Does having a muffin top stomach put me in danger of visceral fat

[Bungiecat]

Hi I have just realised that I have a muffin tip style abdomen when I am in a seated position is this the cause of visceral fat. I find looking at this in the mirror I look awful why oh why did I do this to myself I am scared of what my GP might say Gail

[Todayisspecial]

GPs are there to help so don't be afraid. You are beautiful and you can make amazing changes to how you feel about yourself. You have already started, keep looking forward not backwards. Picture yourself driving a car, when you are driving you focus on the road ahead, you occasionally look in the rear view mirror, to check what's behind you and around you but to keep going forwards you have to look ahead of yourself.

[Diana]

Time to tackle the demons, the go will be glad you are taking action!

Think yourself slim, strive for your goals, be patient seek help, and take things day by day

[Bungiecat in reply to Diana]

Thanks Gail

[Bungiecat in reply to Bungiecat]

Had a bad week my weight has not gone down but up so no telling what will happen in the morning Gail

[G1nny]

So sorry you are down, the advice from the replies are perfect , take care and enjoy getting healthy.

[IvanTheHorrible Maintainer]

Try to stop fretting about where you are now and look forward to where you intend to be. If you stick to the plan, you'll look back on these posts in a couple of years and wonder what if that was really you

[Hildegard88]

You can estimate the amount of visceral fat by lying flat on a bed. Subcutaneous fat in the skin tends to puddle and go flat when you lie down. Most women are like this. Visceral fat tends to keep the fat in position and protrudes more like a pregnant belly. Most men are like this.

Whatever type of fat you have you are here now and doing something about it. 😀

[Bungiecat in reply to Hildegard88]

Hi when I lie flat I can actually see what looks like s pregnancy bulge so I guess that is my visceral fat I hate this none baby bump it looks awful Gail

[Hildegard88 in reply to Bungiecat]

Don’t stress. Just eat well from this point on and concentrate on becoming a healthier version of you.

[Bungiecat in reply to Hildegard88]

Thanks for that Gail

[Bungiecat in reply to Hildegard88]

Hi had a bad weekend as I had my IBS all weekend my stomach is back to where I started somehow managed to weigh 71 kgs last night now look really fat and Guly again why am I doing this to myself help Gail

[Hildegard88 in reply to Bungiecat]

Firstly, if your IBS is playing up wouldn't that affect water retention and bloating beyond your control? Just keep eating well and eventually your weight will go down.

I don't know whether 71kg is up or down for you but I would love to be down at that weight. (I am currently around 78kg and fluctuating daily) My body is now fighting me every step of the way. I guess that's understandable as I haven't been treating it well lately. I have been told to eat more to improve my metabolism but I just keep refusing to eat.

[Bungiecat in reply to Hildegard88]

Thanks for your message I cannotvwait to see what the doc says on Friday

[Hildegard88 in reply to Bungiecat]

My doctor’s appointment last night was cancelled as the doctor went home sick! I’m going to ask for another referral to a dietitian.

[S11m in reply to Hildegard88]

Thanks, Hildegard88 , so, if, when I lie down and suck-in-my-gut, I can see my short-and-curlies without my tummy in view, I am not like most men, and I do not have much visceral fat, inspire of having a BMI of 32 and weighing over 18 Stone?

[Hildegard88 in reply to S11m]

I’m not an expert but I guess so. Remember that BMI is not a great indicator of health. Men, in particular, have more muscle. This makes them heavier but it’s really healthy weight. Other, more accurate, measures include a waist measurement. Women should be below 80cm and men should be below 94cm.

[S11m in reply to Hildegard88]

Thank you, Hildergard

A few decades ago I had a 38" (96.5cm) waist, and I do recall having a waist measurement the same as my inside leg (33"). Currently about 42".

The top end of my NHS BMI recommended weight range was the same as my lean mass! (but now 6kg more).

...and yes, BMI is a load of nonsense for people with high lean mass.

