How do you feel when you look at yourself in the mirror and see excessive fat hanging around your abdominal area?
Do you want to get rid of the extra fat or do you keep going by hiding under the clothes and later inviting diseases in your body?
Here we come with an easy way to get rid of stubborn apron belly fat permanently.
In this blog, we will cover the causes and solutions or remedies to get rid of apron belly fat permanently. Meanwhile, we will also focus on how to manage discomfort caused by apron belly while on a path to reduce fat.
What is an Apron Belly?
Apron belly or mother’s apron also known as pannus stomach or abdominal pannus is extra skin or fat that deposits and begins to hang down from the stomach or belly area of the abdomen and resembles an apron. It generally results after pregnancy or weight changes. It is also commonly referred to as mommy belly fat or a menopause apron. Apron belly can vary, ranging and covering the area from hanging to the top of the pubic area to the upper thighs.
If you don’t get rid of the Apron belly for a long duration of time then it may result in increasing the risk of certain types of cancers, including ovarian cancer. Other major diseases may include heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes. Apart from this, it can result in emotional and physical impacts on individuals.
How Can You Ease Discomfort Caused By an Apron Belly?
Chafing
The skin folds can rub together, irritating. Anti-chafing creams and powders can help. Look for zinc oxide-based products or baby powder (cornstarch-based) if it doesn’t cause fungal issues.
Support
Compression garments or abdominal binders can offer support and reduce pulling sensations. Choose breathable fabrics and consult your doctor before using them, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
Hygiene
Keeping the area clean and dry is crucial. Gently wash with mild soap and water, pat dry thoroughly, and air out whenever possible.
Movement
Regular exercise can improve overall health and potentially reduce the size of the apron belly over time. Focus on a balanced routine with cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
Clothing
Wear loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable and don’t dig into the skin. Cotton and natural fabrics are ideal.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight can help lessen the strain on the abdomen. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
Mental well-being
Don’t let your apron belly define you. Remember that it’s a common occurrence and many people experience it. Seeking support from a therapist or joining a support group can help you cope with any emotional struggles.
Can You Reduce Or Remove an Apron Belly?
Although spot removal of belly fat is a myth but no need to worry about the apron belly, here are the techniques for the complete solution for the removal of the apron Belly fat.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Diet and Exercise
While not a direct solution for removing excess skin, maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce overall fat and improve abdominal muscle tone, potentially creating a flatter appearance.
CoolSculpting
This non-invasive fat-freezing procedure uses controlled cooling to target and destroy fat cells in the treated area. Several sessions may be needed for optimal results, and it’s not suitable for everyone.
Focus on Your Core
Besides leading a healthy lifestyle and eating a proper balanced diet another important factor that should be focused on is core exercise. Core exercise not only supports your spine but also strengthens the core reducing the appearance of an apron belly.
Lower Stomach AirSculpt
With AirSculpt, you can eliminate extra fat while you’re awake, from the chin to the ankles. It doesn’t require stitches, a scalpel, or a needle. This process is regarded as a safe and efficient way to remove fat. In contrast to nonsurgical apron belly procedures, which do not involve the physical removal of fat, this treatment provides long-lasting outcomes with just one treatment.
Also Read: How To Reduce Lower Belly (Fupa) Fat Through Home Workouts?
Surgical Treatments
Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy is an operation used to contour the abdominal wall. It involves removing a significant amount of extra skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue all at once, changing the shape and form of the abdomen. Patients with a large overhanging abdominal panniculus are candidates for this procedure.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
This more extensive surgery removes excess skin and fat, tightens the abdominal muscles, and reshapes the belly button. It offers a more dramatic result than panniculectomy but comes with a longer recovery time and higher cost.
Mini Abdominoplasty
A less invasive version of a tummy tuck, this procedure focuses on the lower abdomen and is suitable for patients with minimal skin laxity.
What Does a Apron Belly Look Like?
The apron belly or pannus is a flap or pouch of skin that hangs off the abdomen. The muscles and skin fold over the pelvis, hanging like an apron. Certain apron bellies encase the entire genitalia, while a big pannus stomach may extend up to the knees or higher.
How a Apron Belly Affects the Skin?
The apron belly or pannus stomach generally rubs against other areas of the skin coming in contact with it. Individuals need to apply anti-chafing creams to make a way out of the area to help prevent it from causing more friction, irritation, and discomfort. This may result in Infections and inflammation from the skin rubbing against each other or the skin itself.
Apron Belly Is an Internal Issue
While an apron belly may manifest externally as loose skin and fat, it’s important to remember its internal roots and potential consequences. Following are some of the internal issues that are the result of apron belly fat:
- Risk of certain cancers, such as ovarian cancer
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Skin infections
- Skin rashes
- Constant irritation
- Increased sweating
- Emotional disturbance
- Physical discomfort
What Causes Apron Belly?
