How to Tell the Difference Between Bloating and Belly Fat
Q&A with Organizational Pro Peter Walsh + Dermatologist Shares A…
Actor Hank Azaria + Freezer Meals + Artichokes 2 Ways with Rach
See Inside Barbara Corcoran's Stunning NY Apartment + It's Steak…
How to Make Chicken and Lobster Piccata | Richard Blais
Donnie Wahlberg Spills Details About NKOTB's First Ever Conventi…
Donnie Wahlberg + Jenny McCarthy Say Rach Is Such a "Joy" + Look…
The Best Moments From 17 Seasons of the Show Will Make You Laugh…
How to Make Crabby Carbonara | Rachael Ray
Rach Chats "Firsts" In Flashback From Our First Episode Ever In …
How to Make Apple-Cider Braised Pork Chop Sandwiches with Onion …
Rach's Chef Pals Say Goodbye to Show in Surprise Video Message
How to Make Sesame Cookies | Buddy Valastro
How to Make Tortilla with Potatoes, Piquillo Peppers and Mancheg…
How to Make Shrimp Burgers | Jacques Pepin
How to Make Spanakopipasta | Rachael Ray
Andrew McCarthy Chokes Up Discussing Emotional Trip to Spain wit…
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Andrew McCarthy Teases Upcoming "Brat Pack" Reunion Special
Michelle Obama Toasts Rach's 17 Years on the Air With a Heartfel…
Bloating and belly fat may appear to be one and the same at first glance, but they are actually very, very different.
So how can you tell one from the other? We called in board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Roshini Raj to tell us!
"Sometimes it's not that easy to distinguish," the doc admits, "but there are some clues here."
"When you feel bloated," she continues, "it's really that your abdomen is being filled up with air."
RELATED: What Causes Bloating?
Which is why if you're bloated, the doctor explains, you'll get a tense "drum feeling" when you touch your stomach. If fat is the culprit, on the other hand, your stomach will feel "much more dense."
(Watch her demonstrate the difference with balloons in the video above!)
Not to mention that if you tend to bloat, you’re more likely to wake up with a flatter stomach and notice changes as the day goes on.
As for belly fat, that stays consistent throughout the day and night -- so a lack of change may be an indication.
Curious about how to reduce bloating? Find out how here!