A thyroid belly looks like a puffy and round stomach.
Thyroid belly is what refers to as stubborn abdominal weight gain and bloating, which is common in hypothyroidism also known as an underactive thyroid, which is due to slowed metabolism.
Although it's also important to understand that thyroid belly is linked to systemic weight gain and not just a specific type of fat.
Thyroid belly can also manifest itself as a bulge in your neck, "goiter" or even a puffy face that is often also accompanied by fatigue and even other metabolic issues.
When you experience thyroid belly, you will have abdominal weight gain, with a noticeable increase in fat around your midsection, which is hard to lose.
A thyroid belly also causes bloating, which is a puffy or swollen feeling in your abdomen and sometimes due to fluid retention or slow digestion as well as swelling or puffiness, especially in your face.
With a thyroid belly you often also have a visible lump or protrusion in the front of your neck, which indicates an enlarged thyroid, "goiter" or nodules.
Thyroid belly occurs due to slowed metabolism and fluid retention.
With slowed metabolism, your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, which slow down your body's energy burning.
And the fluid retention can also cause swelling and lead to weight gain.
And fat and sugar metabolism being impaired from processing of fats and sugars can lead to thyroid belly.
Thyroid belly is not just fat, and instead thyroid belly is often a mix of fat, fluid and a general slowdown, which affects your entire metabolism and energy levels.
So if you suspect your have thyroid problems, you should let your doctor know for proper diagnosis as well as treatment, because managing the underlying hormone imbalance is key.