What you think is weight gain might just be bloating. Take a look



I’ve been there, done that, and have my gym clothes to show for it. There are times I have complained to my ever patient friends that I have gained weight, when in reality, I’m just bloated. There’s a difference between bloating and weight gain! Who knew?

It’s not all the time that you gain actual weight, and by that, I mean fat. Weight gain could be caused by excess fat accumulating in various parts of the body, whereas, bloating is all in the tummy mostly caused by gas. And trust me, if it is weight gain, you’d know because it happens everywhere! Arms, face, thighs, even your eyes…just kidding. But yeah, everywhere because fat distributes evenly all over the body.

You might suffer bloating if your sleeping habit changes (impeding metabolism), or you have a desk job where you have to sit for long hours. Also, you might notice your tummy swells after eating. No worries because that’s just you being satisfied (yum). But when it persists and even starts to hurt, that’s bloating and going for a run could bring some relief (if it helps and if you can get past the discomfort).

Ladies, it’s totally normal for your once flat tummy to start looking big when it’s that time of the month. This is because of the various hormonal changes happening throughout your body which include hormones such as progesterone and estrogen, which lead to water retention. So, don’t feel bad or fat, it should return to normal when the red robots go on leave. You can hit the gym or exercise to hasten the process as well.

Constipation and lack of water in the body also give the illusion of weight gain. Here is how it works: if you don’t drink water, you could become constipated leading to accumulation of waste in the body and the body also trying to retain all the water it can find in your body. Do you get? So, apart from hitting the gym from time to time, or just doing yoga and light exercise routines, water does help relieve everything. I have a friend who drinks water when she feels bloated and it helps. I, on the other hand, drink salt solution to help relieve bloating and it works like magic! Green tea, ginger drink, all these I have tried and they have worked.



So, you are not fat, you are probably bloated. And even if you think you are fat, I think you are beautiful *wink wink*. Just be healthy!

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