What Is Apron Belly and Why It Happens?

Pregnancy brings along with it tremendous changes in a woman’s body. Some expected, and some not so much. One of the most significant changes is called apron belly.

What exactly is an apron belly, why does it happen, and is there anything you can do about it? Read below this article to find out more.

An apron belly, also known as a pannus stomach, occurs due to excess fat and skin in the lower abdomen that hangs over the waistline, similar to an apron. This can happen either due to pregnancy, significant weight gain, or rapid weight loss.

While some people develop a small amount of overhanging skin, others may develop a larger fold that extends down to the thighs or beyond. Even though apron bellies are completely normal, they can also lead to some concerns.

Apron belly develops due to a combination of fat accumulation and skin stretching. The main reasons behind why it happens have been listed below.

During pregnancy, the abdominal skin and muscles stretch to carry a growing baby. However, after childbirth, the skin doesn’t always get back to normal—especially after multiple pregnancies or large weight fluctuations. In fact, up to 30 percent of postpartum women experience some level of loose abdominal skin, especially after a C-section delivery or multiple births.

Likewise, the body naturally stores fat in different areas based on different factors, including genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. This excess abdominal fat can cause the skin to stretch over time.

According to the CDC, almost 42.4 percent of adults in the U.S. are considered as obese. Moreover, here, weight gain in the abdominal area is also especially common in women after pregnancy and menopause.

Surprisingly, losing weight too quickly can also contribute to apron belly.In simple words, when fat is lost rapidly, the skin doesn’t shrink at the same rate, thereby leaving excess loose skin.

While in most cases, apron belly is not a cause of concern; however, it can lead to some discomfort and hygiene issues in few. Here are a few health concerns that an apron belly might pose.

Did you know that moisture can also get trapped under the fold, thus resulting in rashes, chafing, and infections?

Carrying too much weight in the lower abdomen can also put strain on the lower back and posture, which ultimately results in severe back pain.

Many people also feel self-conscious about their apron belly, which impacts their body confidence.

There’s no instant fix for apron belly, but there are ways to reduce its appearance while managing discomfort. For example, targeted weight loss by  losing overall body fat through a combination of diet and exercise can reduce the size of an apron belly over time. Besides, core and strength training, including  planks, leg raises, and pelvic tilts, can also significantly help tighten the muscles underneath and improve overall appearance.

Furthermore, the doctor might also recommend skin-lightening nonsurgical treatments such as radiofrequency, laser therapy, and microneedling that may help tighten loose skin. However, in extreme cases, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or panniculectomy (removal of excess skin) may be recommended to remove excess skin and tighten abdominal muscles.

An apron belly is a normal and common part of many people’s bodies—especially after pregnancy or weight changes. While there are ways to manage its impact, targeted weight loss, core and strengthening exercises, non-surgical treatments and surgery can significantly help.

At the end, what matters most is how you feel in your own skin.