Weight Gain and Rapid Weight Loss
- Weight Gain: When you gain weight, especially around the abdomen, the skin stretches to accommodate the additional fat. If you lose weight quickly, the skin may not retract fully, leaving behind excess skin and tissue that hangs down as an apron belly.
- Rapid Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss can also lead to an apron belly, as the skin doesn’t have enough time to adapt to the sudden decrease in fat volume. This is often seen after bariatric surgery or crash diets.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the skin and muscles in the abdomen stretch significantly to accommodate the growing baby. After childbirth, the skin may not fully retract, especially if there is significant weight gain during pregnancy.
Genetics
Some people are simply predisposed to storing more fat in their abdomen, making them more prone to developing an apron belly.
Aging
As we age, our skin loses elasticity and becomes less able to retract after stretching. This can contribute to the formation of an apron belly, even if someone maintains a stable weight.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as Cushing’s syndrome and lipodystrophy, can also lead to the accumulation of abdominal fat and the development of an apron belly.
Check Also: How To Lose Butt Fat: 15 Effective Exercises To Help You
Daily Abdominal Exercises To Reduce Apron Belly Fat
The following exercise is useful for tightening and toning up your waistline and apron belly fat:
Plank Holds
Planks can help strengthen the muscles in your upper and lower body as well as your core. Different types of planks may have slightly different benefits. The core (transversus abdominis, rectus abdominis, and oblique muscles), Shoulders (deltoids), Upper body (lats, triceps, traps, chest, biceps, rhomboids) and Lower body (glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, extensor muscles in feet)
Plank Jacks
Gluteus maximus (your butt muscles) as well as several other muscles of the lower body, including quadriceps, hamstrings and calves. Strengthen the entire spine, especially chronic lower back pain.
Plank Rows
It engages the Core, muscles of the middle and upper back, shoulders, and arms increasing stability throughout your spine. It also plays a role in engaging apron belly muscles.
Shoulder Touch Planks
Engage the obliques and play a vital role in muscle engagement of the core and abdominal belly muscles. The plank with shoulder taps helps to strengthen your arms, core, glutes, and shoulders.
Side Planks
It engages multiple muscles of the body, especially core muscles. It is executed similarly to a regular plank, except instead of planking with both arms and feet on the ground, you balance on one foot and one arm while maintaining a straight body.
Leg Raises
The leg raise is a strength training exercise that works the anterior hip flexors, or iliopsoas. Leg raises are a common technique to strengthen the rectus abdominis muscle and the internal and external oblique muscles, which are the abdominal muscles used isometrically to stabilize the body during motion.
Russian Twists
One of the best exercises for strengthening your shoulders and core is the Russian twist. It is used by athletes to perform rotational movements, which is evident in sports. Even though it looks simple, it requires stability and a lot of work.
Bicycle Crunches
While there is no such thing as spot-reduction with fat loss, bicycle crunches can help tone the belly area.
Sit-ups
Situps exercise your hip flexors, chest, and neck in addition to working your rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and obliques. They help you maintain proper posture by strengthening your gluteal and lower back muscles.
Traditional Crunches
The rectus abdominis muscles, also referred to as the “six-pack” muscles, are the focus of traditional crunches. By concentrating on the abdominal muscles, it effectively engages and isolates them, toning and strengthening the core.
Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Armpit (Underarm) Fat Quickly?
Modifications in Lifestyle
Through diet and exercise, people with mild cases of pannus stomach may be able to reduce its size. The body as a whole can lose fat with the aid of this combination. Even though it might be tempting to just concentrate on crunches, doing different full-body exercises can help someone lose weight.
Women’s estrogen levels tend to decline with age, particularly after 40. Inappropriate weight gain may result from this if treatment is not received. Another measure to keep a healthy lifestyle is to keep hydrating yourself the whole day. The ideal measure of water intake for men and women is as follows, 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.
By going to bed at the same time every night, sleeping in a cool, dark, and quiet room, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and strenuous exercise right before bed, complete at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Anxiety, mental stress, and depression can also lead to an increase in food starvation and further lead to weight gain.
Conclusion
Concluding, apron belly fat requires a multifaceted approach. Combining a balanced diet with regular exercise, particularly activities that focus on core strength, is essential. Additionally, maintaining overall health through adequate sleep and stress management plays a significant role. For those seeking more immediate results, medical surgical procedures like liposuction or tummy tucks can be considered, but it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals to understand the risks and benefits. By embracing these strategies, one can effectively work towards reducing apron belly fat and enhancing their overall well-being.
