What causes a big lower abdomen?

Generally speaking, "small belly" refers to the lower abdomen. An enlarged lower abdomen may be caused by factors such as aging, poor dietary habits, lack of sleep, indigestion, constipation, etc. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Aging

As people age, abdominal muscles gradually lose firmness, which may lead to a protruding lower abdomen. Regular abdominal muscle exercises, such as sit-ups and planks, can help strengthen muscle strength and improve laxity of the abdominal muscles.

2. Poor Dietary Habits

Long-term consumption of high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar foods can easily lead to excess energy, which is then converted into stored fat, resulting in lower abdominal obesity. It is important to maintain a diverse and balanced diet and engage in appropriate physical activity to promote fat burning.

3. Sleep Deprivation

Chronic lack of sleep may affect the endocrine system, causing hormonal imbalances that disrupt fat metabolism and promote fat accumulation, leading to an enlarged lower abdomen. It is recommended to maintain 7–8 hours of sleep per night and avoid staying up late or chronic sleep deprivation.

4. Indigestion

Indigestion is mainly caused by overeating or excessive anxiety. Gastrointestinal dysfunction may prolong the retention time of food in the digestive tract, producing gas and causing abdominal bloating, often accompanied by symptoms such as bloating and acid reflux. Medications such as domperidone tablets, omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, and Dashaanzha pills may be used under medical guidance for treatment.

5. Constipation

Insufficient water intake, improper diet, and a fast-paced lifestyle may lead to constipation. Chronic difficulty in bowel movements may result in the accumulation of waste in the intestines, increasing the volume of the lower abdomen, usually accompanied by symptoms such as difficult defecation and loss of appetite. Medications such as lactulose oral solution, senna granules, and mosapride citrate tablets may be used under a doctor's supervision for treatment.

Regular targeted abdominal exercises, such as sit-ups and planks, can also help reduce abdominal fat.