people think I'm pregnant!

Help! Ok so I am about 15 pounds overweight and all of my fat is on my stomach. Whenever I eat I also get bloated and I look very round. That Is why I have been asked "when are you due" 4 times! once recently when I went out to dinner .I was in The bathroom, I ate a lot, and I was wearing a tight dress that made my belly stick out! Once a man also gave up his seat for me because he thought I was pregnant and that I shouldn't be standing! Has this ever happened to anyone?! I wish I could post a picture so I could see who thinks I look pregnant. Please respond with your stories if you have ever been asked if you are pregnant.

Don't wear tight clothing.

Aw, I'm sorry sweetie.

I know if I had been older at my highest weight, I would have been asked this.

You could try doing some ab exercises to 'tone' or 'firm up' your belly. :)

Some links of others who have:

http://caloriecount.about.com/forums/the-loun ge/oh-due-im-thanks-showing-concern

http://caloriecount.about.com/forums/weight-l oss/im-pregnant-fat

http://caloriecount.about.com/forums/weight-l oss/im-pregnant-fat-help

Original Post by marajunnaya:

Aw, I'm sorry sweetie.

I know if I had been older at my highest weight, I would have been asked this.

You could try doing some ab exercises to 'tone' or 'firm up' your belly. :)

If you want to "tone" your belly, you need to lose the fat on top of it.  Ab exercises won't cut it.  A calorie deficit will.

Yes, this has happened to me a few times over the past 20 years, and it's mortifying! I've actually said, "No, I'm not pregnant. I'm just fat." I am tall, with very narrow hips, so any weight gain pushes my stomach out. As a result, I never assume, or even ask, if someone is pregnant.

I am so sorry! My 8 yr old nephew announced that I look like I am pregnant a few weeks ago. In line for a ride at a waterpark. Gah! Figure he did me a favor because I needed someone to light a fire under me so I could get some motivation and get back on track.

The best, and only, thing you can do is start your weight loss program. I see that you have just joined CC. That's a great start! Weigh your food, log your food, then see where you land on the Analysis page. Do that for a day or two without changing your food habits. After that, see where you need to make changes and do so a step at a time so that it isn't a sudden behavioral change, which is really hard to do. Change one thing at a time. Keep up your nutrition and start reducing the carbs, because you are likely experiencing a great insulin response to your food. Stress with high carbs and little exercise will make the fat land right on your belly. Yes, that's my weak spot, too. Thin arms and legs. I know it well. However, the fat doesn't just land there, eventually it will travel all over, but will always go to the belly first, it seems. And it will go from all the other spots at the same time you lose it from the belly. But you have to keep working at weight loss - fat loss, specifically. Start a weight resistance program to build muscle in your arms and calves and thighs. That will help burn fat and will balance your body shape. Then take out the caffeine, get sleep, walk, walk, and walk some more. Sprint, if you are able, 10 sec. at a time with a rest, repeat, for 20 min a few times a week. Weight train 3X a week. Walk every day, for at least 30 min, preferably 1 hour, leisurely, to destress. Do some ab work, but that isn't going to take away the fat, but eventually you need to tighten those muscles that have gotten lax and are letting it fall forward. Check your posture, too. Walk holding in your stomach to strengthen it. I've gone from an 18 (because of the belly) to a size 6 (with almost a normal belly now) doing these things, at the age of 56. You are much younger so it shouldn't be as much of a struggle. Get on it now. I didn't know it was possible when I was younger or I would have done it then. Good luck!