increase appetite in some women. They begin to “eat up” stress with all sorts of foods that do not have time to be absorbed by the body and begin to be deposited, and the stomach can grow due to the appearance of fat folds. If your belly is enlarged after stress, this is caused by increased production of the hormone cortisol, which increases appetite.

Changes in hormone levels can occur during pregnancy, before the onset of menstruation, or in women after 40 years of age during menopause. In the second half of the menstrual cycle, the uterus increases in size, and the lower abdomen hurts. Why does a woman's belly grow during this period? The reasons may be decreased peristalsis, slower evacuation of food, increased absorption, constipation and increased flatulence.

To correct treatment, you must seek help from a gynecologist-endocrinologist, who will check the level of sex hormones and, if necessary, prescribe corrective treatment. A gastroenterologist will help you cope with stool disorders and dyspeptic symptoms. If you have constipation, you should include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet and drink enough fluids throughout the day. With flatulence, on the contrary, it is worth limiting the intake of foods that enhance peristalsis.

In addition to the physiological reasons for changes in hormonal levels, the abdomen may become bloated due to endocrine diseases. Metabolism in the human body is regulated by the nervous and endocrine systems. A small area in the brain, the hypothalamus, is responsible for the work of both departments. When its functioning is disrupted, the regulation of metabolic processes in the body changes and the process of fat deposition intensifies. Even with a small amount of food consumed, the stomach can increase in size.

If the belly begins to grow in women over 50 years old, it means that menopause is approaching. During menopause, there is a decrease in the production of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in a woman’s body, which contributes to fat deposits in the abdominal area. Estrogens in a young body increase the production of the thyroid hormone - thyroxine.

With a lack of this hormone in women over 50, the metabolic rate drops and hypothyroidism develops. With this disease, cellular metabolism slows down, lipid levels increase, and body weight increases. The cause of excess weight can be not only age-related changes, but also primary damage to the thyroid gland, for example, with autoimmune thyroiditis or a previous thyroidectomy.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Why does my stomach get bigger after eating? Colitis or irritable bowel syndrome lead to increased formation of gases, bloating, and flatulence. Diseases may be accompanied by stool disorders. Due to the accumulation of gases and feces in the intestines, a feeling of fullness appears after eating, the stomach swells, it sharply increases in size, becomes hard, and pain appears in the lower abdomen.

These diseases are treated by a gastroenterologist, prescribing medications that normalize gastrointestinal motility. During treatment, it is necessary to follow a diet - limit the intake of foods containing fiber (eat less vegetables and fruits, especially cabbage and legumes). Preparations containing a large number of bifidobacteria will help normalize the flora. The diet should be enriched with yoghurt, kefir and other lactic acid products.

The abdomen may become distended with celiac disease. It is an autoimmune disease caused by an inherited defect in the enzyme that breaks down gluten. With this disease, a so-called food allergy occurs to certain foods containing it (bread, pasta, cereals, grains), when taken, the stomach begins to swell and ache, and becomes hard. Most often, the diagnosis is known already in childhood, when the first complementary foods are introduced. The disease can be cured by diet and enzyme preparations.

Tumors

With benign or malignant formations of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space, the affected organ increases in size and the abdomen distends. Free fluid begins to accumulate in the abdominal cavity, which leads to an additional increase in abdominal volume.

In severe cases, ascites occurs, which often occurs with ovarian tumors. Ascites can also be caused by severe circulatory failure due to heart disease. These may be congenital or acquired defects or a previous heart attack. This pathology is more common in old age.

What to do if your belly is enlarged?

First of all, you need to visit a doctor. You can start with a visit to a therapist, who, after an examination, will prescribe a blood test and an ultrasound of the internal organs. Once a year, it is imperative to visit a gynecologist to identify ovarian formations and disturbances in the production of female sex hormones.

A course of hormone replacement therapy may be required. If endocrine disorders are detected, the doctor will prescribe a consultation with an endocrinologist, blood tests for sugar and thyroid hormones. A gastroenterologist will help you cope with the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. After treatment and examination are completed, you can take up exercise, join a gym, or create a home exercise program.

