After heart and diabetes, obesity is the next big health threat to Indians. The country is facing a rapid rise in obesity, and health experts say the biggest visible change is the increase in bloated, round stomachs. Even people who appear slim often complain of constant bloating, gas and heaviness around the abdomen. Doctors say this trend has become common across all age groups over the last few years.
Several lifestyle changes are behind this shift including long working hours, late-night eating, lack of physical activity along with an increased consumption of packaged and processed food. But according to nutrition researcher and weight loss expert, Dr Eric Berg, the real reason many Indians have protruding stomachs is linked to hidden digestive problems that usually go untreated.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dr Berg explained that a pot belly is not always caused by body fat. Instead, it often comes from a mix of fatty liver, chronic bloating, indigestion and a condition called SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). He said these issues are becoming more common in India because of dietary patterns and weak digestive health.
‘It’s not just fat; it’s fermentation in the gut’
India has one of the lowest meat consumption rates in the world. The traditional diet is high in grains, lentils and fibre-heavy foods. According to Dr Berg, too much fibre combined with low protein intake leads to excess fermentation in the gut. This fermentation causes bloating, gas and a swollen abdomen, especially when digestion is already weak.
Why do so many people in India have bloated, protruding stomachs…
— Dr. Eric Berg (@dr_ericberg) November 22, 2025
Even if they’re not overweight?
It’s not just genetics.
Here’s what’s really going on: 🧵 pic.twitter.com/ZMTD8D13gS
He compared it to herbivores like goats and gorillas, whose big bellies come from fermenting large amounts of fibre. Humans, however, are not designed to handle that level of fermentation, and when the gut is overloaded, problems begin.
Processed food is worsening the problem
Apart from high fibre intake, India’s growing consumption of ultra-processed foods has made the problem worse. Ready-to-eat snacks, packaged sweets, instant noodles and bakery items often contain glucose syrup, refined starches and industrial seed oils. These ingredients weaken the gut lining and feed harmful bacteria, which over time cause inflammation and stomach bloating.
Many Indians also take antacids frequently for acidity, and Dr Berg says this reduces stomach acid even more, weakens digestion and allows bacteria to grow in the small intestine. This leads to SIBO, a condition that causes belching, pain, bloating and indigestion after meals.
Doctors often treat symptoms, not diet
According to Dr Berg, many digestive problems go unnoticed because routine medical check-ups rarely focus on diet or gut health. Patients are often given antacids or gas-relief medicines, which provide only temporary comfort while the real issue remains untreated. He says a few simple changes can help reduce bloating, such as avoiding foods that cause gas, cutting down on refined carbohydrates and packaged snacks, and reducing grains and excess fibre.
Increasing easily digestible protein like eggs, fish and meat (if permitted) can also support better digestion. Dr Berg advises against eating throughout the day and suggests intermittent fasting to give the gut time to rest. He adds that betaine hydrochloride may help improve stomach acid levels, but should not be used by those with ulcers or gastritis.
Bloating is not a small issue
Dr Berg says a bloated stomach is not just discomfort, it is a sign that the gut is under stress. With small dietary changes, stronger digestion and fewer processed foods, many Indians can reduce bloating and naturally flatten their stomachs over time.
