From hormonal to alcohol belly, what each stomach type looks like

Whether you describe it as a paunch or a muffin top, if you’ve got a protruding stomach and want to get rid of it the first step is identifying what’s causing it.

And while sometimes it’s as simple as too much junk food and not enough cardio, at other points there are different contributing factors.

From hormonal issues to a stomach that’s been caused by too much alcohol, here with the help of dietitian Susie Burrell, FEMAIL takes a look at four common tummy types and how to fix them.

Susie also shared her five top flat belly tips.

Scroll down for video 

HORMONAL STOMACH

If you see a sudden change in your physique and can’t attribute it to a new diet or lack of exercise, then it could be that you’re struggling with hormonal issues.

Such issues might manifest in your tummy, and you could need to see a gynaecologist.

‘When there is a central distribution of weight around the waist (greater than 90 centimetres), especially in relatively young women, it can be a strong indicator that there is a degree of insulin resistance present,’ Susie told Daily Mail Australia.

‘Insulin resistance requires a specific diet of reduced carbs and a balance of protein and good fat, for slow but sustainable weight loss.’

In some instances, she added, medication may be required in order to help to lower insulin levels and induce fat loss.

‘This is because high insulin levels can act to prevent fat being metabolised,’ Susie added.

ALCOHOL STOMACH

While you may know that alcohol adds empty calories to your body, you might not be fully across just what this can mean for your stomach.

‘In my experience, alcohol-based weight gain leads to an overall larger belly that protrudes from higher up underneath the diaphragm,’ Susie explained.

‘This is closely linked to fatty liver.’

The dietitian said the best thing to do is ‘reduce alcohol intake overall if not completely and get more exercise’.

Fibre-rich foods can also be a good idea, with plenty of fruit and vegetables helping to melt away the fat.

STRESSED OUT STOMACH

It’s long been known that stress can lead to weight gain.

‘Stress does not solely result in fat being stored, although it can result in changes in various hormones linked to fat metabolism including insulin and cortisol – or more likely the feeding behaviours in which stressed people soothe with food,’ Susie said.

‘Again, the tummy weight is more pronounced. It might not be as severe as insulin resistance [or a hormonal stomach], but there can be a residual layer of fat right around the tummy.’

To combat getting a stressed out stomach, experts recommend cutting down on junk and caffeine and making sure you get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. 

‘Try to also put the measures in place to not comfort eat, reduce stress, try more meditation and lower intensity exercise options that reduce stress to the body rather than increase it,’ she said.

MUMMY STOMACH

Last but not least, the stomach you can be left with after childbirth can be a little different to the one you had before having children.

‘For many mums, this is a mix of changes post pregnancy, and also changes to diet and exercise patterns as a result of having a small human to care for 24 hours a day,’ Susie said.

She explained that the first thing you should do is avoid being too hard on yourself:

‘Motherhood is tough, and there is no benefit from giving yourself a hard time when you are still breastfeeding. If you are at a point in which you are ready to take it on, the approach is threefold.

‘Cut back on your carbs, resume regular high intensity training (walking won’t cut it here) and you may also benefit from seeing a physio, who can help you get your muscles back on track after carrying a baby.’

Susie said plenty of vegetables, salads and soups will ‘help to lower calorie intake and burn body fat.

‘Avoiding all processed carbs and sugar will also help hugely.’