2008 Woodie Awards
The Myth of the Flat Stomach
Mythbusting Society's Belly Phobia
Linni Kral
Issue date: 12/6/07 Section: Vanities
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Dear Alice,
I am skinny and weigh 122 pounds and I am 5'7" tall. But I have a belly that just won't disappear, and I have been doing sit-ups for a month but my belly has not gotten smaller. What do you suggest for me to get a flat stomach? I am female and 15 years old (if that helps). Please help me! I really want a flat stomach!
Sincerely,?Help
I found this question on the advice website, www.goaskalice.columbia.edu. It expresses a desire felt by countless women across the United States. Possibly beyond that, especially here in Los Angeles.
This question was posted in the Fitness & Nutrition section-not Mental health, not General Questions. This girl, as well as many others, think that having a bit of extra skin beneath their belly button is a sign of poor health, laziness, gluttony, or all of the above. And society has done nothing to stop it. In fact, we've made almost every effort to promote this notion.
It's hard to open a magazine or turn on the television without seeing some reference to a "belly blaster," "tummy buster," or simply "rock hard abs." Women who grace the covers of fitness magazines may as well be amateur body builders given the amount of time they dedicate to their bodies. They follow a regimen that is not only unrealistic for the average woman, but can be downright dangerous to your health.
For starters, it's important to note that women are supposed to have a belly. That's right-in case we've forgotten, there's an important organ in there called the uterus. To maintain normal functioning, this organ is protected by a layer of fat that may cause the area beneath your belly button to swell.
Let's go back to Alice. Her response helps us reveal the genetic unlikelihood of a female flat stomach. "Among many other physical traits, a person's genetic makeup determines the shape of internal organs (e.g., stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys)," she replied. "Depending on these organs' shapes and sizes, they may or may not contribute to a slight roundedness of our stomachs." Alice also went on to point out that another factor out of our control and predetermined by genetics is fat distribution. Bodies may naturally store more fat in the waist than anywhere else on the body.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 10
Karina
posted 12/18/07 @ 10:40 PM PST
Well put! I think a little bit of roundness in the belly is more sensual and attractive than the eight-pack that's making its appearance on more and more magazine covers and other media. (Continued…)
Lower Stomach
posted 2/18/08 @ 10:31 AM PST
For some pepople it is impossible to get a flat stomach like we see in the magazines simply because of the way they are built (body shape).
Stomach Exercises
posted 2/28/08 @ 7:39 AM PST
"...Alice also went on to point out that another factor out of our control and predetermined by genetics is fat distribution. Bodies may naturally store more fat in the waist than anywhere else on the body. (Continued…)
Erica
posted 4/25/08 @ 11:24 AM PST
Great article! I have been trying to diet and I keep looking in the mirror at my stomach and seeing that protrusion that you discuss. Thanks for setting me straight -I won't look at it the same!
Martha
posted 4/29/08 @ 12:19 PM PST
"We should also respect our appearances instead of constantly striving to alter them to meet other people's standards. I happen to like the curve of my stomach when I look sideways in the mirror, and it shouldn't matter if anyone else does. (Continued…)
Lose Your Belly Fat
posted 5/29/08 @ 10:41 AM PST
While trying to lose belly fat it is important that you have a positive attitude.
I also think that changing your diet is more important for healthy weight loss then exercise, but combining them is ideal of course
How to Lose Belly Fat
posted 6/10/08 @ 10:50 AM PST
I agree with this:
It's hard to open a magazine or turn on the television without seeing some reference to a "belly blaster," "tummy buster," or simply "rock hard abs. (Continued…)
Fat Burning Foods
posted 6/10/08 @ 10:56 AM PST
There are health issues that can arise from excess stomach fat (visceral fat mainly). Of course there is no need to take the flat belly concept to the extreme. (Continued…)
Glenn
posted 8/25/08 @ 1:40 PM PST
Go there and click on the beauty reel feed:
room.tv
Even in music videos, they make the stars appear slimmer and with smoother skin. Britney Spears has a bit of a paunch. (Continued…)
How To Lose Belly Fat
posted 8/26/08 @ 1:31 AM PST
Having EXCESSIVE belly fat is a dangerous risk factor to your health. It's more serious than a vanity issue!
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