The most common sign of a diastasis recti is a bulging belly—the proverbial “mummy tummy” or “guy gut.” A protruding belly button, or “outie,” is an absolute telltale indication that a person has a diastasis. This has nothing to do with a person’s weight or fitness level, only that their recti muscles are apart. (Here’s one of my favorite tidbits of little-known diastasis trivia: if it weren’t for diastasis, everyone would have an “innie”—although you can still have an innie and also have a diastasis!)

Diastasis recti is a condition in which the two parts of the abdominal wall (rectus abdominis) are separated by a gap.

A bulging belly may be more than just fat. It can be due to a diastasis recti.

Diastasis recti is a condition in which the two parts of the abdominal wall (rectus abdominis) are separated by a gap. It is most common among pregnant women and people who lift weights, but it also affects many people who don't work out at all.

The condition can lead to pain and discomfort, as well as complications during pregnancy.

To give you a quick overview of what’s causing your belly to bulge other than fat, watch this short video:

To give you a quick overview of what’s causing your belly to bulge other than fat, watch this short video:

Many people afflicted by a diastasis have an alien-like lump bulging stomachs, which is especially noticeable when the person lies on the floor and lifts up his or her shoulders. While this kind of bulge can be present in anyone, this situation is especially observable in thin people, who immediately realize this bulge isn’t fat and doesn’t make “sense” with their body type.

In others, the diastasis might be mistaken for a chubby belly, but much to the person’s chagrin, it doesn’t go away with diet or general exercise. The most likely cause of the bulge in either of the cases above is the internal organs pressing through the space between the recti muscles. So take heart: your bulging belly might not be fat— your organs might be literally sticking out! Needless to say, when your organs are displaced forward, you’re ripe for a wide array of gastrointestinal problems. Who could be comfortable when their intestines are crammed into the wrong place?

It’s not hard to find out for sure if you have a diastasis. You can check yourself for one watch this video to learn how:

To give you a quick overview of what’s causing your belly to bulge other than fat, watch this short video:

It’s not hard to find out for sure if you have a diastasis. You can check yourself for one watch this video to learn how: