Some people get a “apron belly” after big changes in their lives, like pregnancy, losing or gaining a lot of weight. This is when extra muscle and skin hangs off of their stomach.
This can be frustrating at times, but knowing what causes it, the health risks that might come with it, and the different ways to treat it can help you deal with it better.
What is an apron belly?
An apron belly, also called a pannus stomach in medicine, happens when the belly gets bigger because of pregnancy, weight gain, or something else, leaving extra skin and fat around the torso.
People often call this type of belly a “apron belly” because it can hang down like an apron. The extra fat and tissue build up in the omentum, which is a layer of tissue below the abdominal muscles.
No two aprons are the same size. In the worst cases, it can reach the legs or even the knees. In mild cases, it may only reach the top of the groin area.
It’s important to know that both men and women can get an apron belly. This condition can happen to anyone, not just overweight people. People who have lost weight or recently given birth may also get it.
Why You Get an Apron Belly
An apron belly is caused by a number of things, including:
Pregnancy: The muscles and skin around the belly get stretched during pregnancy, which can cause extra tissue to form after giving birth.
Weight Gain: Having more body fat, especially around the middle, can make the skin and fat hang down, especially after losing weight.
Weight Loss: When you lose a lot of weight quickly, your skin may become loose because it doesn’t always shrink back to its previous size.
Having an apron belly isn’t necessarily bad, but it could be bad for your health.
Possible Health Risks of an Apron Belly
A number of health problems have been linked to having too much fat, especially around the stomach. As an example:
Heart disease: Having extra fat around the middle can make you more likely to get heart problems by making your cholesterol and blood pressure levels worse.
Type 2 diabetes: Extra weight, especially abdominal fat, can make insulin less effective, which raises the chance of getting diabetes.
Ovarian cancer: Some studies have found a link between having belly fat and a higher chance of getting ovarian cancer.
An apron belly can hurt your mental health as well as your physical health. It’s common for people to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or uncomfortable when their clothes don’t fit right or when their skin irritates them.
How to Make an Apron Belly Less Painful
There are several ways to ease the pain of an apron belly if it causes physical or mental discomfort:
1. Use creams that stop chafing.
If you wear an apron belly, the skin under it can rub and chafe, which can cause rashes or illnesses. Anti-chafing creams can help calm the skin and keep it from getting irritated.
2. Put on clothes that support you
Carrying extra weight around in your stomach can put stress on your back. Wearing a support band or clothes that give extra support can help. This may also help hide the dress belly, which can boost your confidence.
3. Take care of your hygiene
The skin under the shirt belly can trap heat and wetness, so it’s important to keep that area clean and dry. This helps keep you from getting infections, rashes, and pain.
You could also use talcum powder or medicine powder to keep the skin dry.
Is it possible to get rid of or reduce an apron belly?
A lot of people want to know if they can lose their apron belly by working out or the food they eat. Even though you can’t get rid of fat in specific places, losing weight can help make an apron belly smaller.
But sometimes surgery or methods that don’t hurt may be needed to get rid of extra skin.
1. Food and exercise
Sticking to a healthy diet and doing regular physical exercise are important for losing weight and getting rid of extra fat.
Eat lots of veggies, fruits, lean meats, and whole grains. These foods are low in calories but high in nutrients.
You can’t target the apron belly with exercises like crunches and sit-ups, but doing both cardio and strength training can help lose body fat, which may make the apron belly smaller.
If you want to strengthen your core and get rid of belly fat, try activities like
Planks
Crunches on a bike
Leg lifts
Along with these workouts, walking, running, and swimming are all great fitness activities that can help you lose fat all over.
2. Treatments with and without surgery
Some people may choose surgery or non-surgical ways to get rid of their apron belly if diet and exercise don’t work. These can help get rid of extra fat or skin that is too loose.
The panniculectomy
The pannus, or apron belly, is cut off during a panniculectomy, but the abdominal muscles are not tightened. A panniculectomy, on the other hand, is only about getting rid of extra skin and fat.
People who have lost a lot of weight and have a lot of loose skin are often told to get this treatment done.
If the treatment is medically necessary, like if the extra skin is causing diseases or pain, the insurance company may pay for it.
Abdominoplasty, or a “tummy tuck,”
Another surgery choice is a tummy tuck, which gets rid of extra skin and fat and tightens the muscles underneath the belly button. This process gives you a more sculpted look, but since it’s cosmetic, most insurance plans don’t cover it.
Treatments with lasers and CoolSculpting
People who would rather not have surgery may want to look into methods like CoolSculpting or laser liposuction.
With these treatments, technology is used to freeze or melt away fat cells, making the body look more toned. But they aren’t as good at getting rid of a lot of fat or skin, and they can be pricey.
How to Handle the Emotional Effects of an Apron Belly
Aside from the physical pain, many people have a hard time dealing with the mental effects of having an apron belly.
Many people feel self-conscious or embarrassed, but it’s important to remember that this is normal and affects a lot of people.
Here are some ways to deal with the emotional effects:
Focus on Your Overall Health: Remind yourself that getting rid of an apron belly should help your health, not just how you look.
Realistic Goals: Know that success takes time and set small, doable goals to keep track of your progress.
Get Help: You could talk to a counselor or join a support group where you can share your feelings and meet people who are going through the same things you are.
In Conclusion:
An apron belly can be depressing, but it’s not impossible to deal with. The most important thing is to put your health and well-being first, no matter what you choose to do—diet, exercise, or treatment.
Talk to your doctor for specific help, and remember that even small changes in your lifestyle that are good for you can have a big effect on your physical and mental health.