How can I differentiate between bloating and body fat?

Bloating and body fat are different in how they feel and what causes them. Bloating is usually from gas in your stomach or intestines. It can make your tummy feel tight and uncomfortable. This can happen after eating certain foods or due to digestive problems. Bloating can come and go, often changing throughout the day.

Body fat, on the other hand, is a more permanent tissue. It doesn't change quickly and is usually soft and spread out in the tummy area. Unlike bloating, body fat doesn't cause discomfort or tightness.

Here are some ways to tell them apart:

• Timing: Bloating often comes and goes, while body fat stays the same over time.
• Feel: Bloating feels tight and sometimes painful, while body fat feels soft.
• Changes: Bloating can change quickly, even in a few hours, but body fat changes slowly over weeks or months.

Understanding these differences can help you know what might be causing your tummy to feel different and when you might want to talk to a doctor.