Tips to Battle Tummy Bulge

Monday, July 29, 2002

ROCHESTER, MINN. — Just can't seem to maintain a flat tummy, even though you are not overweight? According to the August issue of the Mayo Clinic Women's HealhSource, you could just have a genetic tendency to accumulate fat in that area. Or if you have lost some height over the years, bulges can become more prominent. Whatever the cause, you can help flatten your stomach.

* Get regular, general exercise. Burning calories reduces overall body fat. (Just doing sit-ups won't flatten the bulge.)

* Target lower and deeper abdominal muscles. Exercises that target these muscle groups can help. An example is a pelvic tilt. Lie on your back on the floor with knees bent. Flatten your back against the floor by tightening your abdomen and bending your pelvis up. Hold for five to 10 seconds. Work up to 10 to 20 repetitions.

* Stand tall. A slouched position makes your tummy more prominent.

Beware of bloating. Some foods — beans, cabbage and bran, for example — can cause bloating and accentuate your bulge.

Shelly Plutowski 507-284-5005 (days) 507-284-2511 (evenings) e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-351-8963, extension 9PK1.

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