Why do bodybuilders get such bloated abdomens?
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I guess that's a slightly controversial question because its one of the things frowned upon in the bodybuilding world. I think one of the big reasons has to do with certain substances that are often used including anabolic steroids and growth hormone. These drugs are known to increase the storage of fat in the fat around the bowel - the epiploic appendicies. These drugs also increase the size of the bowel wall as the bowel wall also contains muscle which can contribute to the distended look.
Chad Nicholls, a writer for Muscle Insider magazine recently wrote an article on this particular issue and talked about things like bodybuilders getting lazy with abdominal workouts, bodybuilders not wearing belts to train with, which means they allow there abdomens to relax whilst training, and also bodybuilders getting on stage having had inappropriate "carbing" up programs.
Its a multitude of reasons. In my humble experience, it seems to be something that gets worse as bodybuilders progress through there careers. I'm dreading seeing the likes of Phil Heath with that distended look, and sadly I can see it developing. I do think Jay Cutler has done well to keep that abdominal distention away.
Health and Fitness Doctor
Secondly, their abs are ripped but an MRI could show visceral fat around the liver..?
Third, have you ever went out to dinner with a pro bodybuilder? They bring a shovel...
Fitness Professional
They eat this same stuff day after day, meal after meal, which compounds the issues.
I once advised a bloated BBer to simply cut out oats from his diet and replace with quinoa. After 10 days, he had dropped 3 notches on his belt.
Point is, that many BBers would do well to cut out irritant foodstuffs and practice and elimination-type diet.
Of course the PEDs may play a part (especially if the athlete doesn't control his estrogen), but honestly, I know so many users that have great physiques, with flat stomachs, that it's obviously only a small part of the equation.
Human Performance Consultant
This is because 1) eating lots of food often will likely stimulate growth of the intestines (which make up a substantial proportion of the gut and increased visceral (amongst the organs) fat and 2) the anabolic drugs work on the muscles of the intestines as well as the skeletal muscle, so in combination with excessive eating, this would "exercise" the intestines, which along with the drugs would be expected to cause growth in these tissues.
That's my theory anyhow...???
Nutritionist and Supplement Specialist