Yours is a common cry heard from women who tend to deposit their body fat in their abdominal area. First, you are not obese. We have to keep these measurements in perspective.

Look at the other women on both sides of your family. Do some of them have the same fat distribution? Genetics does play a role. Your waist size is very good at 30 inches but may seem to be large in your eyes because the rest of you is so much smaller in comparison. Most women would love to have a 30-inch waist.

Just as an aside, ask your gynecologist to check you for ovarian cysts. Sometimes, women have polycystic ovaries that lead to a greater abdominal fat distribution. There is a simple sonogram and blood test you would undergo.

If you don't have this issue, then you're left with your genetics. Some women simply have more active fat storage enzyme in their abdominal area. Others bemoan the fact that they have it mostly in their buttocks or thighs. Everyone's different here.

Here are some tips to optimize your waistline:
1) Watch out with overconsumption of alcohol. It tends to favor ab fat distribution. Moderation please!
2) Eating too many breads, pastas and heavy complex carbs bloats most women esp in the ab area.
3) Watch your posture. If you're tall (hey I'm 5'9" so I know!) and you stoop over, that will make your tummy look large to you and the world. Straighten up and practice good core power throughout the day.
4) Speaking of core, I would most definitely do a core program, including pilates. You need to keep that long waist and back strong and toned.
5) Try to keep your calories spread out over the day. Eating too much late at night leads to a tummy hang in the morning.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.