9 Causes of a distended stomach even though the body is not fat

Who said that a distended stomach only belongs to fat people? It turns out that thin people can also have bloated stomachs, you know! If you are underweight or at a normal weight but have excess fat around your belly, you need to be vigilant. Here are some causes of a distended stomach even though the body is not fat.

1. The presence of visceral fat

The medical term for unhealthy fat in the belly is "visceral fat." This fat surrounds your liver and other organs in your stomach. If allowed to continue, it will cause various risk factors for diseases such as metabolism, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.

2. Genetic factors

Genetics play a major role in obesity risk. Therefore, the body's tendency to store fat in the stomach is partly due to genetic factors. These include receptor genes that regulate levels of the hormone cortisol and genes that signal leptin receptors to regulate calorie intake and body weight.

3. Frequent consumption of sweet foods and drinks

Many people do not realize that they consume excess sugar every day. Cakes and candy are types of foods that contain high sugar. In addition, drinks such as soda, sweet tea, coffee, or drinks with various flavors contain lots of sugar and artificial sweeteners.

A study has shown the effect of high sugar intake with excess belly fat is caused, due to the high fructose content of sugar added to food or drinks.

4. Stress

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is known as the stress hormone because it helps the body respond to stress. Stress factors have a big effect on weight gain, causing fat accumulation in the stomach. In many people, when they are under stress, their appetite will increase, especially eating sweet foods.

5. Lack of sleep

Having enough sleep is one of the important things that can affect health. Many studies have found that lack of sleep can increase the risk of gaining weight, which affects belly fat. Sleep disturbances can also lead to weight gain. One of the most common disorders is sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops repeatedly at night because the soft tissue in the throat blocks the airway.

6. The presence of bacteria in the intestine

Hundreds of different types of bacteria live in your intestines, especially in the large intestine. Some of the bacteria are beneficial for health, some are harmful. Maintaining intestinal health is very important to maintain a healthy immune system so that it can avoid disease.

Researchers have found that obese people tend to have an abundance of bacteria Firmicutes in the intestines more than in people of normal weight. Research has also shown that this type of bacteria can increase the number of calories absorbed from food so that it can increase body weight, including belly fat. It does not rule out the possibility of these bacteria nesting in thin people too.

7. The menopause factor

The cause of a distended stomach can also be from menopause. The reason is that some women experience an increase in belly fat during the menopause phase. Menopause usually occurs one year after a woman has her last menstrual period. During this time, estrogen levels drop dramatically, causing fat to be deposited in the stomach, not on the hips and thighs. One study found that women who menopause early are more likely to gain additional belly fat.

8. Lack of movement

Lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for ill health. Inactivity, lack of exercise, eating unhealthy foods can play a role in increasing obesity, including abdominal obesity. A large survey from 1988 to 2010 in the United States found that there was a significant increase in activity, weight, and abdominal circumference in both men and women.

9.Bad posture (slouching)

Another factor that causes a distended stomach is having bad habits of standing and sitting. The reason is, having a bad posture will make the body look fat and belly bulge.