February 2025
Our clinic has been featured in The Telegraph’s “The health risks of having an apron belly – and how to get rid of it” piece.
If you’ve lost a lot of weight, you might find yourself dealing with what’s often called an apron belly. The good news is that there are ways to manage and even get rid of it.
What is an Apron Belly?
An apron belly, also known as a stomach overhang or mother’s apron, happens when excess skin and fat create a flap that hangs down from the lower abdomen. This happens when the skin has stretched and lost its ability to bounce back after significant weight gain and loss. While it’s most common after pregnancy or major weight loss, men who’ve lost a lot of weight can also experience it.
The main causes of an apron belly
- Weight Loss – If you’ve lost a lot of weight, excess skin will not fully shrink back.
- Pregnancy – The skin stretches significantly during pregnancy, and sometimes it doesn’t regain its elasticity afterward.
- Caesarean Section – C-section scars can cause an overhang where the skin is tethered at the scar line, causing a small apron belly even if your body bounces back well otherwise.
The health risks of an apron belly
- Excess Abdominal Fat – Stubborn belly fat can increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues.
- Skin Irritation & Infections – Moisture and friction can lead to rashes, fungal infections, and irritation in the skin folds.
- Back Pain & Poor Posture – A heavy apron belly can pull your body forward, putting strain on your back and affecting your posture.
How to Get Rid of an Apron Belly
Diet and Exercise
Eating a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables, along with regular exercise, can help reduce overall fat. However, if your apron belly is mainly loose skin rather than fat, weight loss alone may not eliminate it.
Non-Invasive Aesthetic Treatments
For smaller apron bellies that consist mostly of stubborn fat, treatments like CoolSculpting can help. Coolsculpting will freeze and destroy the fat cells, reducing the area over time. However, it’s not a solution for significant loose skin.
Surgical Options
If your apron belly is affecting your quality of life, surgery might be the best option:
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) – Removes excess skin and fat while tightening abdominal muscles for a flatter stomach.
- Brazilian Tummy Tuck – Similar to a standard tummy tuck but with added liposuction to refine body shape.
- Apronectomy (Panniculectomy) – A simpler procedure that removes the excess hanging skin without muscle repair.
Apron Belly FAQs
Will Walking Help Reduce Apron Belly?
Walking and other forms of exercise can help reduce fat, improve posture, and tone your muscles, which may improve the appearance of an apron belly. However, loose skin won’t shrink only through exercising.
What Exercises Are Best for Apron Belly?
While you can’t target fat loss in one area, core-strengthening exercises like planks and weight training can improve muscle tone and help your stomach look and feel firmer.
Can Hormones Cause Apron Belly?
While not a direct cause, hormonal changes, for example during menopause, can lead to increased belly fat and reduced skin elasticity, making an apron belly more noticeable.
Dealing with an apron belly can be challenging, but you’re not alone. Whether through diet, exercise, non-invasive treatments, or surgery, there are ways to feel more comfortable and confident with your body. If your apron belly is affecting your daily life, there are options. Contact The Cosmetic Skin Clinic to learn more.
