Skip to main content
702-213-5948 Request Appointment

Common Causes of Belly Bulge (And How We Can Help)

Love Your Body Medical Spa Blog Common Causes of Belly Bulge (And How We Can Help)

Spare tire, middle-age spread, potbelly — these are just a few of the funny names we give to the extra bit of padding that sits around our midsection. Unfortunately, it isn’t so easy to laugh off the emotional and physical toll of living with unwanted belly fat.

That’s where our expertise comes in.

Dr. Divina Averilla at Love Your Body Medical Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, specializes in helping you feel comfortable and confident in the skin you’re in, especially when it comes to addressing problem areas like a belly bulge. 

In addition to providing you with safe and effective treatments, we also want to educate you on some of the reasons why you struggle with frustrating fat around your tummy, so you can eliminate it more efficiently. Here’s a closer look at a few of the most common causes of a belly bulge.

Normal weight gain

Everyone gains and loses weight differently. For some, weight gain distributes evenly throughout the body. For others, weight gain accumulates in certain areas, chief among them the belly region. 

Beer belly

It’s another comical (yet insulting) slang for tummy fat, but in this case, the problem is in the name. Though there’s no direct link between beer and belly fat, there is a direct link between beer and weight gain. 

Like other alcoholic drinks, beer is loaded with calories that you guzzle down without realizing it, and overconsuming calories can lead to weight gain in your midsection. 

Another theory states that hops, an ingredient in beer, contains a phytoestrogen, which is a plant compound that acts similarly to the female sex hormone estrogen. Researchers speculate that phytoestrogens can impact the way your body stores fat. 

Menopause

If the hot flashes and night sweats weren’t enough, menopause may also be behind your belly bulge. The sharp changes in hormones can affect how your body processes fat. 

Other contributing factors that set in during menopause, such as insulin resistance, decreased muscle mass, and sleep deprivation, can exacerbate menopausal weight gain, as well. 

Stress

When your body perceives a threat, it kicks into fight-or-flight mode, releasing adrenaline, cortisol, and other stress hormones into your body to help keep you on your toes. This is a natural reaction, but it’s not meant to last. 

Typically, your body winds down once you’ve dealt with the perceived threat.

But if you’re in a constant state of stress, your body continues to release stress hormones, which, unfortunately, can increase your store of abdominal fat and also ramps up food cravings.

Pregnancy changes

That baby smiling up at you is in so many ways a miracle. But your bundle of joy didn’t come without a price. Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy (namely weight changes), and sometimes those changes stick around after your baby is born. 

On average, a woman adds an extra 2-5 pounds to her pre-pregnancy weight after giving birth — 20% hang on to 10 or more pounds. 

Fighting back against belly bulge

No matter which factor (or factors) have contributed to your belly bulge, we’re here to help. Dr. Averilla takes the time to review your health history and discuss your goals with you, so she can completely understand your unique situation. 

If she thinks it’s right for you, Dr. Averilla recommends body contouring treatments. We use the industry’s leading body contouring technology: Reaction™ by Viora. This advanced system incorporates CORE™ technology with multi-radiofrequency (RF) channels, which allows us to fully customize your treatments. 

This technology harnesses the power of three different RF waves that gently warm and eventually melt fat below the surface of your skin, also known as subcutaneous fat. During your treatment, you recline comfortably, which should take only around 45 minutes.

Bonus: There are few side effects, and other than a comfortable warming sensation, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort during your session. You can expect the best results to appear after a few weeks as your body begins to metabolize the fat. 

Depending on your needs, Dr. Averilla may recommend multiple treatments spread out over 4-6 weeks.

If your belly isn’t the only problem area on your radar, we can use body contouring to address other common trouble spots, including:

We use body contouring as a part of your weight loss and toning journey and encourage you to focus on eating a nutritious diet and getting exercises to not only maximize your result but your overall health as well. 

If you have more questions about how body contouring works, or if you want to see if you’re a candidate, don’t hesitate to call our friendly staff or request an appointment online today. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

Want Flawless Skin? Try Microdermabrasion

Want Flawless Skin? Try Microdermabrasion
Everyone wants born-with-it flawless skin, but only a handful get there without a little help. That’s why we love treatments like microdermabrasion, which transforms dull skin in a matter of minutes. Learn more about it and see if you’re eligible.
Will I Look Frozen After Botox?

Will I Look Frozen After Botox?
You’ve seen the red carpet disasters and heard your friends' horror stories, but the “frozen face” look doesn’t have to be your Botox® destiny. Learn more about how we make sure your face is still your face after injectables.
5 Skin Concerns Facials Can Address

5 Skin Concerns Facials Can Address
Move over, spas and salons — facials are taking over as a key player in routine skin care. Here’s a closer look at just five of the many skin concerns you can start addressing today with a relaxing, noninvasive facial.