The answer may have to do with the dynamics of our body structure. This study illustrated a theoretical mechanism for the lower ab bulge. If there is a lack of co-contraction between the pelvic floor and deep abdominals, the pelvic floor may descend, and the lower abdomen may bulge outwards (aka the pooch belly).
Diet: You might be eating a diet that supports muscle definition (leading to visible abs) but still contributes to fat gain in specific areas. High sugar intake, processed foods, and excess calories can lead to fat accumulation around the midsection.
Understanding why your stomach sticks out has to do with a mix of things. These include poor posture, scoliosis, muscle imbalance, diet, and how much you move. You can reduce abdominal bulge by focusing on these causes of belly bulge.
The short version of the answer to your question is the belly is the first place the body stores excess fat. So if you're skinny everywhere except the belly, that typically means you are probably slightly overweight. The best way to get rid of this type of fat is through diet and weight training.
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).
So, killer abs boil down to diet, cardiovascular exercise and resistance training. If you do all three at the same time, you can get some progress in about six weeks. You might not end up with a 6-pack, but at least you won't be carrying around the ENTIRE keg.
15% body fat is considered a health fat percentage range because some lean muscle will be visible and the waist circumference isn't high enough to put you at risk for serious health conditions like cardiovascular disease.
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.
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.
People who regularly eat and drink more calories than they burn each day are more likely to gain extra weight, including belly fat. Getting older also makes a difference. People lose muscle as they age. And the problem is worse for those who are not physically active.
Visceral fat is belly fat found deep within your abdominal cavity. It surrounds important organs, including your stomach, liver and intestines. It's different than subcutaneous fat, which is fat just below your skin. Visceral fat is actually more dangerous to your health.
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.
“Front planks are a great way to work the abs and obliques. Some people complain that you can't get a 'six-pack' look by doing planks. Not only is that false—you can achieve that look if you do planks on one arm and one leg—but it raises the question of your intention.
The Science of Fat Loss
Think of it like a balloon losing air—it deflates, but doesn't disappear immediately. Over time, your body adjusts, but the jiggly feeling can be a temporary step along the way.
Women affected by PCOS commonly report bothersome excess hair growth, acne or balding (scalp hair loss or thinning). Hirsutism refers to the excess growth of coarse, often long and dark hair, in a male-like pattern over the face, chest, abdomen, back, arms and legs.
What does a FUPA look like? You might notice a bulge above your pubic bone, sometimes feeling like an extra pouch. It can create smooth lines or bumps under tight clothes, revealing its unique characteristics that many can relate to.
Hormonal belly is when a person gains weight around the abdomen due to hormonal fluctuations. This could be due to changes in thyroid, adrenal, reproductive, or other hormone levels.