eating healthy and running but my stomach is still big

[getmel_1]

Im a 38 year old woman and my height is 5ft 4 and i go running 5 times a week, sometimes 4 miles or maybe 5 to 6 and i still can't seem to shift the weight around my stomach which is getting me down and i also weigh heavier too! What can possibly be the problem to this?? Need some advice please..

Mel

[islandgrl47]

I was exercising and trying to get back in shape too. As a busy mom I put off my annual pelvic exam for a few years. I felt fine so why go. Ended up I had a large ovarian cyst that added some bulk to my lower stomach. My point is to really take care of yourself make sure you don't put off your exams. Just looking out for your health. I was ignoring mine. I had the cyst removed 2months ago and starting a new exercise routine.

[CuteNsweeT]

You need to up your cals to at least 1,200 to get your body out of the starvation mode you've put it into. You won't lose any weight if your body is holding onto every single tiny calorie in fear it won't get fed again, and slowing down your metabolism to more efficiently deal with the limited cals. Make sure you drink enough water (like at least 2liters a day), and the carbs you do eat, make sure they're not processed. Also, stay away from artificial sweeteners as they can cause the same effects as sugar in your body.

[getmel_1]

Hiya i eat really healthy, probs 1000 calories a day, limit my carbs too

[CuteNsweeT]

Even though you run a lot, if you've recently changed your diet (or been eating a little more than before), that could be the culprit.

[getmel_1]

Hi thanks for the reply but i have never had a tummy so its all new to me so i cant think what else it could be to be honest..

[twehner5]

Sorry, I should have looked at your profile first.  I see that you have a 10-year-old.  You could have this condition, but I wonder if you have always had a "pouch" since she was born?  Hmmmm.  

I had a flat stomach until I had children, but I had 3 very large babies (9 pounds and BIGGER).  

[twehner5]

Hi.  I wonder if you have children?  If so, you might have a common condition of child-bearing clled "diastasis recti"...or separation of your rectus abdominis muscle.  It sounds scary, but it is a benign condition.  

Unfortunately, the most common treatment is surgical - known as a tummy tuck.  You can try doing the pilates move called plank.  That is a great core-strengthening exercise and acts to "lengthen" your rectus abdominis muscle.

Good luck!