Most often, a large belly is associated with obesity, inactivity and unhealthy eating habits. There is a lot of truth in this, but it is worth knowing that the wrong appearance of the figure does not have to depend on our mistakes. It is also a common symptom of chronic diseases that do not occur with other symptoms for a long time.

It is worth knowing that a large belly can indicate hormonal disorders or problems with the intestines or thyroid gland. Interestingly, these diseases can be distinguished by paying attention to the shape of the abdomen and the location of adipose tissue. Learn about the most common types of an overly large belly and find out what causes it.

Disease of the large abdomen and thyroid gland

Захворювання великого живота і щитовидної залози
Disease of the large abdomen and thyroid gland

Thyroid abdomen “is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Too little thyroid hormone causes the metabolism to slow down rapidly, we lack energy, and we become sleepy and tired. Even a balanced diet does not help maintain a healthy body weight, and carbohydrates and fats are stored as adipose tissue. The abdominal cavity of the thyroid gland is somewhat similar to the abdominal cavity of pregnant women – fat accumulates just below the rib cage, which gives the effect of a slightly flattened ball. Fighting excess weight can only be done with the appropriate dose of synthetic hormones.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Bloating and roundness of the abdomen can be one of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. This mysterious and unpleasant disease can be the result of mental disorders, infections, or visceral hypersensitivity. As a result, bowel function is disrupted, and patients struggle with the alternation of diarrhea and constipation. Also characterized by abdominal pain and its disproportionate size in relation to the rest of the figure.

Big belly and excess carbohydrates in the diet

Convex and protruding abdomen in the very front part is not without reason called “glucose”. This is the effect of a diet rich in simple carbohydrates and animal fats. If they are not burned off quickly during exercise, they accumulate as visceral fat. Doctors fear that this is the worst type of abdominal obesity, as it also affects internal organs, primarily the liver and heart. This ultimately leads to atherosclerosis and digestive problems. It also includes the so-called “Beer Belly”, that is, caused by excessive consumption of alcohol, which is a huge source of sugar and slows down the metabolism by up to 75 percent.

Big belly and chronic stress

The soft, non-elastic belly that “pours” out of the pants is a frequent result of chronic stress and the fast pace of life. Our body then releases too much cortisol, a stress hormone that wants to give us energy to act (and evolutionarily to avoid or defend against danger) and releases large amounts of sugar. This ultimately leads to fat deposition. Chronic stress has been shown to slow down metabolism and contribute to digestive problems.

Big belly and hormonal disorders.

Fat deposits on the thighs and sides of the abdomen are a common symptom of hormonal disorders in women. First, we are talking about an excess of estrogens, that is, female sex hormones. They may be responsible for the “rolls” on the abdomen or excess fat on the buttocks and thighs.

Big belly and celiac disease

Великий живіт і целіакія
Big belly and celiac disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune genetic disorder that manifests itself as an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in grains. Its use leads to severe digestive upset and even intestinal damage and serious deficiencies. Celiac disease is manifested by persistent bloating and an overly bulging abdomen, as well as diarrhea, anemia, and osteoporosis, which result from malabsorption of nutrients.