Stomach apron: how to eliminate abdominal excess without surgery?

In France, nearly one in two adults is overweight and up to 60% of women experience abdominal relaxation after pregnancy. Two factors that favor the appearance of the belly apron.

The belly apronalso called abdominal apronrefers to excess skin and fat located at the lower abdomen. Doctors talk about abdominal ptosis to describe this subsidence.

There are several types of apron:

« Regardless of the type of abdominal apron, weakening of the abdominal wall muscles may be associatedspecifies Jérôme Caradec. We then sometimes talk about rectus diastasis, that is to say a separation of the abdominal muscles. »

Depending on its importance, the abdominal apron can cause aesthetic discomfort, skin irritations, maceration of the skin, even local infections or discomfort in daily activities.

The apron of the stomach is gradually formed when the skin and abdominal muscles lose their tone and abdominal fat accumulate in the lower abdomen. “ Prolonged weight gain leads to progressive stretching of the skin and subcutaneous tissuesexplains Jérôme Caradec. Over time, the skin loses part of its ability to retract: the collagen and elastin fibers gradually deteriorate. When distension is significant, excess skin can persist for a long time. Only an abdominoplasty can then improve its appearance. » And added: “ Contrary to popular belief, abdominal apron is not caused by weight loss itself. It mainly results from changes in the skin caused by previous obesity. By reducing fat volume, weight loss simply makes excess skin more visible. »

Several factors promote this abdominal ptosis:

« There is a correlation between body mass index (BMI) and apron severitycontinues the dietician-nutritionist. A study of 217 obese adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery showed that each 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI multiplies the risk of developing a more severe abdominal apron by 1.8. »

It is possible to reduce an abdominal apron without surgery when the excess is mainly linked to fat accumulation and muscle relaxation. On the other hand, if the skin is very distended, the results remain limited.

Reducing abdominal fat requires above all a balanced diet. “ Diet can play a preventative and supportive role by helping to maintain muscle mass and firmer skin. », confirms Jérôme Caradec.

The dietician-nutritionist recommends consuming proteins and fibers which preserve muscle mass and promote satiety :

It is also advisable to favor fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene — a precursor of vitamin A — which contributes to cell renewal and the maintenance of toned skin. “ Choose those in orange, red or dark green colors: carrots, sweet potatoes, peppers, broccoli, squash, melon or even apricots », explains the specialist.

Finally, we must not neglect vitamin C which contributes to the synthesis of collagen. “ One kiwi for breakfast is enough to cover a large part of the daily requirement for vitamin C. Red fruits, such as blackcurrant, are also very rich in it. »

No physical activity can melt belly fat alone. On the other hand, certain sports are particularly effective in reducing overall body fat and toning the abdominal muscles. “ High-intensity interval training, for example, is interesting because it alternates short phases of sustained effort with recovery times. », specifies Jérôme Caradec. The latter, however, advises carrying out a medical check-up before starting and seeking assistance in order to limit the risk of injury. “ In people who are beginners, suffering from obesity or after pregnancy, a gradual recovery remains preferable », he adds. Brisk walking, swimming or cycling are also interesting physical activities when practiced regularly.

After pregnancy, the stomach may remain slack for several months. The skin has been greatly stretched, the abdominal muscles have been weakened and the lower abdomen often lacks tone. Too rapid weight loss risks accentuating sagging skin, it is better to favor a balanced diet, a gradual return to sport… and be patient with your body!

A rectus diastasis — a separation of the abdominal muscles — is also common after childbirth and sometimes contributes to the sagging appearance of the stomach. Rehabilitation supervised by a health professional (physiotherapist or midwife) is then relevant. “ When the excess skin is significant, the abdominal apron may persist despite efforts. It will then be necessary to resort to surgery instead. », concludes Jérôme Caradec.

In all cases, gradual weight loss, a balanced diet and regular physical activity remain the best strategies to limit the appearance or worsening of an abdominal apron.