Think fast: When was the first time you ever felt insecure about your body? For many young women (including me), it happened right at the start of middle school. You might remember going about your childhood with no cares in the world until, one day, everyone began to look a bit different. Boys were getting taller, certain girls were losing their “baby fat,” and some were even developing in other ways.
Sixth grade marked the first moment I became truly aware of societal beauty standards. One of these “standards” being that a flat, toned stomach is the most sought-after trait by (what seemed like) all women, from pubescent girls to regular adults and even celebrities.
But now, as of early 2026, society has admittedly come a long way. Perhaps thanks to pushback on Hollywood, and more representation and education on social media, it’s become more accepted to, well, have a “normal” body and not naturally look like you live in a gym seven days each week.
Still, on a recent “Ask Women” Reddit thread, one user named TheConfusedPrimate wondered how realistic it truly is for someone to have a flat belly. And the responses serve as great reminders that our bodies are meant for so much more than simply looking good in low-rise jeans.
First of all, our abdomens are intended to hold (and insulate) our organs.
“You’ve got organs in that meat suit, and none of those organs are flat earthers.” -GenuineClamhat
But, obviously, there are still women out there with chiseled stomachs who are not lacking any of their organs. So what else could be contributing?
Hormones and bloating, the bane of countless women’s existences
“Estrogen causes fat deposits in the lower abdomen; it’s normal. Hormonal bloating causes swelling; it’s normal.” -Keket87
“Your uterus does not affect your belly shape unless you are pregnant and showing. It’s [an old wive’s] tale that the lower belly pooch is the uterus. Hormones and bloating certainly can affect your belly, though. But most women, even when at an ideal body weight and body fat percentage, do not have a perfectly flat stomach. Nor should any woman feel they need to.” -Cheeckmo_52
Genetics also plays a huge role.
“It’s 100% genetics. I’m 48. I’ve always had a flat stomach. Clearly visible toned abs. I’ve had two kids. No stretch marks, no pouch. Still have great abs. It’s been that way all my life. I’m not some fitness-obsessed person. I actually had a pretty bad drinking problem for years. I’m just lucky in that way. I think a lot of women see people like me or actresses and think it’s something they can achieve if they work out enough or constantly diet, but if it’s not your body type, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. A woman with a natural pouch is not going to get a perfectly flat stomach by doing sit-ups any more than I’m going to grow [a big chest] by drinking milk shakes. My stomach’s not the only thing that’s flat, lol. Your body type is your body type. You can gain and lose weight, but you can’t change the overall shape of your body.” -AffectionateParty754
“It also depends on how you carry weight. I’m about 10 to 15 pounds above the border for overweight by BMI, and my stomach is fairly flat. I have a lot of fat on my hips, behind, thighs, arms, etc.” -Secret-Management310
Finally, our bodies are always changing as we age, from puberty until menopause.
“Bodies change constantly. A flat belly 100% of the time is not realistic for a healthy woman. Even the actresses and models you see don’t have a flat belly all the time. They are posed or photoshopped in the images we see of them. If they were at home chilling on the couch, you’d likely see a pooch, just like the rest of us.” -Maddy_egg7
The takeaway? Having a flat stomach isn’t always realistic (or healthy) for everyone. And that’s okay.
“I didn’t even have one when I was at my leanest prepping for a bikini competition.” -Chironinja92
“One time, I was watching some video with Jillian Michaels in it, and she bent over and had stomach rolls just like everybody else. Don’t worry about it. A body’s a body.” -Sarah_pl0x
You can view TheConfusedPrimate’s post here.
