Why am I losing weight but my stomach is still big?

Why am I losing weight but my stomach is still big? This is a very common experience during fat loss, especially when overall weight is dropping but certain areas change more slowly.

Losing weight while your stomach stays relatively large usually means total body fat is dropping, but abdominal fat remains a stubborn storage area. Genetics, hormones, stress, and sleep patterns all influence where your body prefers to store and release fat. Early losses may show more in the face, chest, or limbs, while visceral and subcutaneous belly fat shrink later. Bloating from high sodium, low fiber, constipation, or food intolerances can also make the stomach appear bigger even as fat decreases. Continue a consistent calorie deficit, prioritize protein and resistance training, manage stress, and give your body time; the midsection typically changes noticeably only after substantial overall fat loss.

To check whether your daily target supports continued fat loss, use our calorie deficit calculator to estimate maintenance calories and a sustainable deficit.

Explore more related questions in our Calorie Calculator FAQs.