[Hidden]

You are beautiful and you are where you are - how and why you got here is in the past. The present is the place where you can make changes with the help and support of this forum by others in the same situation. Your gp will be pleased and supportive of your decision to take things in hand. Good luck and stay in touch.

[K9Hines 7lbs]

What do you think you're GP is going to say? What scares you the most? Is it the risk of excess body weight causing future poor health or having to make lifestyle dietary and activity changes to become healthier?

[Bungiecat in reply to K9Hines]

I think the worst feeling would be if he wants to put me on a low sugar diet or if he tells me that I do have diabetes as two years ago I was borderline diabetic Gail

[jao77]

You can’t change the past Bungiecat but you can shape the future. Well done for acknowledging your concerns, now you need a plan to tackle it. The 12-week NHS plan is a good place to start. Be reassured that you really can lose weight, reduce your visceral and subcutaneous fat and become healthier as a result. Slow and steady weight loss is achievable and the support on this forum will help you along. Very best of luck 😊

[Bungiecat in reply to jao77]

Thanks Jao I have just bought a Gym Ball so cannot wait to do the exercises on that. I hope it will help me tone my stomach muscles, I am still worried about my GP appointment but I guess I managed to get to this weight, so will just have to take his advice Gail

[jao77 in reply to Bungiecat]

Don't be worried about your GP appointment Bungiecat - you've already taken yourself in hand so I'm sure your GP will be impressed and provide further advice and encouragement (well, let's hope so!) Let us know how you get on.

[Bungiecat in reply to jao77]

Thanks for this I will watch this space Gail

[Binky68 Visitor]

I have that , worse in fact and have normal levels of visceral fat due to hiit excercise and low carb diet. Fat on the outside is not as bad as on the inside - if it wobbles it’s on the outside ! More dangerous is when people have a big but firm tummy .

Love who you are everyday but strive to be strong and healthy , there’s people out there in a far worse situation than us x

[Realthing Visitor]

Good advice from everyone everyone & focus on the now & & what you are working towards. At my surgery they have A Wellbeing service & one of the focus’ is weight loss & they weigh you in these special scales that tell you how much of your body weight is fat, your body age, & lots of other facts. I haven’t got details on me as I’m away in hols. I can tell you though that I do have a very high percentage of body fat but the visceral fat around my organs are clear which is good news, so you never know! I was told on last on my last reading that my body mass density had increased so although I had lost 1lb my muscle density had increased by 3lbs which was another good sign. I was also dehydrated, body age & body fat way over what it should be but something to work towards. You should not be afraid to go to your doctor. Ask if they have a well being practice there too. Good luck on your new journey 🚘 & thank you for this post as I’m on hols as mention drank too much red wine & chocolate and remind myself that this journey is for life - although I think we’re allowed to park up every now & then! 👍🏻

[Bungiecat]

Thanks for these words will let you know soon as I will repost a message when I have been to doctors Gail

[Bungiecat]

Hi I am in a better place today I have decided to own my body and to try and make changes to my diet. I have decided to cut out chocolate on at least three days this week and to start the 12 week weight loss plan alongside weight watchers and see what happens Gail

[Hidden]

Hi Bungiecat. How you feel about it all, is very important. Feeling "in control", is a great boost to self-confidence.....well, it has been for me !

I was a bit "chocolate crazy" before I started my WeightLoss Journey, almost 9 weeks ago. Now, I still have some, but it is a small piece of 85% cocoa type and I eat a few hazelnuts, Brazil nuts or almonds with it. My tastebuds have adapted, I wouldn't want the large, very sweet, milk chocolate Wholenut Bar that I used to crave so much.

Good Luck on your Learning Curve Journey.🍀🌈☀️

P.S. My fat store is packed around my abdomen.....but it is melting away !

[Bungiecat in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for this i feel more in control as I know I can make changes before I see the GP but I also feel many kind replies to my posts have made me less anxious about what might happen when discussing my weight with myGP