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

Author: Mrs. Elnora Boehm  |  Last update: Saturday, March 22, 2025

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.

Why are my legs so fat compared to the rest of my body?

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. You may have a large bottom, thighs, and lower legs, but your feet are not usually affected.

Why do I have so much fat on my legs?

The most common cause of large legs is obesity or more specifically being overweight from an excess deposition of fat throughout your body.

What causes fatty legs?

Lipoedema occurs because of the abnormal accumulation of fat and other tissues under the skin. If you have lipoedema your legs become swollen, bruise easily, are tender, feel increasingly painful as the day progresses and are generally uncomfortable. Lipoedema may occur because of changes in female hormones.

What causes my legs to be so big?

Fluid buildup. Leg swelling caused by fluid buildup in leg tissues is known as peripheral edema. It can be caused by a problem with how blood travels through the body. It also can be caused by a problem with the lymphatic system or the kidneys.

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

What are heavy legs a symptom of?

Aching legs and heavy legs are common symptoms of vein disease that may be accompanied by visible veins, or may be invisible — either way, this is caused by malfunctioning veins under the surface of the skin.

How do I know if I have lipedema or just fat legs?

A healthcare provider can diagnose you by doing a physical exam and collecting your medical history. Painful fat deposits make lipedema different from ordinary body fat, which doesn't hurt. Also, people with lipedema have a clear difference in size between their unaffected feet and their affected legs.

How to drain fluid from legs?

Moving and using the muscles in the part of the body that's swollen, especially the legs, might help move fluid back toward the heart. A health care provider can talk about exercises that might reduce swelling. Raise. Hold the swollen part of the body above the level of the heart several times a day.

Where is fatty legs from?

Fatty Legs (2010) is a memoir about a young Inuvialuit girl's two years at a religious residential school. It is based on the experiences of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, who cowrote the novel with her daughter-in-law Christy Jordan-Fenton.

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.

What condition is excess fat on legs?

Lipoedema is a health condition that causes an abnormal build up of adipose (fatty) tissue usually in the legs. Lipoedema may start during times of hormonal change like puberty, pregnancy, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and menopause. Not all people with lipoedema experience all the symptoms or to the same degree.

Why are my legs so fat all of a sudden?

Lipoedema tends to start at puberty or at other times of hormonal change, such during pregnancy or the menopause. This suggests hormones may also have an influence. Although the build-up of fat cells is often worse in obese people, lipoedema isn't caused by obesity and can affect people who are a healthy weight.

What is the life expectancy of someone with lipedema?

It may be encouraging if you've just had a lipedema diagnosis to know that lipedema life expectancy is as long as for other people the same age. However, it's essential to recognize that there can be a serious impact on your quality of life. Lipedema, in itself, doesn't shorten your lifespan.

Why are my legs fat but I'm skinny?

Genetics and a lack of exercise are standard reasons, but for women, thigh fat can also commonly develop for estrogenic reasons. The amount of estrogen receptors in the thighs and the effect the hormone has on fat pads in the thigh area can also be primary causes.

What drink is good for swollen legs?

“Usually, individuals who suffer from heaviness and leg swelling make the mistake of not drinking enough water – says Dr. Marco Setti, Head of Vascular Surgery at Humanitas Gavazzeni. Instead, it is necessary to introduce fluids into the body by eating lots of vegetables and fruits as well as drinking natural water.

How do I know if my lymphatic system is clogged?

Lymphedema signs and symptoms include:
  • Swelling of part or all of the arm or leg, including fingers or toes.
  • A feeling of heaviness or tightness.
  • Restricted range of motion.
  • Recurring infections.
  • Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)

Why am I retaining so much fluid in my legs?

Some of the many common causes of fluid retention include: Gravity – standing up for long periods of time allows fluid to 'pool' in the tissues of the lower leg. Hot weather – the body tends to be less efficient at removing fluid from tissues during the summer months. Burns – including sunburn.

What is the pinch test for lipedema?

At home, you can perform a simple pinch test to check for lipedema. Gently pinch the skin on your thigh or calf to determine if you can grab a small fold of skin. If it is difficult to pick up a fold of skin, it might indicate the presence of lipedema.

How to tell if it's edema or fat?

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.

Why are my thighs so fat compared to the rest of my body?

Featured. Other common causes of thigh fat include genetics, age, and hormonal levels. If you have a family history of bigger thighs, you are likelier to have them, and hormonal levels can cause fat to grow in different body parts, including the stomach and hip areas.

What vitamin deficiency causes heavy legs?

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B1 deficiency can cause heavy and tired legs after running, muscle cramps, fatigue, and odd sensations in your legs and feet. Some foods rich in vitamin B1 include whole grains, vegetables, legumes, milk products, and meat.

Why are my legs so big and heavy?

Lipoedema is a long term (chronic) condition of fat and connective tissue which builds up in your legs, hips, bottom and sometimes arms. It affects both sides of the body equally. It's more common in women and only very rarely affects men. It's not the same as obesity.

What medication is good for heavy legs?

Diosmine 600 mg – MYLAN is a venotonic drug (it increases the tone of the venous walls) and a vasculoprotector (it increases the resistance of small blood vessels). It is recommended in: disorders of the venous circulation (heavy legs, pain, painful sensations called impatience when going to bed);

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