What is an apron belly and how can you get rid of it?

If you have a fold of sagging skin and fat hanging down from your stomach, you might already know the term some people use to describe it: “apron belly.”  This apron-like abdominal overhang goes by many names: Apron stomach, pannus stomach, and abdominal pannus. No matter what you call it, apron belly may cause physical discomfort like chafing and lower back pain. It’s also a common body image concern after pregnancy or significant weight loss or gain in some people.

Keep reading to learn about what causes apron belly, how to get rid of an apron belly, and more.

The term “apron belly” is a colloquial term to describe loose skin and fatty tissue that hangs from the stomach and drapes down toward the pubic line. In severe cases, the “apron” of abdominal skin and fat hangs down to cover the thighs. 

Like “hormonal belly,” apron belly is not a diagnosable or official medical condition, and it can occur even with a healthy diet and exercise routine. This type of abdominal sagging isn’t the same as a beer belly or FUPA (fatty upper pubic area), as it can be caused by regular, healthy events such as pregnancy and weight loss.

That said, there is a medical condition called panniculus morbidus, a severe form of apron belly. In people with panniculus morbidus, extreme obesity — defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more — has led to a pendulous abdominal overhang with impaired lymphatic drainage and blood flow. This is a serious and life-altering condition that limits mobility.

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Though lifestyle, sex, age, and genetics can all play a role in body composition, there are really only three direct causes of apron belly: pregnancy, weight loss, and obesity.

• Pregnancy. Abdominal skin gets rapidly stretched during pregnancy and doesn’t just snap back into place after giving birth. It’s common for postpartum individuals to experience sagging skin and belly fat even months after delivery, which is why some people refer to it as “mother’s apron.” 

• Significant weight loss. Sagging skin is common after swift, significant weight loss, such as that from bariatric surgery or GLP-1s like Wegovy orZepbound. Think of it this way: Losing weight can reduce the amount of fat in the area, but not necessarily the overstretched skin. Research shows that skin contraction stops about 6–12 months after you reach a steady body weight, though the exact timeline can vary by individual. Excess skin and underlying tissue may form a noticeable overhang or apron belly. 

• Obesity. Fat deposits that accumulate around the abdomen due to excessive weight gain can begin to hang down as gravity takes hold. In cases of extreme obesity, this pouch of fatty tissue can get larger and lower, turning into a pendulous apron belly.

Apron belly can have mental and emotional impacts on some individuals. Research suggests that low body image can directly contribute to depression. Body dissatisfaction is linked to health problems such as:

• Disordered eating

• Sleep issues

• Anxiety 

• Depression

Apron belly can also pose risks to physical health. For instance, a heavy apron belly caused by obesity could contribute to lower back pain, which could eventually diminish daily mobility. 

Additionally, the fold of excess skin can be a source of painful skin-on-skin friction, leading to skin problems such as :

• Cellulitis (skin infection)

• Intertrigo (inflammatory skinfold rash)

• Skin sores and ulcers

Apron belly can cause both mental and physical health issues. 

Here are some helpful ways to prevent discomfort from skin-on-skin friction caused by apron belly:

• Wash skin folds daily to reduce the risk of bacterial rashes and infections.

• Dry damp skin folds with a soft towel after washing or sweating to help prevent irritation and rashes. 

• Wear loose-fitting, breathable fabrics to reduce sweating, which can cause heat rash.

• Dust skinfolds with absorbent powder to prevent sweat rashes. Avoid cornstarch if you have a fungal infection in the area, as it could worsen it.

If you are already experiencing skin issues from apron belly, it’s important to consult a dermatologist or another healthcare provider. Skin infections may require antibiotics. If you think you may have a serious infection, seek emergency medical attention. In the meantime, here are some ways to ease discomfort: 

• Do your best to keep the skin clean and dry at all times.

• Depending on your healthcare provider’s recommendations, consider a barrier cream like triple paste — a cream containing aluminum acetate solution, zinc oxide, and petrolatum — to soothe irritation and reduce additional friction.

• Try your best to stay in cool, air-conditioned places, wear loose clothes, and apply antiperspirant as needed — all of which are geared toward helping you avoid skin-irritating sweat. 

Some individuals use abdominal support bands for back pain associated with apron belly. While abdominal support bands may help in some instances, their tight fit may also cause skin issues. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing back pain from apron belly.

