Could loss in height affect belly bulge? [Archive]

ufindme2007

03-17-2007, 01:50 PM

I'm 47 years old and been recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. I use to be 5'9 1/4" but in the past several years Ive lost 1 1/4 inches, most likely due to osteo. Ive always carried most of my weight around my middle but it seems that Im carrying even more now, along with bigger love handles. I am aware of the whole aging process and the metabolism slowing down. Im also aware of eating right and weight training along with cardio to get in better shape. Im just asking if anyone has experienced this too. People at work think that losing height could effect the inches around the waist because where else could the fat go if it is compressed.

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Piano0105

03-17-2007, 03:14 PM

Since losing about 2 inches in height, I've noticed that my stomach seems huge. I've always been slim so it's been very obvious to me. It's also causing me some digestive problems since everything seems to be pressing on my internal organs.

petal*pusher

03-18-2007, 11:44 PM

Hmmm...never thought of this! Just what I needed was an excuse!

I've lost 4 1/2" in height over about a ten year period. I've not been "slim" since high school (class of '65)...but I know my challenge is more from ice cream than my shorter and stooping posture.

I sure don't mean to make light of this disease...but I'm way too young to let it be the winner. Scared? You bet! Interested in all the info shared here? Of course! I didn't realize the sheltered view I had until reading other's challenges. Your theory is interesting..................Pam;)

phylwill1152

03-19-2007, 10:13 AM

Hi ufindme2007...What an observant person you are. I am short wasited to begin with and have noticed its even shorter since i've lost some height. I never made the connection...i think your onto something. Since the bone loss is in the spine it makes sense that we'd get shorted thru the torso. My middle has always been my least favorite part me and losing weight there or anywhere has become very difficult. I guess the the best thing we can do is to keep our muscles strong to support our bones. I always say under this layer of fat i have great muscles...and i do, i just wish they showed more...haha. take care...phyllis

ufindme2007

03-19-2007, 10:48 PM

Hi Phyllis, Thanks for responding to my thread. I never thought of this a few years ago (and Im sure I already lost some height at that point). It wasnt untill I noticed that the love handles around my sides and back were getting bigger but I wasnt gaining any weight. Its nice to know Im not alone. Im on Fosamax so hopefully I wont lose any more bone mass. I guess all we apple shaped people can do is watch the carbs/and fat and do more cardiovascular exercises. Have a great week!
Ellen

DesertBloom

03-20-2007, 11:17 AM

Hi: Gaining around the abdomen with height loss is very common. Have you had any fractures? Usually loss in height points to some compression fractures. Another thing that happens with fractures/height loss is to have lung or breathing problems because the spine is compressing your lungs. This is the same thing that happens in your abdomen where your spine pushes forward, and the height loss gives your abdomen less vertical space, so you gain in that area. If you are getting bigger in that area and not gaining weight this is a side effect from the height loss and compression of abdominal space.:wave:

GranEEjay8

03-25-2007, 02:13 PM

Hi ufindme, Just read your thread . Boy was I set back! Like you, I have always been thin and all of a sudden I started getting these bulges in around my middle and then in my stomach. I even spent a night in the hospital, run through every test and they could find nothing, one doctor told me I was just getting old and the love handles were just getting larger. Got news for him. I've never even come close to having them. However, after three back surgeries, and scoliosisand osteoperosis, I am a couple inches shorter and what you said makes so much sence to me. And it is quite uncomfortable and I can only eat small amounts at a time or I blow up like a balloon.I really think there is something to what you say and it's nice to know it's not just me or that I'm nuts. About Fosamax, be carefull with it. I was on kit for two years and started loosing my hair. Lost about half of it. Had heard of othes that had this happen, so I quit taking it. Not saying this will happen to you, just be careful. Hard to know what to do sometimes, but I do know a couple of others who havehad problems with Fosamax.
Take care, GranEEjay8

DesertBloom

03-25-2007, 03:55 PM

Hi All: Here's a link that explains this phenomenon from the University of WA and Dr Susan Ott.

http://courses.washington.edu/bonephys/opclin.html#kyphosis