Could I Have Diastasis Recti Even if I've Never Been Pregnant?

Question

I am 22 and have never had a child. I've been overweight almost my entire life. I weighed 270 in 6th gr. I am now 5'11 weighing about 230. I began a work out program and lost weight and got down to 190. I gained much of the weight back. As far back as I can remember I've had a pocket of skin/fat I call a "front butt" below my belly button. this fat won't go away even when I was 190. It hangs and almost makes an upside down m. What is this? Just abnormal fat deposit or diastasis recti?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you can have diastasis recti without ever having been pregnant. But what you describe sounds more like an abdominal panniculus. See a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for an evaluation and recommendations to see if you are a candidate for a functional panniculectomy. This may help you be able to exercise more easily and keep the weight off. I hope this helps.

Genevieve F. Caron, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Yes you can have diastasis of your rectus muscle without even been pregnant. The diastasis mean separation of the muscle by stretching. The fact that you've been overweight for a long period of time can explain it. The "front butt" you are describing is probably not related to your diastasis, it can be a combinaison of fat accumulation and loose skin.
My advice is to have a complete assessment of yours issues by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and you can decide together what is/are the best option for you.
Best Wishes
Dr Genevieve FCaron, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Montreal.Canada

Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD · Answer

Yes, diastasis recti (separation of the "six-pack" rectus abdominis muscles) is possible without previous pregnancy.  Diastasis recti is not uncommon with obesity, and we see it in male patients as well as female patients.  However, your description of a pocket of skin/fat below the umbilicus is most likely a separate issue from rectus diastasis.  I would recommend consulting with a plastic surgeon who will be able to assess your particular situation to determine whether rectus diastasis repair, tummy tuck, liposuction, or a combination of these procedures is the best option for you.
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You certainly can have weakeness of the muscles which could be secondary to the fatty component that was within the intraperitoneal space( like having a baby). It's possible that when the weight came off the muscles were stretched and did not rebound.

John P. Stratis, MD · Answer

What you describe does not sound like Diastasis recti although you can have that condition with chronic intra abdominal fat excess. 

	For some reason there are patients who have the excess fat and skin of the lower belly that will not respond to diet and exercise and needs surgical attention through liposuction or tummy tuck.

Could I Have Diastasis Recti Even if I've Never Been Pregnant?

Answers (5)