The best way to reduce or get rid of an apron belly depends on the underlying cause. If an apron stomach is caused by obesity, weight loss can help shrink it, though it’s nearly impossible to spot-treat this issue by only losing weight in your stomach. If your apron belly is caused by excess skin after pregnancy or weight loss, skin tightening or surgical procedures might be needed. Here’s a closer look at a variety of tactics that might help you  address apron belly: 

Healthier diet

Improving your diet may help reduce an apron stomach if the issue is caused by excess belly fat. That’s because what you eat (and don’t eat) can play an integral role in reducing body weight and fat — both of which can help improve an apron belly.

Some strategies for healthy weight loss and improving overall health include eating fewer processed foods and sugar, which are linked to visceral fat accumulation. Packing your plate with more nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, especially those full of gut-healthy fiber (like raspberries, pears, broccoli, and carrots), is a good idea. Eating more protein can also help you feel more satisfied after meals, which can help reduce mindless snacking. Healthy lean proteins include beans, lentils, fish, and skinless chicken.

Regular exercise

While exercise in general supports overall health, certain workouts can be especially effective for promoting weight loss, improving abdominal muscle tone, and enhancing body composition — all of which can help reduce apron belly. Aerobic activities, for example, have been shown to reduce weight circumference and measures of body fat. One meta-analysis, in particular, found that doing at least 150 minutes of moderate to high intensity aerobic training (e.g. walking, running) was key for seeing such results. 

And then there are core-strengthening exercises, such as planks and squats, to help stabilize and tighten your torso. 

Weight loss medications

An apron belly caused by obesity can be improved by losing weight. Depending on your lifestyle and other health conditions, your healthcare provider may recommend weight loss medications such as GLP-1s, which can help regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite, or metformin, which can help regulate blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance. Weight loss medications may not be as helpful for apron belly due to excess skin, so make sure you talk to your healthcare provider about your goals. 

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency is a non-invasive skin tightening procedure that may help improve apron belly after pregnancy or weight loss. This procedure uses heat to stimulate collagen production, which helps firm and plump skin. 

Keep in mind that radiofrequency is not a magic bullet for loose skin. It helps improve skin laxity, but it won’t shrink inches of excess hanging skin. Still, radiofrequency may be helpful for people with mild apron belly or those who want to supplement other strategies for getting rid of apron belly.

Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis, also known as fat freezing, is another noninvasive procedure that could help improve apron belly caused by obesity or excess belly fat. However, it is usually used for localized fat reduction. This treatment can help reduce abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue — fatty tissue under the skin — by freezing and killing fat cells in a targeted way. 

In one small study, more than 95% of cryolipolysis patients reported improvements in lower belly fat after treatment. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Cryolipolysis won’t completely get rid of an apron belly if you have obesity, but it may help reduce small amounts of belly fat that remain under the skin after weight loss.

Hydration

Good hydration won't magically fix an apron belly, but it can support healthier-looking skin to promote an overall improved appearance. Staying hydrated involves drinking water, eating water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumber, and moisturizing your skin from the outside with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Abdominoplasty 

An abdominoplasty, aka a tummy tuck, is a type of plastic surgery that removes excess skin and fat and then tightens the abdominal muscles. This body-contouring surgery can be a highly effective way to get rid of apron belly from pregnancy or significant weight loss. 

Still, it can be cost-prohibitive and has a higher risk of complications than non-surgical methods. While effective, abdominoplasty is a major surgery that typically requires two weeks of recovery. As a cosmetic procedure, it is also rarely covered by insurance.

Panniculectomy

A panniculectomy is plastic surgery that involves removing the pannus, or excess skin, from your lower abdominal region. It is similar to a tummy tuck, except that panniculectomies do not tighten the abdominal muscles. This surgery is specifically targeted to treat apron belly and, thus, reduce the risk of related skin issues such as rashes and ulcers. It may or may not be covered by insurance, depending on whether you have associated medical issues appropriately documented by a healthcare provider.  

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Apron belly is a common concern for people who have just given birth, lost significant weight, or have obesity. Although it’s not an official medical diagnosis, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your abdominal region or are experiencing irritation that might be related to an apron belly. Here are the key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Apron belly is a non-medical term that describes loose belly skin and fatty tissue that folds or hangs downward.

• Apron belly can be a result of pregnancy, significant weight loss, or obesity.

• Complications of apron belly can include body image issues, lower back pain, and skin infections or sores if the skin is not taken care of carefully.

• The right treatment for apron belly depends on the factors causing it, but lifestyle changes such as improving your diet and exercising regularly may help address overall body weight and, in turn, symptoms.

• For concerns regarding loose skin, excess fat, or overall body composition or body image, it may be helpful to seek personalized guidance from a healthcare provider.