Does the stomach muscle becoming harder after exercise mean you've lost weight?
Nov 21, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
The abdomen may feel harder after exercise, which could be due to weight loss, but might also result from gastrointestinal dysfunction, intestinal disorders, or other conditions. Regularly performing abdominal exercises, such as sit-ups or crunches, can increase abdominal muscle mass and strength, leading to a firmer abdomen—a common physiological phenomenon. Individuals experiencing a hardened abdomen are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they have any discomfort.
The abdomen becoming firm after exercise might indicate weight loss, but it could also be caused by gastrointestinal dysfunction, intestinal disorders, or other conditions.
1. Weight Loss
If you consistently perform abdominal exercises such as sit-ups or crunches over a long period, your abdominal muscles may increase in mass and strength, leading to a firmer abdomen. This is a common physiological phenomenon.
2. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
Factors such as emotional stress, improper diet, or infections may slow gastrointestinal motility and increase intestinal gas, resulting in a hard feeling in the abdomen. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as belladonna tablets, domperidone tablets, or lactulose oral solution can be used for treatment.
3. Intestinal Diseases
Conditions such as enteritis, intestinal polyps, or tumors may lead to the formation of intestinal masses or increased gas accumulation, causing abdominal hardness. Treatment under medical supervision may include medications like omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, or rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets.
Individuals with metabolic diseases such as diabetes may also experience hardened and thinner abdominal tissue. Patients experiencing a hard abdomen, especially if accompanied by discomfort, should seek immediate medical attention to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
