Achieving a visible six-pack is a common fitness goal, but there are nuances to consider when understanding abdominal muscle definition and the appearance of the belly.
To begin with, everyone has abdominal muscles, often referred to as the “rectus abdominis”. They lie underneath a layer of subcutaneous fat, which is the fat you can pinch. It’s entirely possible for someone to have strong, well-developed abs, but still have this layer of fat obscuring them, giving the appearance of a belly.
Secondly, factors like bloating or water retention can also cause the stomach to protrude, even if you have a relatively low body fat percentage. Consuming certain foods, for instance those high in salt or some carbohydrates, can cause temporary bloating. Additionally, issues like food intolerances or imbalances in gut bacteria can also lead to regular bloating, which can give the appearance of a belly.
Then there’s the aspect of body composition. Someone might have a relatively low overall body weight, but if the percentage of that weight which is fat is high, the abs may not be visible. This is often referred to as being “skinny fat”. It means that even if you’re slim or within a healthy weight range for your height (e.g., she weighed 65 kg (143.3 lbs)), it’s the distribution and percentage of fat vs. muscle that matters more in terms of abdominal visibility.
Lastly, genetics play a role in where your body tends to store fat. Some individuals might find that they naturally store more fat in the abdominal area, making it a bit more challenging to achieve that chiseled look.
While you may have strong abdominal muscles underneath, a combination of subcutaneous fat, bloating, body composition, and genetics can contribute to the appearance of a belly. To achieve more visible abs, you’d need to focus on reducing that layer of fat while also addressing other factors like diet to minimize bloating. Remember, everyone’s body is unique, so what works for one person might not work for another. It’s important to find what’s best for you.