A prerequisite is to follow a diet with limited fats and carbohydrates, a diet, and giving up bad habits. For chronic stress, you may need to consult a psychotherapist or psychologist, prescribe adaptogens and sedatives.

Any health problem can be solved by paying close attention to your body. A timely examination and prescribed treatment will help you avoid serious illnesses and cope with the problem.

Eating foods that contribute to the accumulation of fat deposits on the abdomen, sides, and lower back is not the only reason for the appearance of fat in the waist area. The belly of women and men grows for different reasons and not in the same way. There are two types of fat deposits - deep or visceral fat, and superficial, subcutaneous fat.

Deep fat is deposited on the internal organs of the abdominal cavity due to metabolic disorders or hormonal changes. In women, this can occur during or after pregnancy, menopause, in men - after the age of thirty. Nutrition has virtually no effect on these processes; it is difficult to fight visceral fat deposits - this requires a lot of time and significant efforts to change your lifestyle.

The appearance of subcutaneous fat occurs due to an excess of carbohydrates and fats in the diet, increased calorie content of the daily menu, its imbalance, and other violations of the principles of proper nutrition. By understanding what foods make your belly and sides grow, you can limit their consumption, thereby stopping the process of accumulating surface fats and starting the process of losing weight.

Simple carbohydrates in the diet

Carbohydrates are a key source of energy and are found in almost all foods, including dairy products, vegetables and fruits. The percentage of carbohydrates in the European diet is slightly more than 50% of all substances entering the body with food. Depending on the speed of breakdown and conversion of sugar into glucose, they are divided into simple, or fast, and complex, or slow.

You cannot completely eliminate carbohydrates from your daily menu - you will have to eat only certain types of greens. A diet for belly fat involves limiting the consumption of fast carbohydrates, which are found in:

flour products;
baking;
sugar;
some cereals;
pasta;
potatoes;
bananas;
dates;
grapes;
sweet soda.

After you eat one of these foods, your blood sugar levels rise quickly, but fall just as quickly, causing you to feel hungry. Slow carbohydrates take a long time to break down, glucose levels rise gradually, so you feel a surge of energy, and the feeling of fullness lasts for several hours. The proportion of simple and complex carbohydrates in a properly selected diet should be 1:3.

Consumption of animal fats

When considering the question of what foods make women's bellies grow, we need to mention animal saturated fats. Their excess can lead to a number of metabolic disorders, disruptions in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, high cholesterol levels, and other consequences that threaten your health and life. Products high in animal fats:

butter;
salo;
fatty meats;
fatty cheeses.

It is impossible to completely abandon animal fats for a number of reasons. They are involved in the absorption of a number of vitamins, influence the production of a number of hormones, and a third of all the cells of our body consist of them. During the diet, replace the above products with others that also contain animal fat, but in smaller quantities:

low-fat dairy;
eggs;
fish;
poultry meat;
lean beef;
rabbit meat;
low-fat seafood.

Salty food

During any diet, it is often recommended to avoid salt. The calorie content of a dish does not increase when salt is added; another problem arises - fluid retention in the body. When we overuse salty foods, we experience increased thirst, which is precisely a signal about the beginning of this process. When fluids stagnate, metabolism and the removal of waste and toxins from the body slow down, you lose weight more slowly or not at all. Eliminate smoked foods and pickles from your diet, and salt your food not during cooking, but after serving, just before consumption.

Fried foods

The calorie content of a finished dish can increase not only because of the components that make it up, but also because of the method of its preparation. Food fried in butter or vegetable oil is one of the main enemies of a flat tummy. Give preference to boiled or steamed dishes; bake meat and fish in the oven or grill. Do not prepare complex multi-ingredient dishes; use a combination of a maximum of two or three products.

What foods to avoid to lose belly fat?

Why the belly can grow in women becomes clear after studying the composition of any product. Not only its calorie content, but also its fat and carbohydrate content influence the formation of excess weight around the waist. The percentage of sugar in a finished dish or drink increases the volume of fat reserves. During the diet, it is necessary to reduce or eliminate the consumption of foods high in simple carbohydrates, animal saturated fats and sugar (glucose, fructose, sucrose).

