An image of a young chubby man looking at himself with a bloated stomach.

Am I bloating or fat? Bloat VS Excess Fat

by Dr. Matt Olesiak, M.D.

Bloating or fat?

These are two common problems that many people face. Bloating is often caused by gas or air in the stomach, while excess fat is the result of an unhealthy diet and lifestyle.

Although they both have their own unique set of symptoms, they can both be harmful to your health if left untreated.

How to tell if someone is gaining fat or belly bloated:

1. Look at the stomach area.

With bloating, the stomach may look swollen or bigger than normal. With excess fat, the stomach may not look swollen, but rather, there will be a noticeable layer of fat around the waistline.

2. Feel the stomach area.

If it feels bloated, then most likely you are bloated. If there is a lot of excess fat, then it will feel harder and lumpy to the touch.

3. Check for other symptoms.

Both bloating and excess fat can cause other unpleasant symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to determine if you are bloating or gaining excess fat. Although they are both common problems, they can both be harmful to your health if left untreated. Seek medical advice if you are concerned about either condition.

What causes bloating?

Bloating can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

1. eating too fast

2. eating high-fiber foods

3. eating fatty or greasy foods

4. drinking carbonated beverages

5. smoking cigarettes

6. drinking alcohol

7. stress

8. eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa

Treatments for stomach bloating

A cropped image of a female having a stomach ache from bloating and indigestion.

To minimize bloating, you have two choices:

1) Reduce stress levels, which can contribute to digestive problems such as acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

2) Avoid eating foods that produce gas.

Here are 6 remedies to try the next time you feel bloated:

Take a hot bath.
Drink peppermint tea.
Eat bananas.
Take over-the-counter anti-gas medication such as Gas-X or Beano.
Reduce your intake of high-fiber foods until the bloating subsides.
Take Viscera-3 - a superior alternative to probiotics

What causes excess fat?

Excess fat is most commonly caused by an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Some of the main contributors to excess fat are:

1. eating too many processed foods

2. not getting enough exercise

3. drinking sugary drinks

4. eating large portions of food

5. eating late at night

6. lack of sleep

7. stress

8. smoking cigarettes

9. drinking alcohol

10. eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa

If you are concerned about either condition, it is important to see a doctor for advice. Both bloating and excess fat can be harmful to your health if left untreated. Seek medical help if you are concerned about either condition.

How to avoid gaining extra fat:

An obese main sitting beside a plate of burgers holding his chest in pain.

Here are six tips to help you avoid gaining excess fat:

1. Eat healthy foods. Focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.

2. Avoid processed foods. Processed foods are high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium, and they can contribute to weight gain.

3. Get active. Regular exercise is key to maintaining a healthy weight and preventing excess fat from accumulating.

4. Drink plenty of water. Water helps keep you hydrated and can help to flush toxins from the body.

5. Avoid sugary drinks. Sugar-sweetened beverages are a major contributor to obesity and excess fat.

6. Practice portion control. Eating too much can lead to weight gain and excessive fat. Try to eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large meals.