warum sieht mein bauch aus wie schwanger — what does this mean exactly?

The question 'why does my belly look pregnant' typically refers to significant abdominal bloating or distension. Common causes include food intolerances (lactose, fructose, gluten), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or hormonal fluctuations. The IgG food intolerance test (e.g., NutriCheck I) is not scientifically validated for diagnosing such conditions; IgG antibodies indicate immune exposure, not intolerance, and can lead to false positives and unnecessary dietary restrictions. Reliable diagnosis requires medical evaluation with validated methods like hydrogen breath tests or supervised elimination diets. Genetic variants (e.g., lactase persistence) may contribute but are rarely the sole cause. Without a clinical workup, the exact reason remains uncertain. Be cautious of direct-to-consumer tests that overstate their utility.