Question: Would you please comment on what is causing my big gut? I do not eat a lot. I have decided that there has to be a reason for it. I do crunches and my stomach muscles are strong. I am not talking about a little protrusion but a big out of proportion gut. How does one proceed to get rid of it? Would liposuction be the
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
Your big gut is probably a sign of intraabdominal obesity, but it may also reflect other conditions. Intraabdominal obesity is associated with the deposition of fat not just in your abdominal wall, but throughout your abdomen especially around and in between the loops of your bowel. Liposuction may partially correct the outward appearance, but does not correct the condition or the associated increased cardiac risks.
We now recognize that fat tissue, in addition to being used for storage, is an active metabolic organ system. Intraabdominal obesity is often associated with multiple medical conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, which should be investigated and corrected. Other conditions, in addition to simple obesity, may cause a large gut including Cushing syndrome (cortisone excess), conditions of the liver or pancreas (with large amounts of liquid in the abdomen, perhaps related to infection, inflammation or malignancy), malignancy, and ovarian and uterine conditions in women.
Be sure to consult your doctor to establish the cause of your gut. Then work to correct it.
Our bodies are amazingly resilient and large changes over time can be achieved easily with a little effort on your part. Remember, this change often has taken years to develop, and will likely take years to clear up.
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