1. Tape measure around my belly.
2. Scale.

I’m about 5’6” and 223 lbs, 51” belly. I’m trying to get to at least 250-260 lbs, 270-280 would be even hotter but probably unrealistic, 56-57” belly.

I think about the clothing sizes I want to get to. I currently wear size 44-46 waist (depending on brand) pants. I fantasize about 48-50, shirts in snug XXL. For years I had a fear of getting fat but now I’m cutting loose.

I’m about 5’ 5/6” and 223 lbs. I was a powerlifter with my neck growing to 19”. I need a 19 1/2 - 20 collar and 32-33 sleeve. At that size the body is usually way too big. The shirts I have are 17 1/2, which fit in the body and sleeves but there’s no way I can button the collars. Fortunately I rarely ever wear a tie. If I do, I leave the collar and tie loosened. My beard usually covers it, depending on how long I let it grow.

If I buy XL or XXL shirts the sleeves are too long. In pants need 44 or 46 waist. So, it’s really hard to find anything that fits right. Custom clothing is very much out of my financial reach.

T shirt and cotton gym shorts are my preferred stay-at-home attire. Occasionally I’ll go without skivvies (boxer briefs) under the shorts. Sometimes I wear just skivvies. I always wear skivvies to bed, usually w/ a t shirt.

Agree 💯 I’m hairy and hate it, and regularly shave my upper arms and shoulders. My husband occasionally says “your back needs to be done”, i.e. shaved. Then I’ll do my front. I like the smooth look and feel. On other guys it can go either way.

I’m a gay male, so these apply to other men, gay or straight:

Crisp dress shirts, especially with a button-down collar.
Uniforms especially police.
Bellies.
Muscle bears w/ a belly in snug short sleeve shirts… polo shirts, t shirts, button down shirts.
Shaved bald w/beard or clean shaven.

I’m experiencing that too.

Plus of course my belly and moobs, happily.

No. I’m 67 and experiencing some problems, unrelated to my weight, that I never thought I would.

Are they the same? I would love to see my belly blow up. I understand that I can extend my belly to consume more food and create a cycle of eating more, gaining more, expanding more, etc.

Do I use water? Soda?
Is food stuffing similar? Liquids will clear the body much faster than food; food has the added benefit of calories.

Are there foods that are particularly good at absorbing liquids and expanding in the stomach?

I don’t have access to an air pump so I wouldn’t be able to do that.

I had to unlearn sucking in my belly. I still catch myself doing it but for the most part I consciously let it hang out.