Are you not comfortable with wearing your favourite clothes from your closet? Are you feeling tighter in your mid-section area? Did your waist size has changed overnight or you have seen changes over a period of weeks? Are you thinking about whether Am I bloated or fat? Just hold and find out the difference between bloating and Belly fat and the also possibilities where it can land to. Read also: Tips on How to Lose Weight Without Eating Less
What is Bloating
Bloating is something when the abdominal region especially the belly feels tight. It gives the appearance of swollen or distended. Bloating can be painful to experience. It usually occurs when someone eats or drinks or deposits too much fat in the stomach. The symptoms vary from person to person. Bloating can be mildly uncomfortable or painful to experience. But its symptoms are temporary in nature.
Bloating in Upper Abdomen
Some people also face a specific problem which is Bloating in Upper Abdomen. There are different causes of this kind of bloat like swallowed air, Digestive system faulty, food intolerance and medication.
What is fat on the body?
Fat on the body, it is an accumulation of large white cells under the skin. Fat deposition can take place in any area of the body. It can be the belly, arms, thighs or back. If the fat deposition is around the mid-section area then the belly feels soft enough, instead of becoming tight. Fat deposition develops over time and sticks for longer time periods. We can’t say that fat is bad in nature. Fat has too important vital functions in the body. It keeps a person warm and stores vitamins in it.
Am I Bloated vs Am I Fat
The main difference Between “Am I Bloated vs Am I Fat” which could be noticed easily are as followed. In bloating the weight gain which occurs is suddenly such as over a period of the night on the same day itself. All thanks because this weight gain is temporary and sheds off when symptoms subside. On the other hand, weight gain due to fat deposition takes a longer time to lose.
When large changes are experienced on the scale then only bloating is seen something such as too much stool. Fat deposition takes place on a day-to-day basis if diet varies accordingly. Fat deposition needs to be monitored with diet and exercise. Bloating gets resolved on its own while fat takes time to shed off and has to be monitored on daily basis.
Why is my stomach getting bigger but not gaining weight?
This problem is noticed by many women as weight gain is not seen but their waist size is feeling full. The reason for this could be abdominal bloating, which enlarges waist size and makes pants tight. It can be quite uncomfortable. The main cause could be gas deposition in the intestines which causes bloating. When the stomach becomes bloated the skin around it becomes tighter which causes flatulence. Read also: 10 Healthy Breakfast Ideas That Help You in Weight Loss
The most common treatment could be keeping an eye on your diet about which foods are consumed, it’s advisable to cut down foods such as beans, fructose, raw fruits and vegetables, and starches from your diet which cuts off the problem of bloating.
Am bloated or Gaining weight?
Weight gain is usually seen when there are changes in dietary habits. Accumulation of fat around the mid-section area is seen in the majority of people. This can be due to bloating or improper dietary habits. There are 3 signs to watch out for which actually tell if a person is bloated or fat. They are:
1. If your stomach sizes keep changing
There are some changes which need to be noticed. If you feel full after consuming the meal or on fixed dates just before menstruating, then it could be weight gain. Such issues are not noticed during bloating. When a person gains weight, the belly size will always remain enlarged. It can swell before menstruation or if you have not popped properly. Excess consumption of salt will also make the stomach heavy to feel.
2. If the stomach is bulgy
When a person gains weight it’s important to examine the belly area. On visualisation, if you can feel bulges in other parts of the body apart from the belly area then this could be a seen of weight gain. A person should start exercising when fat deposition starts to appear. But if a particular area is tight then it could be bloating which needs to take appropriate measures.
3. If the stomach becomes hard
The last examination is the pressure test. To find out whether Am i bloated or fat- gently press your stomach specifically around the swollen area. If it’s tight and hard then your stomach is bloated. If a person is gaining weight then the stomach remains soft and spongy. We can easily hold part of the stomach easily if it’s due to weight gain.
How to get rid of gas or bloating in your stomach
Here are a few changes to be made in dietary habits in order to get rid of bloating. Try cutting down on foods which cause flatulence in your stomach. Read also: How To Lose Weight Fast 10 Kgs In 2 Weeks
- Try avoiding high fibre foods. Fibre food consumption can make your belly tight and can lead to flatulence.
- Foods with high-fat content also could be a problem for people who suffer from bloating issues.
- Consuming fried and spicy foods should also be avoided.
- Consumption of carbonated beverages even could be problematic.
- Artificial ingredients commonly found in low carbohydrate and sugar-free products such as sugar alcohol, sorbitol, and mannitol should also be avoided in the diet.
- Among vegetables consuming beans and lentils consumption could also lead to bloating.
- Cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli – are rich in sulphur which can be problematic for people who bloat.
- Lactose-rich foods such as milk, cheese and other dairy products should also be avoided.
- Garlic and onion contain oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polysaccharides which could be hard to digest such be avoided.
- Supplements and fibre-rich drinks should be avoided.
- Exercise regularly
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Try avoiding refined carbohydrates in the diet.
How To Get Rid Of Bloating Fast After Eating
1. Stay hydrated
Hydration is very important as it reduces bloating to too much extent. When sodium is consumed in the diet it causes water retention. But when water is consumed it offsets the sodium and the body gives up more fluids.
2. Take a walk
A shorter walk will create some movements in the stomach which can reduce bloating issues. 5 or 10 minutes walk gives much relief against bloating. Read Also Walking Benefits
3. Cut back on alcohol
Consuming alcohol after a meal can slow digestion and increases water retention. Alcohol causes more urination which dehydrates the body. After dehydration, a person intakes more water which makes the stomach bloat.
4. Cut down carbonated beverages
After feeling full we opt for carbonated beverages. When we burp out we think we are feeling better. But the carbonated beverages will add gas to the system which causes burping.
5. Have some tea
Many herbal teas keep the bloating away too much extent. Teas such as peppermint, ginger, fennel, and cinnamon – of them keep bloating away. They relax the digestive system and relieve bloating and gas.
6. Ease with some yoga pose
After food completion stretches your body into a yoga pose. Gentle yoga pose such as the child’s pose can relieve abdominal discomfort and reduces bloating. Hold the pose for five deep breaths and repeat until you find relief.
7. Avoid gum
Swallowing too much air can leads to bloating and gas. That extra air gets into the system if you eat or drink something too quickly. Try avoiding eating gums.
Foods that help in relieving bloating
Here is the list of foods that helps to relieve against bloating
- Avocados
- Cucumber
- Yoghurt
- Berries
- Green tea
- Celery
- Ginger
- Kombucha
- Bananas
- Papaya
- Asparagus
- Oats
- Pineapple
- Turmeric
- Quinoa
- Apples
- Rhubarb
- Kiwi
- Peppermint tea
- Fennel
Hope you will find answer to your question Am I bloated or fat. Bloating could be avoided by food which triggers and also by maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Fat could be avoided by maintaining a healthier weight by a person and being physically active. Leading a sedentary lifestyle helps to deposit fat. Bloating could be on a temporary basis whereas deposition takes months to deal with.