Sweets

Sweets, confectionery, cakes and pastries, caramel, chocolate are products that are fast carbohydrates in almost pure form. If you want to stop the process of fat accumulation and lose weight, it is better to completely eliminate them from your diet during the diet. Replace them with honey (in small quantities - 1 tablespoon per day) and dried fruits, as they have a high calorie content and are absorbed more slowly. Because of this, the feeling of hunger decreases, while you experience a surge of vitality longer.

You will notice that your belly is no longer growing soon after you eliminate white rice, semolina and flour products such as white bread, pasta made from first and highest grade flour, all types of cookies and baked goods from your diet. These are foods high in simple carbohydrates, so they must be replaced with the following analogues:

bran or rye bread;
buckwheat, millet, barley groats, oat groats, wheat groats, pearl barley;
Brown rice;
pasta made from buckwheat or rye flour or durum wheat.

Pork

Due to its high saturated fat content, it is recommended that you avoid eating pork. Meat is an important product for maintaining the full functioning of our body, so instead of pork chops, eat baked beef, poultry or rabbit. Sea fish contains a high percentage of animal fat, so it is also suitable as an analogue.

Potato

One of the most harmful foods for a slim and fit figure is potatoes fried in butter or vegetable oil. One hundred and fifty grams of this dish (one medium-sized serving) contains more than 300 kcal - this is the calorie content of one full meal. High starch content promotes the absorption of carbohydrates and increases the risk of a growing waistline. Bake the root vegetable in the oven without oil and salt, or boil it in its jacket if you like this vegetable - this way you will reduce the risk of increasing fat deposits.

Pasta

Durum wheat pasta in itself is not a belly fattening product. Its calorie content and harm to a slim figure increases due to the fact that this dish is mainly eaten with fatty sauces, dressings cooked in oil, and cheese or smoked meats are added to it. In this case, the slimness of the waist is in serious danger. You can eat pasta with vegetables or mushrooms stewed without oil, without adding sour cream, mayonnaise or other dressings.

Sweet drinks

Sugar almost doubles the calorie content of any drink. This applies to tea, coffee, juices, compotes - any drinks that you drink during the day. Therefore, it is recommended to gradually eliminate added sugar or add honey whenever possible. If the sweet taste of tea or coffee is critical for you, you can try starting to use a sweetener, such as stevioside, during the diet.

Alcohol

Drinking an alcoholic drink such as beer contributes to the growth of a beer belly in men. The reason for this is not only the high carbohydrate content in it. An increase in abdominal volume occurs due to harmful high-calorie snacks - potato chips, crackers, smoked meats. The calorie content of alcoholic drinks is not the reason why they are harmful to a figure and a slim stomach - alcohol retains water, disrupts metabolic processes, and overloads the liver. With a growing belly, it is better to avoid using this product.

Sweet carbonated drinks are strictly prohibited for consumption not only when your belly is growing, but also when you have a chic figure. One glass of Coca-Cola contains almost 20 g of carbohydrates - this is almost one seventh of the entire daily requirement. Such drinks do not quench your thirst; drinking them can only be useful if you need to quickly and sharply increase your blood sugar levels.

Fast food

A variety of ready-made products, so-called “fast food”, do not bring any benefit to the body for a number of reasons. They contain a large amount of preservatives, are traditionally consumed with fatty sauces, and do not satisfy hunger, which leads to overeating and exceeding the daily caloric intake. Those who already have a growing belly and those who have not yet begun to gain weight and add several centimeters to their waist per month should avoid using them.

How to properly get rid of belly fat

In order to get rid of belly fat, it is not enough to give up incompatible foods (combining carbohydrates with animal fats), and stop snacking on sandwiches or buns. Eating a fast may help you start losing weight, but it won't completely get rid of belly fat. For a sustainable reduction in waist size you need to:

train the abdominal muscles;
increase physical activity;
carry out massage procedures, visceral therapy

The key to losing weight in a specific area lies in taking a comprehensive approach to solving the problem. Be prepared for the fact that it will not be possible to quickly achieve results and get rid of a growing belly. It is important not only to eat right, but also to follow a daily routine, perform special exercises and cosmetic procedures every day. You can do all this at home, spending a minimum amount of financial and time resources. The main thing is not to quit the diet halfway, but to gradually move towards the intended goal of a slim figure without a sagging belly.