Why are my legs so fat but I'm skinny?

Author: Vivien Lesch  |  Last update: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Lipoedema can make your bottom, thighs, lower legs and sometimes your arms look out of proportion with the rest of the body. In early-stage lipoedema, you may have bigger legs, a narrow waist and a much smaller upper body.

Why do my legs look fat but I'm skinny?

It is all a genetics thing. If you consume more calories than your body can use, then it can transfer into a genetically chosen part of your body like your hips, waist, or inner thighs. It is also said that skinnier people with bigger thighs have less chance of heart disease and premature death.

Why are my legs so much fatter than the rest of my body?

Lipedema is a long-term condition that causes abnormal fat buildup in the lower part of your body. Lipedema most often involves your butt, thighs and calves. Some people have it in their hips or upper arms. It doesn't affect your hands or feet.

How do you slim down fat legs?

The best way to lose weight in your legs quickly is through a combination of targeted exercises, like squats and lunges, and cardio. Incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can also accelerate fat loss. A calorie deficit diet is essential to see fast results. For more tips, check out my Quora Profile.

Why am I skinny but have fat calves?

Most likely your body stores more fat in your calves and butt due to genetics; this is not unnatural at all, many people probably store fat (more in calves and butt) in a similar way to you. Unless the disproportion is huge and is causing problems (in which case you should see a GP) it should be nothing to worry about.

Causes Lower Body Obeity Fatty Thigh Swollen Leg Heavy Buttock Fat How to Reduce

What does stage 1 lipedema look like?

STAGE 1. Smooth skin with an increase of enlarged subcutaneous fat tissue. Fat buildup around pelvis, buttocks, and hips.

How do I slim my calves?

A low-impact way to lose calf fat is by walking often. As you get older, going for walks is a worthwhile way to get moving without putting too much pressure on your body. A daily walk also keeps your calf muscles from becoming large and bulky.

Why won't my legs slim down?

Estrogen is one of the leading hormonal causes of thigh fat because it causes increased levels of fat cells which cause fat deposits to form in and around the thighs. Age can also be a contributing factor because aging results in a slower metabolism, which makes it more difficult to eliminate fat.

Do I have lipedema or fat legs?

Pain and tenderness: Lipedema often causes pain and sensitivity in the affected areas, while fat legs due to obesity are typically painless. Swelling: Lipedema causes disproportionate swelling in the legs, whereas fat legs from obesity generally have more uniform fat distribution.

What foods cause thigh fat?

Many wonder, what foods cause excess thigh fat? It's essential to limit the intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. These foods are high in calories, added sugars, and unhealthy trans fats, which can contribute to weight gain and hinder fat loss.

Where do females gain weight first?

Before the menopause, women store fat mainly in the subcutaneous fat stores (buttocks and thighs), while men are more prone to develop visceral (abdominal) fat. After the menopause, women also become more prone to storing fat in the abdomen.

Why is thigh fat so hard to lose?

Inner thigh fat can be harder to lose than fat on other areas of the body since exercises that target the area build muscle more slowly and gradually, making visible weight loss less apparent than on areas such as the stomach or arms.

How to get a thigh gap?

Thigh Gap Exercises
  1. Sumo squats. Sumo squats are among the best exercises for inner thigh (adductor) muscles. ...
  2. Side-lying leg lifts. This is a great Pilates exercise for thighs, abs, and hips. ...
  3. Side-lying inner thigh lifts. ...
  4. Deep side lunges. ...
  5. Bridge raises. ...
  6. Bridge with ball squeeze. ...
  7. Jumping jacks. ...
  8. Crossover scissor kicks.

Why are my legs skinny but stomach fat?

Sometimes, you may see that fat accumulation is just around the midsection even if your legs are skinny. The two S's, stress and sugar, have an effect on the size of your abdomen. Abdominal weight gain can be caused by various medical disorders and hormonal changes.

How to decrease butt fat?

Reducing overall weight in a gradual, safe manner is the best way to reduce fat on the butt. Running, squats, and other exercises can also help tone the butt. There are three major muscles in the butt. These are the gluteus maximus, the gluteus minimus, and the gluteus medius.

How to get skinnier thighs?

Try simple exercises like lunges (both forward and side lunges), squats, and leg lifts. Gyms and sports clubs have resistance machines that can help you tone up specific areas, like your upper and inner thighs.

Can walking slim your legs?

Muscle tissue burns four times as many calories as fat, so the muscle you get from walking can also help you lose more weight. This means that you can realistically trim some of the fat from your legs and tone them within a month or two by walking briskly every day for 60 minutes per session.

Why are my calves so big but I'm skinny?

Slim women can have genetically large calves too. That is because, in many cases, large calves are nothing to do with obesity. Genetics dictates the shape of your body and where and how fat is stored. You cannot alter that without surgery.

How to get skinnier ankles?

Best Exercises to Reduce Cankles
  1. Weighted calf raises.
  2. Seated calf raises.
  3. Stair calf raises.
  4. Lunge calf raises.
  5. Reverse calf raises.
  6. Raised heel squats.
  7. Jumping rope.
  8. Running.

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