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What’s the Difference Between Belly Bloating and Excess Fat and Skin?

Posted March 01, 2021 in Body Contouring, Liposuction, Tummy tuck

3 Minute Read: 

Are you feeling bloated and heavy? Many people often confuse the terms bloating and excess abdominal fat. Whenever they see the slightest change around their abdomen, they often rule it out as fat accumulation. Many times it is; however, fat is not the only thing that can cause an expansion in the stomach. It may be belly bloat.

So, how do you determine the difference between the two?

Woman grabbing her excess belly fat through her pink shirt.

What Is Belly Bloating?

What Is Belly Fat?

How to Tell the Difference Between Belly Bloating Vs. Excess Fat and Skin?

Tummy Tuck and Liposuction for Excess Fat and Loose Skin

What Is Belly Bloating?

Belly bloating occurs when your stomach becomes swollen with fluid or gas. Belly bloat is usually temporary, and it causes a person to feel uncomfortable and extremely full for longer. The most common causes for bloating include high-fiber foods like beans, dairy products, overeating, consuming too much salt, swallowing air, and chewing gum.

Unlike excess fat and skin, which require more involved treatments, belly-bloating can be addressed with probiotics, eating fermented foods, peppermint tea, and avoiding dairy products.

What Is Belly Fat?

Belly fat refers to the excess abdominal fat that happens gradually as you consume more calories than you can burn off. If you have excess body fat around your midsection, you likely have loose skin too.

How to Tell the Difference Between Belly Bloating Vs. Excess Fat and Skin?

1. Bloating Is Localized While Belly Fat Is Widespread

One easy way to tell the difference between bloating and belly fat is that, with bloating, only the stomach expands due to the excess gas accumulation. 

You will likely notice other bulges with excess fat, particularly on the abdomen, thighs, hips, and back.

2. Bloating Is Tight While Belly Fat Is Spongy

Tightness in the stomach is a sign of bloating. Stomach fat will feel spongy and malleable and can be grasped physically in your hand—something you can’t do with bloating.

3. Bloating Keeps Fluctuating While Belly Fat Is Constant

Another distinct difference is that, with bloating, your stomach expands wildly throughout the day. Belly fat and excess skin remain constant while the buildup of fat is gradual.

4. Bloating Is Painful While Belly Fat Is Painless

Due to the excess accumulation of fluid and gas in the abdomen, bloating is often accompanied by physical discomfort. Belly fat, on the other hand, is painless.

Although there are a few things you can do to shed off excess fat and reduce loose skin, such as proper nutrition and exercise, in certain cases, you may need to undergo a body contouring procedure.

Tummy Tuck and Liposuction for Excess Fat and Loose Skin

Some people have a massive amount of excess belly fat and loose skin that only tummy tuck and liposuction procedures can fix. A tummy tuck is designed to tighten up the abdominal muscles and remove excess fat and skin. Liposuction involves suctioning away the fatty tissue between the skin and abdominal wall. 

A combination of the two procedures can create a beautiful and balanced silhouette that addresses all your concerns.

Interested About Learning More About Tummy Tuck and Liposuction in Reno, NV?

Would you like to address your stubborn belly fat and excess skin? Get in touch with us today at 775-828-7400 or fill our online form and learn more about your options.