How do I get a flat(ter) stomach?

[Leafylow]

I'm 5'7 and weigh just over ten stone. I'd ideally like to be much nearer to 9, but I don't think I am, or look, overweight. My stomach though is ridiculously big. Everything else in fine although I'd rather be slimmer, but my stomach is so big, and doesn't seem to flatten even when I do lose weight.

It can be okay first thing in the morning, but it's swollen after the first sip of water. It means my waistbands are tight but I can't get bigger clothes because they'd be so baggy on my legs and bum. Same as dresses, I can't wear any that cling to my stomach because I look 6 months gone.

I don't have children so it can't be pregnancy related. I've cut out carbs and taken up yoga & Pilates. What else can I do? Anyone else had this problem and solved it?

Have you ever thought about being coeliac?

So it’s not fat but bloating?

www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/remedies-for-bloating-and-wind/

Check for diastasis recti. It is a major cause.

Another possibility is gut irritation or inflammation caused by diet. Cut out any grains, dairy, sugar and processed foods of any sort for a few weeks. See if it makes a difference.

I notice my stomach swells following eating bread or baked goods. Can’t tolerate it at all. My tummy is flattest when low carbing, no heaviness, no bloating, nice slim stomach through the day like it is in the morning.

5ft 7.75 (I usually say 5’8 for ease) 10st 4-10st 6. So I’d say your weight is fine. I wear a size 10 comfortably. I can’t get a flat stomach for love nor money but I’ve had 4 dc.
It does sound like bloating to me-is be doing an elimination diet to see if you can find cause

Watching with interest as I’m a similar height and weight to you and have the same issue. I have had 2dc but I was exactly the same pre pregnancy

Have you ever thought about being coeliac? I hadn't, but I've looked at the symptoms. There are a couple but it's constant, not always after I've eaten.

So it’s not fat but bloating? I honestly don't know. It is much flatter in the morning but literally only for a few minutes until I have a sip of water, or even if I don't even do that. It's not just certain days either, it's constant.

Another possibility is gut irritation or inflammation caused by diet. Cut out any grains, dairy, sugar and processed foods of any sort for a few weeks. See if it makes a difference. I might try this.

Probiotics can help bloating - did in my case

I’ve found that green tea helps me with bloating.