I am a 30 year old female, no kids. I’m 5’8”, 180 lbs, very large chest, size 12 in both pants and shirts. I was my fittest at age 22, at a size 8 and 155 lbs.

When I was a teenager, I was thin as a rail but if I turned sideways, you could always see the slightest belly pooch.

I have always been active and athletic. I go to Orange Theory 5 days per week (HIIT training involving cardio/weights), and I played sports my whole life. But I have always, always held any excess weight in my stomach.

But between the ages of 26-30, my stomach has gotten out of control. I’ve had people ask If I’m pregnant or offer me their seat on public transportation. It seems to get worse as the day goes on and I never like how I look.

My diet isn’t horrible - I primarily eat healthy with probably a bit too much sodium and a bit too much alcohol - red wine, which I know is too much sugar. I recognize this is the first place I need to cut back.

I’ve had doctors before tell me that a lot of it is stress related. Well, I don’t feel particularly stressed. I’m just a normal adult with the normal stress factors.

Aside from cutting back on alcohol and salt, is there any way to figure out if there are any other factors/ways to help target this issue? I’ve realized my core strength is abysmal and I struggle to do sit ups and pretty much can’t do push-ups. All core type exercises are really hard for me, and I know that when you are doing other exercises like squats or bicep curls, you should have your core engaged, but I can’t seem to effectively do that, I can’t hold the tightened core for more than a couple seconds.

Should I see a physical therapist? Nutritionist? Dietician? Gastroenterologist? Allergist? Internist? Personal trainer?

I’m at a loss.

submitted by /u/FinnNeedsHelp
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