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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Fat but not fat?

65 replies

Jonette · 07/06/2019 19:16

Or am I deluding myself?

I've got an extremely squishy fat belly, but it doesn't feel like fat. It feels more like everything inside is taking up room. The actual fat isn't there.

Is that fluid retention or something?

OP posts:
Ironymaiden · 07/06/2019 19:16

What’s your bmi

Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 19:18

BMI is 20.7 apparently which says a healthy range, but it's more the bloating I'm worried about.

OP posts:
Illberidingshotgun · 07/06/2019 19:20

What are your height and weight? What dress size are you? These aren't necessarily indicators of how much fat you are carrying, but could shed some light.

How many other people are now sat here feeling their squishy belly? Grin

Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 19:20

As in I've skinny arms and legs and a big fat tummy! Sad

OP posts:
Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 19:22

5'3 and 53kg. Because of the bloating on my tummy area, I bought a few new bottoms sized 12. I would say the rest of me is size 8.

OP posts:
Illberidingshotgun · 07/06/2019 19:22

Xpost. Yes that's a healthy bmi, so presumably you don't have huge amounts of fat. Any health issues that may be causing fluid retention or bloating?

Bloodybridget · 07/06/2019 19:23

Get it checked out if it really seems disproportionately big compared to the rest of you. Does it seem like bloating - i.e. like your abdomen is swollen and distended?

Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 19:24

Not that I'm aware of, which is why I posted I suppose. I look like Homer Simpson! Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 19:25

Yes it feels very swollen. I've also been unable to eat more than a tiny plate of food as I feel full all the time.

OP posts:
tensmum1964 · 07/06/2019 19:27

Try stop eating bread and wheat based products. This can significantly reduce bloating.

Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 19:28

I don't really eat them much to be honest.

OP posts:
noworklifebalance · 07/06/2019 19:29

Are you skinny fat i.e skinny all over but with a podgy belly? If so, this is not a healthy fat distribution whatever your bmi is.

Or has the squishy belly come on very quickly, i.e previously flat-ish belly in keeping with the remainder of your physique?

SignedUpJust4This · 07/06/2019 19:30

I had an extremely large ovarian cyst when I had these symptoms. Get it checked out.

Thatsnotmyotter · 07/06/2019 19:30

This could potential be nothing or it could be the symptom of some very serious conditions. When did this start? You need to see a dr.

Bibijayne · 07/06/2019 19:30

If you suspect gluten intolerence, you can ask for a coeliac blood test. But if you do, do not cut gluten before the test as that makes it less reliable!

Otherwise, worth doing some elimination diets (try eliminating one thing at a time for two weeks and the testing the intolerance). Lots of good guides on how to do this, but worth getting a referral to a dietician.

Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 19:31

I'm probably skinny fat. I've had a few health issues and haven't been able to work out. About 6 months ago I had a flat stomach and was 6 kgs lighter. Now it's just like I've added 6kg to my stomach!

OP posts:
Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 19:33

I don't seem to have any intolerances apart from to alcohol. But lately it seems that I'm just blowing up like a balloon! As I said I probably eat bread once a fortnight.

OP posts:
Illberidingshotgun · 07/06/2019 19:34

I agree that it's worth getting checked out by your GP

Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 19:34

Genuinely I look 5-6 months pregnant on a skinny frame (not pregnant).

OP posts:
noworklifebalance · 07/06/2019 19:35

That's what I suspected, as I am similar height and weight to you and my remaining podge, about 5kg worth, is around my belly. Trying to shift it!

If it has come on quite quickly then I would suggest speaking to your GP in case it's something else.

madeyemoodysmum · 07/06/2019 19:36

I was going to say ovary issues too. Please get a check up. Only eating small amounts is also an ovary indicator.

PickAChew · 07/06/2019 19:36

Without being alarmist, someone started a thread like this a year or so ago and turned out to have ovarian cancer. The fact that you are unable to eat much food is enough on its own to see the GP for.

BIWI · 07/06/2019 19:37

I think you really need to get that checked out by a doctor. It could be a symptom of something quite serious, like ovarian cancer. Sorry to worry or panic you, but it's happened before to another MNetter.

Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 19:37

Maybe it's the middle aged spread! But it doesn't seem to be fat. It seems to be more like my insides are swollen if that makes any sense!

OP posts:
noworklifebalance · 07/06/2019 19:37

To clarify, my last post was in response to the OP's 19:31 post, not the 6 months pregnant one