Bodybuilding/Male abdomen

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Expert: - 6/22/2009


Question
Brad
This is not really a bodybuilding question more of a BODY question, but I have found that pro bodybuilders seem to know as much or more than doctors at times!
Is there a recognised condition for when some males reach middle age and their abdomens begin to swell the rest of their body stays normal?
Or, is this a genetic thing?
Like my father and uncles I had a normal belly that slowly grew until now at 50 my waist is 42 inches.
This is not fat,its more like swelling.
I have a strong core and at one time had a sixpack which is still faintly visible. I can barely pinch an inch of fat at my belly
I have actually decreased my calorie intake and increased my cardio over the years which hasnt helped.
Also I dont drink so its not a beer belly.
I do see a few other guys like this so maybe its a genetic thing.Thy have a  'robust' build lie me like me, a meso/endo morph.
The swelling is accompanied by gas and indigestion.
I have found that cutting out red meat and protein in general has really helped. The Atkins diet definately doesnt help.
Any thoughts appreciated!

Answer
Hi Barrymore

To be honest with you, I am kind of stumped with your condition.  However here are my thoughts according to what I have read recently.

There are two types of abdominal fat.

1.) Subcutaneus fat-the fat between the "six pack" and the skin.
2.) Visceral fat, the fat underneath the "six pack" that your guts basically swim in.

Even though your subcutaneous fat is low, you could have a high amount of visceral fat.  That would explain having a "beer belly" even though you have low subcutaneous fat.  You would have to burn visceral fat the same way you would burn subcutaneous fat, good nutrition with a slight caloric defecit, and cardiovascular exercise to increase energy expenditure.

There is a condition where middle aged men begin to produce abnormally high amounts of growth hormone.  This causes swelling of the abdominal organs like the liver, kidneys, spleen etc.  You see this a lot in professional bodybuilders who are not tested synthetic growth hormone.  Even though they have a ripped 6 pack, they have huge "beer bellies" because there internal organs grow and swell.  If you do have this condition, your doctor can order a blood test.

Either way gas and/or indigestion would make the discomfort worse since there is not as much room in the abdomen for anything but the visceral fat or swollen organs.  You would just have to figure out what causes you abnormal amounts of intestinal gas and avoid those foods.

That's all I can comment on.  I certainly don't garauntee that you have either condition, but that's all I can come up with.

Good luck

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Brad J Loomis

Expertise

I am a WNBF professional bodybuilder and fitness trainer who is well versed in Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology. I am equally well versed in muscle hypertrophy and fat reduction. I have coached male, female, and teenage competitors all to top 5 finishes, 2 with class wins. Competition prep and posing are other subjects I love to teach. I am very good with nutrition, but will admit that I am not a dietician. I hold a Bachelors Degree in Radiologic Science, a Personal Training Certification with the IDEA Health and Fitness Association and am a certified RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge) Instructor. I am most knowledgeable in Anatomy, kinesiology and Exercise Execution, especially Compound and Isolation free weight exercises. I also love to answer questions about motivation.

Experience

I have won 3 overall titles with the ABA/INBA and several class wins. In August 2008 I won the Overall title for the INBF Washington State Natural Bodybuilding Championships earning my WNBF Pro Card. I have owned and operated "Healthy Bodies Fitness" in Portola, CA for 6 years. During that time I have taught literally hundreds of clients in nearly every way. You name it and I have used it as an avenue for coaching/teaching. One on one personal training, seminars, 10 week challenges, week long courses, group training, step aerobics, what ever it takes to spread the word of health and fitness and keep my business thriving in a small community. I have also authored a book "Design your own NUTRITION" which is being represented by ST Literary Agency.

Organizations
Sponsored by AST Sports Science - www.ast-ss.com W.N.B.F (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation) RKC I Certified Instructor(www.dragondoor.com) A.R.R.T (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists)IDEA Health and Fitness Association

Publications
May 2009 issue of Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness Magazine, January 2009 issue of Mountail Lifestyle Magazine March 2007 Issue of IDEA Fitness Journal (Member Spotlight)AST Sports Science Website (Interviewed by IFBB Pro Jeff Willet)Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness Magazine (www.exercisegroup.com)www.bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/healthybodies,www.inbf.net,www.californianaturalmuscle.org,www.youtube.com/healthybodys Local Paper "Portola Reporter"

Education/Credentials
My background is in Health Care. I earned my Bachelors in Radiologic Science and have worked in Diagnostic Imaging for 13 years, thus my vast knowledge of anatomy. I also hold my personal training certification with IDEA Health and Fitness Association. The rest of my knowledge comes from frequently reading the journals of The American College of Sports Medicine and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. There are other journals out there, but those are my favorites.

Awards and Honors
As I mentioned above, I am a 7x Natural Body Building Champion. 2003 Novice Overall Champion ABA/INBA Northern Nevada Natural 2004 Open Medium height division winner ABA/INBA Western USA Natural 2006 Open Overall Champion ABA/INBA Naturals Nationals 2007 Open Short class winner ABA/INBA Mr. Millenium and Mr. Reno 2008 Open Overall Champion ABA/INBA Mr. Millenium 2008 Open Middleweight winner INBF Capital City Naturals 2008 Open Overall Champion INBF Washington State Naturals(Earned WNBF Pro Status)

Past/Present Clients
To many to list, but I am especially proud to have done consulting with Tony Bennett.

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