Disproportionate stomach

[Berrycherrychops]

BMI of 19/20..... My stomach distends further than boobs.and it bothers me. Do I need to loose fat? Will I always have this shape because of genetics? Would gaining muscle help? And if so how?

I did post a pic but think it needs to be accepted by moderators or something

Have you ever had a baby? If so could be split stomach muscles (there’s a medical term, I forget).

.

Have you given birth? Drink alcohol? It could be any amount of reasons without more info.

I have exactly the same issue (no kids). I’m interested in the split muscles condition as well

I have one child but they're eight now and I did the test where you feel for yours muscles and I don't think I have that (diastasis recti).

It doesn’t look like you carry much fat there. Your abdomen looks to be distended internally and you have quite a prominent lumbar lordosis ( curve of lower back) which emphasizes your tummy.
Considee alcohol carbs or dairy that could cause bloating . Try and tilt your pelvis forwards ( tuck bottom in) and work on your lower abs.

Your back is arched forwards, which suggests to me poor posture and a weak core. You may also be bloated. It's not fat though. I'd look into pilates, and possibly also modifying my diet.

Your back looks to be what's causing this, not your tummy. Imagine a garden cane. Stick one end in the waist band of your pants, and have the pole go up to the top of your back touching your bra. By your bum and your chest your back would sit on the pole, behind your tummy there would be a significant gap. If you moved your back onto the pole, your tummy would not stick out at all. You need to think about straightening your back and improving your posture.

Agree posture and core need work. Pilates would help but there are lots of core exercises you can try. Might be worth going to a PT or a Pilates/yoga class.

Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your advice. Do you think it's possible improve my posture to the point where my stomach doesn't stick out like this? I will definitely look into suggestions

Yes. You may still have bloating, but if you improve your posture and strengthen your core muscles, I would expect your stomach to protrude less.

Agree posture and bloating are what need fixing here. Plus loads of core work. Planks and Pilates.

Was your stomach similar shape pre pregnancy?

@Gymbunny2025 yes, it was a similar shape before pregnancy. I think perhaps I have made it worse over the years by eating low calorie to try and fix it alongside no exercise?.

You are very lean but you have no muscle and poor posture. I would recommend some weight training and core work to improve your physique and posture. Your stomach will not stick out like that and you will look more toned

... Thing is, it's always like this, if it was bloating wouldn't it be on or off? Or can you be chronically bloated all the time?

Could you be gluten intolerant?

I don’t think you look bloated. You just have no stomach muscles so your insides are pushing out and your spine is curved and pushing your belly out even more. It should be a relatively easy fix with some exercise

Also consider having a fat scan - depending on your diet people with low overall body fat can still have high levels of visceral fat - this is the fat around your organs so can give the impression of a distended abdomen.

It can be changed with diet.

You can absolutely be chronically bloated, but looking at you, like PP I suspect the major problem is your posture and lack of muscle tone. Correcting that will not only improve your stomach area but will be protective against back injuries in the future. Your core is your major support for your back and if it's chronically weak you are likely to eventually have back issues.

I agree with previous posts - I don’t think you look bloated, and it doesn’t look to be fat either.

Though I’m no medical professional, and it’s always best to seek proper medical advice, I think it’s to do with the curvature of your back. I am similar in that my lower back is particularly curved, and it makes my stomach stick out or appear distended. I think others’ suggestions of weight training, and strengthening your core through something like Pilates could help. It might not completely correct the issue, but I’d hazard a guess that it’d help!

Do seek advice from a medical professional though. Maybe a physiotherapist would be able to advise further? I suspect it might not be something within a GP’s expertise…?

Alexander Technique might help with your posture if there is a teacher in your area.

That's everyone, I really appreciate all the advice and am looking into it all

I’m just like you OP and have a kypho scoliosis, weak core, tight hamstrings and hips. and a bulgy tummy!

@Thighdentitycrisis sounds very familiar! It's nice to know I'm not alone 🤣😊