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Bloating Vs. Weight Gain – All You Need To Know

Creator: Aparna Mallampalli
Published: 2021-10-05T15:28:43+05:30

Understand the subtle differences in the causes and symptoms to get the right line of treatment.

Medically Reviewed by Dr Ashok Gund, MBBS, CSD
July 28, 2022 By Aparna Mallampalli, BEd (Biological Sciences), MSc (Microbiology), Diploma In Nutrition

Bloating Vs. Weight Gain – All You Need To Know

Bloating is often mistaken as weight gain. But what is the difference between bloating and weight gain? First, bloating is temporary gas accumulation in your digestive tract. Second, it can make your tummy look swollen. On the other hand, weight gain occurs when you gain fat or muscle mass. That said, you may gain weight and also experience bloating. This may indicate an underlying health issue. Read on to learn everything about how bloating and weight gain are linked. Scroll down to know more!

In This Article

Causes Of Abdominal Bloating

Bloating is primarily caused by gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract that runs from the mouth to the anus and includes the digestive system. A bloated stomach feels full, tight, uncomfortable, or painful (sometimes). It is a temporary condition often caused by certain foods you eat, especially those harder for the stomach to digest. The most common reasons include (1):

Consuming high-fiber foods like lentils, beans, and veggies like cabbage and Brussels sprouts
Sugar and lactose intolerance
Bacterial overgrowth
Constipation
Aerophagia (swallowed air) due to fast eating, smoking, drinking carbonated beverages, and chewing gum

In some cases, bloating could be a symptom of other medical conditions like (2):

Infection or inflammation (such as a condition called diverticulitis)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Irritable bowel syndrome
Blockage in your bowel or bladder
Autoimmune conditions like scleroderma

Most of us often confuse bloating with abdominal fat gain. While both may make your tummy look bigger, there is a difference between the two. Let’s understand in detail.

Are You Fat Or Just Bloated? Difference Between Weight Gain And Bloating

Typically, belly fat is considered the first sign of weight gain. However, a swollen abdomen or belly can often result from bloating and not necessarily fat deposition. Here are a few differences between them to identify whether you are fat or bloated.

Bloating	Abdominal Fat
It is localized. Only the stomach expands due to excess gas	It is widespread. You will notice excess fat on the abdomen, thighs, hips, and back.
The stomach feels tight.	The stomach feels soft and spongy.
It is not constant. The belly reduces once the gas is out.	It is constant and gradually builds up.
May cause abdominal pain and discomfort.	It is painless.
The body weight is unaffected.	The body weight increases.

In some cases, stomach bloating can also be due to the consumption of excess salt, leading to water retention. You may even notice bloating right before (and during) your periods as the body retains water or due to constipation. How do you know if the weight gain is due to water retention? Let’s find out.

Signs That Water Weight Is Making You Bloat

Water retention may make you feel heavier than usual and bloated. Here are the signs to look out for:

Constant boating, especially in the abdominal area
Puffiness of the face, abdomen, and hips
Swollen feet, legs, and ankles
Stiff joints
Weight fluctuations
Skin indentation (when you press the skin for a minute)

In most cases, the symptoms of abdominal bloating can be minimized or prevented by changing your lifestyle habits. Here are a few tips.

Ways To Prevent Bloating At Home

To reduce bloating:

Stick to protein- and complex carbohydrate-rich foods.
Eat slowly and chew your food properly.
Limit the intake of carbonated drinks.
Avoid excess intake of foods like lentils, dried beans, and vegetables from the cabbage family.
Avoid chewing gum and drink water with a straw to avoid swallowing air.

Maintain a log of what you ate and how you felt after eating (bloated, uncomfortable) to determine the real cause of your bloating. If you struggle with bloating constantly, follow these tips.

Long-Term Solutions For Bloating

Consume Probiotics

Probiotics contain gut-friendly bacteria and can help improve your digestion and prevent bloating. Include probiotic foods like yogurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, pickles, kombucha, kimchi, and buttermilk in your diet.

Reduce Salt Intake

Excess sodium causes water retention, leading to a swollen and bloated feeling in the belly and other body areas, such as the hands and feet. Limiting the salt intake can get rid of bloating.

Treatment And Medications

If an underlying condition causes bloating, it is best to consult a doctor. The doctor will diagnose the causes of bloating and suggest an individual treatment plan. They may conduct tests like endoscopy, breath testing, and small intestinal imaging to diagnose the exact reason. Depending on the results, they may suggest OTC medications, dietary and lifestyle modifications, laxatives, antispasmodics, antibiotics, and prokinetic agents (3).

In the next section, read about the warning signs that you should not ignore in serious bloating.

Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore In Case Of Serious Bloating

Consult a doctor immediately in case you experience severe bloating and the following symptoms:

Weight Loss

If you notice sudden weight loss and bloating without dietary changes and exercising, consult a doctor. It could be due to tumors or overgrowth that press on the intestines, making you feel bloated or full after just a small amount of food.

Severe Pain In The Abdomen

Severe abdominal pain and bloating, accompanied by nausea and vomiting may indicate a bowel obstruction. This requires immediate medical attention to avoid various complications. These obstructions can be painful because the bowel above the blocked area stretches as it gets filled with food and digestive juices, causing intense pain and discomfort.

High Fever

Fever that accompanies bloating is usually associated with some infection or inflammation.

Blood In Stool Or Vaginal Bleeding

Conditions, such as vaginal bleeding between periods, blood in the stool, or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding, are associated with serious bloating. Consult a doctor immediately to rule out chances of gastrointestinal conditions and cancer, particularly uterine or colon cancer.

Ascites

Ascites refer to a condition that causes fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity or pelvis area and causes bloating and weight gain. Ascites may indicate serious complications like liver disease, kidney failure, and cancer (4).
If you notice any of these symptoms or are taking medication that causes unwanted side effects, such as bloating and weight gain, it is recommended to consult your doctor. They may be able to treat the condition better by suggesting an alternative medication or treatment.

Summing It Up

The topic of bloating vs. weight gain is always hotly debated. However, we have identified some distinguishing characteristics. Bloating is caused by gas accumulation and does not contribute to weight gain. This momentary change can disappear once the gas is expelled from your system. However, persistent bloating and abdominal swelling accompanied by unexpected weight gain may indicate underlying medical conditions. Keep an eye out for the symptoms and warning signs mentioned in this article. Consult your health care provider if you notice any of these symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fasting reduce bloating?

Yes, fasting may reduce bloating. Giving the digestive system a break of 12- 14 hours helps it to reset and aids in reducing bloating.

How long does it take to lose bloat?

Generally, it takes 24 hours to lose the bloat. However, for some people, it may take a little longer. If the symptoms persist even after 48 hours, it is safe to consult a doctor.

Does lemon water help with bloating?

Yes, lemon water can effectively manage bloating. Having it on an empty stomach reduces bloating and stimulates healthy bowel movements.

Does coffee cause bloating?

Yes, coffee may cause bloating in some people. The caffeine in it triggers spasms and causes bloating.

Is apple cider vinegar good for a bloated stomach?

No, apple cider vinegar may not help with bloating. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that ACV relieves bloating.

Do bananas help with bloating?

Yes, bananas can relieve bloating. The potassium in them can help reduce bloating effectively.

Key Takeaways

While weight gain and bloating may be linked at times, they are not the same.
Stomach tightness, uneasiness, and sudden expansion of the stomach are more likely to be signs of bloating than weight gain.
While exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce weight, intake of probiotics and less salty foods can help ease and prevent bloating.

References:

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