How to Get Rid of the ‘Mummy Tummy’:

There have been many so-called breakthrough exercises recommended for the ‘mum tum’ or more academically accurate ‘diastasis recti abdominis.’  But recently, some experts are now carefully questioning not only whether the mum-tum exercises are effective but also whether they are actually even healthy or safe for you.

The mummy tummy is due to the separation of abdominal muscles post giving birth. The muscles extend to allow the foetus to grow and they often don’t snap back together to normal, causing protruding bellies.

The Norwegian School of Sports Sciences (NIH)’s new study suggests the recommended exercises (which NIH itself heavily endorsed) may not have any real effects. What does that mean? According to the professor who led the experiment, it means that we are basically back at square one with no real, evidence-based knowledge about how to fix mummy tummies.

Does this mean mums should not exercise?

No, exercise is healthy and necessary. But those with mum tums should be more careful about the exercises they choose to do (nothing that makes their stomachs bulge or extend out too much).

There are a lot of resources that you could leverage such as workout blogs with pictures and tips and various mum-tum specific exercise programs or challenges.

What are the alternatives?

There are many choices that are also relevant for regular weight loss ranging from vitamins to healthy eating that are supposed to help get rid of the mum tums.

Eating right and taking vitamins (fish oil, for instance) can’t hurt. Combined with exercise, they will undoubtedly help tone and strengthen your body.

Those suffering from more intense or serious mummy makeover and struggling with re-toning their abdomen might want to consider mummy liposuction.

This procedure is designed specifically for mums with separated abdominal muscles. Once your muscles are weakened, the fat in your belly becomes even more stubborn than usual. Watch the testimonials from women who have decided that enough is enough and to gain back their confidence.

What do I need to know?

The procedure is relatively simple and you will be able to return home the same day. Post surgery, mums should wear a compression garment for up to 6 weeks by which point they should be able to see results. Everyone heals differently so experts recommend you walk through the post-operative plan in detail with the doctor.

It’s a lie if they say the results are permanent (nothing is!). But studies do indicate that if you start to gain back weight (which could be avoided by continued healthy diet and exercise), the fat will be more evenly distributed.

There are inherent risks associated with all surgical procedures so be sure to discuss your medical history and risks during your consultation. Many argue that Vaser method is safer than the traditional UAL (Ultrasound) lipo.

Now most clinics would perform these surgeries while you are under conscious sedation to minimise the overall risks by not using general anaesthesia.