5'6", 130 pounds, and distended belly?!

[Kman771]

As long as I can remeber, I've had a gut that I can pull handfuls of flab off. However, 15, I'm 5'6"-5'7", and 130ibs, about average BMI. Why am I this way? It's not my diet, I don't drink soda often, candy, only often around holidays, and usually get some exercise. I found out air swallowing can cause this, when I was younger, 3 years old, I thought you HAD to swallow, saliva. So I often times swallow saliva many times through the day, and eat meals quickly. Does swallowing air cause my distended belly? The rest of my body is lean, I'm male, have a small chest, thin forearms, muscular biceps and calves, and medium thighs. Help!

[Kman771]

Alright, I'm trying to get in more exercise, if i don't get results, I'll try the doctor. Thank you

[Barb135]

I don't know that swallowing air would cause your stomach to be distended ALL the time, nor would it cause you to be flabby.  I don't know what type of exercise routine you have, but you could try working out to lean up.  Although you can't "spot reduce", you should be able to build your muscle and get rid of the flab.  

That said, too much of the stress hormone, cortisol, can cause excess belly fat, as can other things.

I would suggest that you see your doctor to determine if there  might be medical issues causing this or if it's a matter of needing to "lean up" your muscles.