Surgeon explains why 'mommy belly' persists after weight loss

Dr Sumeet Shah, chairman of general, minimal access, bariatric and robotic surgery at Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, explains that pregnancy stretches abdominal muscles which often do not heal completely, causing a persistent bulge even after weight loss.

The condition, known as 'mommy belly', may involve diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles), loose skin, or weakened connective tissues, and is not always due to excess fat.

Beyond appearance, this condition can lead to poor posture, lower back pain, pelvic floor weakness, urinary leakage, reduced core strength, and in severe cases, hernia risk.