Are You Fat Or Just Bloated? Know The Difference Between Weight Gain And Bloating

Bloating vs weight gain: Bloating is referred to the stuffy feeling you get after eating meals, especially on times when you have overeaten. Many people tend to confuse bloating with weight gain. But do you know that sometimes you can just be bloated and not necessarily fat? Belly fat is usually considered to be the first sign of weight gain. Even slight change around abdomen is considered to be a sign of weight gain. However, sometimes, a swollen belly can be a result of bloating and not necessarily fat accumulation. Bloating is a sign of indigestion and is usually caused by excess gas production. You can feel bloated after overeating as well. It is essentially characterised by stuffer feeling and makes your stomach look bigger.

Bloating vs weight gain: Signs when you are just bloated and not fat

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Yes, there are certain signs that can help identify the difference between being bloated and being fat. Here are the telltale signs you need to watch out for:

1. When your stomach feels hard

The next time you overeat, do feel your stomach. If it feels hard and tight, then you're definitely bloated. The stomach, under usual circumstances, feels soft. It remains even after gaining weight. If you are able to gasp an inch of your stomach, then it can be because of excess fat.

Bloating can make your stomach feel hard
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2. You constantly experience a change in your stomach size

Now this is a classic sign of being bloated too often and poor digestion. If you feel uncomfortable or big after having your meal, then it is definitely a sign if bloating. Also, many women experience bloating before their periods. In these cases, you must know that you are not fat and are bloated. Some women can feel bloated on days of heavy flow. Being constipated can also give you the stuffy feeling you get when you're bloated. To see if you have really gained weight, see if your belly in enlarged all the time (and not just after meals or on particular days).

3. When only your stomach is bulgy

Here's another difference between being bloated and being fat. If you can see bulges in other parts of the body like under your arms, at your back and legs, then it's definitely the time to lose weight. But, if only your stomach is bloated, then you are just gassy and you need to take steps to release it.

When you're bloated, only your stomach will feel bulgy
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How to deal with bloating at home?

Lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho is of the belief that bloating, acidity, gas, flatulence and constipation are all signs of poor gut health. Including more probiotics and prebiotics in your diet can provide gut-friendly bacteria and improve gut flora, and overall gut health. Besides, following are other home remedies that can help in keeping bloating at bay:

1. Go for a walk if you feel bloated after your meals. It can help in releasing excess gas and stool.

2. Consume fibre, but not too much of it. Increasing fibre-intake is promoted for weight loss and proper digestion. But, excessive fibre or taking too much fibre at once can make you feel bloated. To prevent this, increase your fibre intake gradually and have a balanced meal comprising equal portions of fat, protein, carbs and fibre.

3. Avoid sodas and drink water. Craving for sodas with food becomes common when you drink sodas regularly. Get off sodas completely to prevent bloating and also unnecessary weight gain.

Avoid sodas and junk food to keep bloating at bay
Photo Credit: iStock

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4. Be more physically active throughout the day and exercise regularly. Exercise helps in getting rid of extra sodium through the body in the form of sweating. This, in turn, helps in keeping water retention and bloating at bay.

5. Keep yourself well-hydrated and eat at regular intervals. Drinking sufficient water throughout the day helps regulate bowel movement, preventing constipation and feeling of stuffiness. Eating at regular intervals, on the other hand, helps keep the digestive system working.

(Luke Coutinho, Holistic Lifestyle Coach - Integrative Medicine)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.