Do you ever find yourself looking at the tape-measure around your tummy and asking: is this my belly fat or just bloated? It is difficult, since the symptoms and appearance of both appear almost similar. This article dives into belly fat and bloating, how they differ from one another and the ways in which you can tell them apart.

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What is Belly Fat?

Belly fat is also known as Visceral fat.  It is a type of fat that surrounds your abdominal organs. It is different from subcutaneous fat, which is a fat that lies just underneath the skin.  Belly fat is often associated with a higher risk of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancers.

One of the most common properties of belly fat is its firmness.  The mass has a lot more strength so that when you touch your midsection, you will feel a solid mass instead of a soft texture.  This is because belly fat sits deep within the abdominal cavity that surrounds your organs.  

Belly fat can be caused by many factors, including genetics, poor diet, lack of physical activity and hormonal changes.  Belly fat seems to build up as we get older and particularly in menopausal women.  You may notice an increase in waist circumference or a protruding abdomen.  Therefore, it’s better to have a healthy strategy to lose belly fat. 

What is Bloating?

Bloating, on the other hand, is a sensation of fullness, or tightness in the abdomen. It’s frequently associated with gas.  Bloating can be caused by several factors, including poor digestion, food intolerances, constipation, and hormonal shifts.

If you have ever experienced bloating, do not confuse it with belly fat as they are very different from each other.  Boating is temporary and can fluctuate throughout the day.  This is typically due to gas or fluid accumulating in the intestinal system. Your tummy can be distended for 48-72 hours, sometimes even more and it would be painful to touch.

In many cases, bloating is the result of eating or drinking too quickly, consuming gas-producing foods (such as beans and lentils), overeating, or just swallowing air. It can also be the result of digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or celiac disease.

Belly Fat VS Bloating — What to Know and Do

Now that we have some background knowledge of belly fat and bloating, let me help you distinguish between the two;

1. Appearance:

Belly fat is usually hard and firm, whereas bloating results in a visibly expanded or swollen belly. At this time, when you touch your midsection it should feel relatively hard and the size shouldn’t change throughout the day–most likely belly fat. There are natural supplement you can take to help you to lose those belly fat in a healthy way. Whereas, if you feel softer around the middle then it is more likely bloat and fluctuation in belly size.

2. Symptoms:

There are no symptoms associated with belly fat. It is generally asymptomatic.  It does not cause discomfort or pain. However, bloating can cause discomfort, gas, and feeling full.  Some people will experience digestive symptoms such as burping, gas or change in bowel habits. 

3. Lifestyle Changes: What Responds Happily to a Low Carb Diet

It can be challenging to lose belly fat.  It’s not typically an easy task.  It has to be combined with a good mix of healthy diet, taking the right supplement, exercise, and in more severe case will need to seek medical attention.  In contrast, bloating is something that can often be banished or minimized with a few small diet and lifestyle changes including avoiding foods that will trigger your bloating.  Some people may be sensitive to garlic or eat too much that gas develops from fermentation of indigestible food that is left in the colon.  So it’s important to understand what types of food will cause you to get bloated and adjust as needed. 

Conclusion

Delineating the difference is important if you have any midsection issues that are bothering you. Although belly fat is a more serious health issue that requires lifestyle changes, bloating is generally short-lived and can be controlled with diet and life modifications.

If you are experiencing prolonged abdominal discomfort and/or have concerns about your health, it is always best to speak with a medical professional. They will be able to offer personalized advice and guidance based on your circumstances. Remember — there is no one-size-fits-all definition of a healthy body, so look at the overall being and live your life without losing sleep on a flat stomach. Be kind to yourself, take care of your body and make the right choices for a happier healthier life!