Fealvi:
Hi, I'm new here. I'm near 22yo, I wanted to be fat since I was a teenager, but I was always a skinny guy. I've started slowly gaining weight since pandemic. I am studying at uni, but I live really far from it, so I always walk with my backpack heavy and full of stuff every day.
Now this summer break (I live on the southern hemisphere) I gained a lot (compared to other gainings, because it's not that much tbh) in a few weeks and now I can't even walk a few minutes without having a strong pain in the back.
My mom insists it's because of my belly and insists that I should exercise to lose weight, but I don't want to tell her that I want to be fat, tbh I was planning to start actually gaining once I move out.
However, I found out that if I squish my butt like if I was holding my shit then the pain goes away, but going outside like that would be ridiculous.
So, this might sound like a noob-ish question, but what can I do to alleviate the pain or at least reduce it without having to lose weight?
Welcome to the club, man!
I totally get that 'growth pain.' The thing is that your belly is expand faster than your lower back muscles can adapt to the new weight pulling you forward.
Since losing weight is obviously NOT the goal here, here is how you handle the pain while keeping every single pound of that soft new mass
Your mom thinks you need to exercise, but what you actually need is 'structural support' for that new gut. A tight compression tank top under your clothes acts like an internal harness. It helps hold your belly in place so it doesn't 'tug' on your spine as much when you walk to Uni. It’s a lifesaver for the lower back.
That thing you’re doing with your glutes is actually a legit move called a 'Posterior Pelvic Tilt.' When we gain fast, we tend to arch our backs too much to balance the weight, which causes that sharp pain. You don't have to look ridiculous; just focus on keeping your pelvis level rather than letting the belly pull your spine into a curve.
Also, walking long distances with a heavy pack while your body is trying to adjust to 20+ lbs of new fat is a recipe for a blown-out back. If you can, switch to a rolling bag or leave stuff at the Uni. If you must carry it, make sure the straps are tight and high on your back.
And while you don’t need 'abs,' you do need a strong 'wall' to hold the mass. Do a couple of 60-second planks a day. It won't burn off your progress, but it will strengthen the deep muscles that support your spine so you can keep growing without the agony.
Get some high-cushion sneakers. It makes a massive difference when you're carrying extra weight.
Don't let the pain discourage you or make you listen to your mom's 'diet' talk. It’s just your body learning how to carry its new, softer self.
Keep feeding that appetite and just be a bit smarter about how you carry the load! Good luck with the journey to becoming a total hog.
