Bloat.....

[squatpuke]

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I have no clue what my BF is, probably in the upper teens...

I have lean arms and legs, but my midsection is where I carry my fat...mostly in spare-tire area....(no, that's not me in the avatar

Anyway....I have a LARGE gut (maybe a 42...should probably be 38)...and I think it's more of huge stomach INSIDE rather than fat outside....and at times, I feel bloated like I swallowed a balloon...seems like I don't have MUCH stomach fat (can pinch an inch, but thats about it), but just a balloon gut (like the avatar)...

Is there a fix for this....I used to eat BIG, but I've really been cutting WAY back....Is it possible for my stomach organ to STRECH and cause this feeling/problem?

Does Milk add to the problem? (I've heard that milk bloats people)...I probably drink 24+ oz's a day...for my protein/whey drink....

Or...will it just go away as I change my eating habits...eating smaller portions?

(I used to eat until it's painful - - like to get my $$ worth at Sizzler)


Advice?

 

[Redshoteye]

It has nothing to do with your stomach organ... I'm going to assume your diet still isnt that great. Also, even though it may feel hard like you have no fat, it is definetly there. If what you have is anything like that avatar you have visceral fat deposits.

Let me give you a little summary: There are two different types of fat, the fat that is just below the skin called cutaneous fat, and the fat that is found deep in the abdomen and surrounding vital organs. Visceral fat is the type of fat that is metabolized by the liver, which turns it into cholesterol that circulates in the blood. LDL will collect in the arteries where it forms plaque.

Now I'm not trying to scare you but this fat that's deposited on the stomach or abdomen, the classic beer gut, is more dangerous than fat around, lets say, thighs because the fat cells around the waist pump out chemicals that can damage the insulin system - raising the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Saturated fat is the worst. This is hard fat like lard, butter, or fat on meats. People that eat like this are much more likely to have measurable visceral fat. All I can say is stay away from these types of foods and try to get a clean diet. Keep your sodium intake low to minimize bloat and use water with your whey instead of milk (I never suggest casein protein for post-workout because you don't want a slow acting protein to disrupt the interaction of the faster acting whey). Stick with a glass of milk before bedtime. And remember exercise is vital.




~ Cata1yst

 

[Sub-Zero]

woah, i just learned something new...
so in theory u can have a 6pack but it can be pushed out and have a huge pot belly by viceral fat?

 

[squatpuke]

Thanks for the great info....makes sense.

So how do you lose this viceral fat? Basic diet and exercise I presume?

I'm 38, 6'2", about 270...but have always been 'stocky'....never have I seen my 6 pac. (and I HATE aerobics). I'm no bodybuilder by anymeans, more like a powerlifter...I guess my gut looks like most of these dudes. Do they have a similar problem?

I'm strong...feel ok...my diet is usually pretty clean as I usually don't eat many processed foods and NEVER fast food...use ketchup instead of butter and usually eat good oils, canola/olive. I do eat out ocassionaly and 'slip-up', but more often than NOT, my diet isn't that bad. Type II diabetes does run in the family.

Should I consult a doctor about this? Get my blood tested? etc. Isn't/Aren't there certain drugs that can block TriGlyc'ds and Cholesterol? As I burn these fats, metabolized by the liver, should I expect these blood levels to rise?

Does the underwater testing, test for this fat as well? (I sink when I swim...I'm not a floater...is that any indication of low BF? lol )

Help. Thanks.

 

[Redshoteye]

As I stated above, the biggest link to diet and visc fat is saturated fats. If you want to lose that gut your going to have to cut out saturated fats from your diet (so no more Sizzler!)

But more importantly, exercise is the best option to get rid of it... I'd recommend 40 minutes of cardio at least 4-5 times per week. You may hate cardio but it solely depends on how determined you are to lose that fat. If you really want it your gonna have to hit that treadmill.

If your waist size is over 40 you most likely DO have this hidden fat. I'd recommend getting some blood work if you have the free time to check for abnormal cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, or high blood pressure because these are all linked to visceral fat deposits.

Good luck squat.




~ Cata1yst

 

[redguru]

Visceral fat tends to increase as we age, too. Hence the reason for the age factor in most bodyfat measurement equations.

 

[KIAN]

Age: 38
Height: 6'-2"
Weight: 270 lbs.

RMR: 2419

Although it is possible for the stomach to stretch over prolonged abuse, it is more likely that the surrounding tissues are pressing against the underlying organs. Provided there are no medical conditions which would bring about this feeling of bloatedness ... and there are several hundred possible conditions ... then it is likely due to your diet.

Lactose in milk can cause a bloating effect but it is usually accompanied with pains and diarrhea. Fructose, yeast, gluten and other food allergies or intollerances can also be the cause. The ketchup you are using instead of butter is very high in sodium and may cause water retention. If you do experience bloating, it is not the stomach which bloats .... it is the small intestine. So the feeling will be lower down on the underside of the stomach.

I would hazzard a guess and say that your BFP is more like the mid to high twenties than in the upper teens, based on your height to waist ratio. For your height, a waist size of 34 would be desireable.

So this all means that you are going to have to take another look at your diet and clean it up further. As you are trying to lose weight, set your daily caloric intake at 2419. Spend some time tracking your nutritional intake to see if there are foods you can eliminate and or replace with healthier choices.

Now comes the part you hate most: Cardio. Unfortunately, if you wish to drop weight, you are going to have to introduce high intensity cardio into your routine. The best time is first thing in the morning when you wake up. Aim at 30 to 60 minutes of cycling. Later you can also add running. Slowly ease yourself into all this. Incorporate a weight program into your routine too so that you can define and maintain the mass which you have. (you will have to lift heavy to achieve this)

It would also be an idea to obtain a full physical so that you know you are in a well enough condition to begin an exercise program.

Your BFP can be taken using calipers by someone who is experienced or a more accurate method is by Hydrostatic Measure.

Oh, and if you sink instead of float in the water ... that just means you're not a witch.

_______________________

KP -- Fitness Basics

 

[muscelove]

I was wondering about this aswell. When i pinch my belly it feels like it would still be fat without the surface fat. Im happy about this thread. Now i know when i lise the gut i wont be left with a beer belly