What’s Your ‘Tummy Type’? Knowing It Might Help You Deal With a Stubborn Midsection

Doing all the right things in terms of diet and exercise, but still struggling with your middle area? There could be something else going on. A number of health-related issues could be causing your belly to feel swollen, and each one has slightly different characteristics. Here, we look at four common problems that can affect your tummy shape, and explain what you can do about them.

1. The Stress Tummy

Cortisol is a key stress hormone often triggered by physical or psychological stress as your body prepares for fight or flight, says Samarra Toby, MD. Research has linked cortisol to extra fat, particularly in the abdominal area. Because it increases the production of insulin, cortisol can affect your appetite for sugar and fatty foods at the same time as directing fat cells toward your middle.

The fix: Build your stress resilience. “Exercise, relaxation strategies, and meditation are excellent ways to combat stress,” Dr. Toby says. “Making sure your sleep habits are healthy can also help.” It’s a good idea to see your doctor to discuss other possible causes and to rule out serious conditions such as ovarian cancer, which can also cause abdominal distension.

2. The Bloated Tummy

Many of us use the term “bloated” to describe this type of tummy, but bloating is more a sensation rather than a visible symptom, says Professor Jane Andrews, spokesperson for the Gastroenterological Society of Australia.

The type of food you eat and how much air you swallow determine how much gas you’re producing and holding onto. The distension is often caused by reluctance to release that gas, says Andrews.

The fix: Let it go! “Producing gas is a good sign because it means you have healthy bacteria in your gut,” explains Andrews, adding that the normal person passes gas 12 to 20 times a day.

“If it’s happening frequently, limit high-FODMAP foods, which include onions, garlic, cabbage, and wheat. If you have a real problem with gas it’s a good idea to consult a dietitian before drastically changing your diet and possibly missing out on essential nutrients,” Andrews adds.

3. The Thyroid Tummy

As well as having a bigger belly, your whole body might be puffy, including your face. “Other clues include fatigue, muscle aches, cramps, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, poor concentration, and intolerance to cold,” adds Dr. Toby.

Your thyroid gland produces thyroxine, a hormone that regulates metabolism. In hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) insufficient thyroxine is produced and this can lead to abdominal weight gain. The most common cause is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the result of immune cells attacking the thyroid gland. Iodine is vital to thyroid function, so you can also develop problems if you don’t have enough iodine in your diet.

The Fix: It’s vital to see your GP if you experience any of the symptoms of hypothyroidism because it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Your doctor can order a blood test to measure your thyroid hormone levels and check for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Treatment may involve taking a daily tablet containing thyroxine.

4. The Booze Tummy

A belly that comes from too much alcohol tends to be more prominent at the front of your abdomen, with less evidence of weight gain on the upper body, bottom and legs.

Heavy drinking — more than two standard drinks in one sitting — causes fat to accumulate around your middle. While your liver is busy trying to deal with toxins instead of helping with digestion, any extra calories are stored as fat.

The fix: “Be aware of your alcohol consumption and stay within the recommended guidelines of no more than one or two drinks on any given day, and a couple of alcohol-free days every week,” advises Dr. Toby. “If you like a glass of wine or two, make sure your diet is healthy, you exercise daily, and let your doctor know if you have difficulty controlling the amount or frequency of your drinking.”

This article was originally written by Larraine Sathicq. For more, check out our sister site, Now to Love.

More From FIRST

Eating Brazil Nuts Daily Might Prevent Weight Gain and Diabetes, Study Suggests

Harness the Power of Celery Juice to Lose Weight and Heal Your Thyroid on This 30-Day Cleanse

I Ate 3 Meals a Day on an Ayurvedic Kitchari Cleanse and Lost 8 Pounds in a Week — Here’s How