If your midriff feels slightly heavier than usual, you may wonder if this size increase results from weight gain or bloating. As the two may look and feel the same, weight gain and bloating have several key differences.
Bloating is the subjective feeling of abdominal fullness, pressure, or trapped gas, which, in other words, means the belly becomes enlarged with gas or fluid, and it’s a temporary problem. On the other hand, belly or abdominal fat develops over a period, and you need to cut down on food and increase physical activity to lose fat.
Also Read: Bloating: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Dive into this article to learn about the causes, symptoms, and differences between bloating and weight gain.
What Causes Abdominal Bloating?
Bloating is the sensation of fullness or tightness in the abdomen, often accompanied by visible swelling. It is a common digestive issue that can result from various factors, including:
Gas Buildup: The accumulation of gas in the digestive tract caused by swallowing air, certain foods, or the natural breakdown of food by gut bacteria.
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Water Retention: Fluid retention in the abdomen due to factors like hormonal fluctuations, high sodium intake, or underlying medical conditions.
Digestive Disorders: Certain medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or lactose intolerance can lead to chronic bloating.
Symptoms of bloating may include a visibly distended abdomen, discomfort, belching, and flatulence. It is usually a temporary condition and can be managed through dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medications prescribed by a healthcare professional.
What Causes Fat Buildup?
On the other hand, weight gain is the increase in body mass, usually resulting from the accumulation of fat or muscle. Causes of weight gain include:
Caloric Surplus: Having more calories than the body expends over time can lead to weight gain. This imbalance can be attributed to poor dietary choices, excessive calorie intake, or a sedentary lifestyle.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or certain medical problems, can lead to weight gain.
Medications: Some medications, such as certain antidepressants or steroids, may have weight gain as a side effect.
Also Read: 5 Proven Home Remedies To Get Rid Of That Adamant Belly Fat
Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can influence weight regulation.
Symptoms of weight gain include a measurable increase in body weight, changes in clothing size, and sometimes associated health concerns like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Differences Between Bloating and Weight Gain
Nature of Discomfort: Bloating is generally categorised by a sensation of fullness and tightness in the abdomen, often accompanied by visible swelling. Weight gain, on the other hand, involves an increase in overall body mass.
Duration: Bloating is typically a temporary and episodic discomfort, often related to diet or digestive issues. Weight gain is a more gradual and persistent change in body mass.
Addressing The Issue: Bloating can often be alleviated through dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and over-the-counter remedies. Managing weight gain requires a holistic approach involving diet, exercise, and sometimes medical intervention.
Home Remedies for bloating
Here are some remedies that may help ease bloating:
Consider reducing intake of gas-producing foods such as:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Beans
- Cabbage
- Oats
Avoid processed foods and preservatives
Evaluate Bowel Movements: Maintaining a regular schedule of bowel movements can help avert bloating by giving information about the triggers of the bloating.
Eat Slowly: Always practice eating six meals a day, rather than three larger meals. Slowing your eating can also help reduce the amount of air swallowed, which can trigger stomach bloat.
Go For herbal Infusion:
Try some of these herbal teas:
- Peppermint
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Lemon balm
- Chamomile
Try Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil can be taken as a supplement that may help ease several symptoms for those with IBS by mitigating muscle spasms.
Avoid Carbonated Drinks: Restrict drinking carbonated beverages like soda and energy drinks that may trigger bloating.
Stay Active: Most people feel like taking a nap immediately after a meal. However, experts suggest that walking at a steady pace can stimulate the release of gas via the digestive tract and offer respite.
How To Lose Abdominal Fat
Abdominal fat is a common concern among most people. If you want to shed a few kilos to reduce abdominal fat, you may modify your dietary habits and increase your physical activity. The best way to lose abdominal fat is to balance your diet, exercise, and lifestyle, which includes eating plenty of fruits and green vegetables and lean protein and limiting trans-fat, refined carbs, sugar, and alcohol.
Ensure that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week, and also include 2 days of strength training per week to reduce abdominal fat.
References:
- Bloating and functional gastro-intestinal disorders: Where are we and where are we going? Paola Iovino, Cristina Bucci, Fabrizio Tremolaterra, Antonella Santonicola, and Giuseppe Chiarioni
- Functional Abdominal Bloating, Sullivan, Stephen N. M.D. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 19(1): p 23-27, July 1994.
Disclaimer:
The content provided here is for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the blog.
