Why am I losing weight but my stomach is bigger?

Author: Dr. Haley Wilkinson DVM  |  Last update: Thursday, December 25, 2025

Unhealthy eating is the biggest driver of big bellies. Too many starchy carbohydrates and bad fats are a recipe for that midsection to expand. Instead, get plenty of veggies, choose lean proteins, and stay away from fats from red meats. Choose healthier fats in things like fish, nuts, and avocados.

Why am I losing weight everywhere but gaining weight in my stomach?

Sometimes, you may see that fat accumulation is just around the midsection even if your legs are skinny. The two S's, stress and sugar, have an effect on the size of your abdomen. Abdominal weight gain can be caused by various medical disorders and hormonal changes.

What does a hormonal belly look like?

You can easily pinch the excess fat because it builds up under your skin. When hormonal imbalances cause abdominal weight gain, the fat accumulates around your internal organs (visceral fat). Your belly enlarges and takes on an apple shape. You may look extremely bloated instead of like you're carrying extra weight.

Why am I losing weight but still have a bloated stomach?

Some people have a bloated stomach for a long period of time due to gastrointestinal tract disease, including gastritis, gastric ulcer, gastrointestinal or colorectal cancer, parasitic infection, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal dysfunction, and other system disorders such as thyroid and diabetes, which can ...

Why do I still have a big belly after losing weight?

Another reason responsible for a stubborn belly fat is genetics. It has been noticed that if your parents have belly fat, you might also have the same body type. The kind of weight loss plan you have opted for may also play a major role in the losing of belly fat.

Why You’re Not Losing Fat (4 HIDDEN Mistakes You Don’t Realize You’re Making)

How do I debloat my stomach asap?

Common antacids people use include Pepto Bismal, Gas-X and Tums. These relieve bloating and discomfort if they're caused by extra stomach acid. However, for other causes of bloating, such as gas or overeating, alternative remedies may be more effective. Use a warm compress, a hot water bottle or a heating pad.

What does a cortisol belly look like?

Cortisol belly simply looks like abdominal fat, and there is no way to identify it by appearance. More important than its appearance is what cortisol belly can do to your health. Visceral fat is considered particularly dangerous because of its location near vital organs and its metabolic activity.

What is a thyroid belly?

A common symptom of an underactive thyroid is weight gain, often around the abdomen. However, the American Thyroid Association states that the weight gain may not necessarily be due to the build up of fat, but the accumulation of salt and water.

How do I reset my hormonal belly?

How to Get Rid of Hormonal Belly Fat
  1. Get Moving. ...
  2. Revisit Your Eating Patterns. ...
  3. Prioritize Your Sleep. ...
  4. Bring Down Your Stress. ...
  5. Adjust Your Hormone Profile.

Why am I skinny but have a big stomach?

One reason for belly fat is a sedentary lifestyle. Even skinny people can spend too much time in front of the television or computer screen, and this can encourage what little extra fat they have to settle into the stomach. A diet high in processed foods can also cause belly fat, even in skinny people.

What burns the most belly fat?

Aerobic exercise includes any activity that raises your heart rate such as walking, dancing, running or swimming. This can also include doing housework, gardening and playing with your children. Other types of exercise such as strength training, Pilates and yoga can also help you lose belly fat.

What is a stress belly?

Stress belly refers to abdominal fat caused by increased cortisol levels, overeating, sluggishness, and other effects of stress. Stress belly is not a medical diagnosis. The condition contributes to overall weight gain and obesity and can cause medical issues.

Why am I getting fatter but losing weight?

As you lose weight your fat cells become more efficient at utilizing energy from the food you eat which can lead to gaining weight as fat stores, even though your energy intake may remain the same.

What does a PCOS belly look like?

It's usually large and bloated but can also be small and round, depending on genes and other factors. It involves visceral fat accumulation in the lower abdomen and typically feels hard to touch. A PCOS belly is also characterized by a high waist-to-hip ratio of >0.87 (apple body shape).

What drinks reduce belly fat?

The article highlights five homemade morning drinks that assist in losing belly fat by enhancing metabolism and promoting fat burning. These beverages include honey-infused lemon water, jeera water, buttermilk or chaas, cinnamon tea, and green tea.

How to get rid of a cortisol belly?

Treatment For Cortisol Belly
  1. Get more than six hours of sleep per night.
  2. Increase your physical activity, such as by walking or practicing yoga.
  3. Support your mental health.
  4. Practice mindfulness and meditation.
  5. Reduce your alcohol consumption.
  6. Avoid smoking.

What are the early warning signs your thyroid is in trouble?

Common symptoms include:
  • tiredness.
  • being sensitive to cold.
  • weight gain.
  • constipation.
  • depression.
  • slow movements and thoughts.
  • muscle aches and weakness.
  • muscle cramps.

How to get rid of a thyroid tummy?

6 Weight Loss Tips for Hypothyroidism
  1. Cut Out Simple Carbs and Sugars. ...
  2. Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Foods. ...
  3. Stick to Small, Frequent Meals. ...
  4. Keep a Food Diary. ...
  5. Move Your Body. ...
  6. Take Thyroid Medication as Directed.

What does an estrogen belly look like?

So what does a 'hormonal belly' look like? Well, it often shows up as a rounder stomach area due to increased visceral fat around the internal organs - you might hear this described as an apple-shaped body type.

How do you flush cortisol out of your body?

Stressed? 10 Ways To Lower Your Cortisol Levels
  1. Eat a whole-food, plant-based diet. ...
  2. If needed, add supplements. ...
  3. Take deep breaths. ...
  4. Reduce your caffeine intake. ...
  5. Get adequate sleep. ...
  6. Exercise regularly. ...
  7. Write in a journal. ...
  8. Indulge in hobbies.

Do I have cushing's or am I just fat?

Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome

The symptoms often come on gradually and include: having more body fat on your neck, upper back, chest and tummy – your arms and legs may look thin compared to the rest of your body. a red, round face – the redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin.

What is the best drink in the morning for bloating?

Lemon water

Lemon water acts as a natural diuretic, stimulating urination and reducing water retention that contributes to bloating. Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water and drink it first thing in the morning.

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