Why do I carry so much weight in my thighs?

Author: Eloisa Shanahan  |  Last update: Sunday, November 30, 2025

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.

How do I stop carrying weight in my thighs?

Ways To Lose Thigh Fat
  1. Do what is necessary to start sleeping like a baby.
  2. Increase your water consumption to remain hydrated and avoid sugary drinks in your diet.
  3. Perform cardio exercises at least three times a week.
  4. Work your muscles with strength training at the gym or wherever is convenient.

Why do I gain weight in my thighs but not my stomach?

However, it's important to remember that hormone levels vary, so those with more testosterone may see more belly fat, and those with more estrogen may see more fat in the hips and thighs. Age is also a factor, as it determines hormone production.

How do you get rid of thigh weight?

To reduce fat in your thighs, focus on a combination of a balanced diet, regular cardio exercises (like walking or jogging), and strength training exercises targeting the leg muscles (eg, squats, lunges). Remember that spot reduction is not possible, so overall fat loss is the key.

Why are my thighs so big even though 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.

How Your Hormones Affect Where You Store Body Fat

What causes thigh fat in females?

The main culprit behind weight gain in your thighs is estrogen. This hormone drives the increase in fat cells in females, causing deposits to form most commonly around the buttocks and thighs.

What does stage 1 lipedema look like?

Lipedema stages include: Stage 1: Your skin looks normal, but you can feel something like pebbles under your skin. You can have pain and bruising at this stage. Stage 2: Your skin surface is uneven and may have dimpling that looks like quilted stitching, a walnut shell or cottage cheese.

Does walking reduce thigh fat?

Does walking reduce inner thigh fat? Walking is a great form of cardiovascular exercise that can help burn calories and reduce overall body fat, including inner thigh fat. However, it is important to note that walking alone may not be enough to target inner thigh fat specifically.

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.

Why do I carry extra weight in my thighs?

Inner thigh fat can be the result of either weight gain, genetics, age or hormonal changes. Inner thigh fat is often stubborn and doesn't go away with just diet and exercise. The shape of our thighs is not always something we can change.

What is a hormonal belly?

Hormonal belly is when a person gains weight around the abdomen due to hormonal fluctuations. This could be due to changes in thyroid, adrenal, reproductive, or other hormone levels.

How do I tell if I have lipedema?

Symptoms of lipoedema
  1. your legs appear symmetrically swollen – swelling can occur from the hips down to the ankles and your legs appear column-like; the feet are not usually affected.
  2. affected areas feel 'spongy' and cool, and the skin is generally soft and may appear dimply.
  3. you bruise easily in the affected areas.

How can I slim my legs fat fast?

What are the best ways to lose leg fat?
  1. Key strategies.
  2. Strength training.
  3. Aerobic exercise.
  4. Dietary changes.
  5. Limit alcohol.
  6. Manage stress.
  7. Quality sleep.
  8. Liposuction.

What causes fatty legs?

Other causes of large or swollen legs

This can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs and develops when the lymphatic system does not work properly. Sometimes, a build-up of fluid can cause the legs, ankles or feet to become swollen. This is called oedema.

Does walking tone your legs?

A brisk 30-minute walk burns 200 calories. Over time, calories burned can lead to pounds dropped. Walking tones your leg and abdominal muscles – and even arm muscles if you pump them as you walk. This increases your range of motion, shifting the pressure and weight from your joints to your muscles.

Which food reduces thigh fat?

' This simply means that you're using up more energy than you're taking in, which leads to weight loss and less fat on your thighs. To help you do this, consider adding the following foods to your meals: Low-fat milk, yoghurt, and cheese. Meat that's low in fat, like chicken or turkey.

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.

Can flabby thighs be toned?

Yes. Doing more walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your inner thighs as walking will use your hamstrings as well as the quadriceps. Going a lengthy walk every day is a great way to begin tightening or toning your thighs.

Why am I gaining weight in thighs and buttocks as a female?

Hormones drive the deposition of fat around the pelvis, buttocks, and thighs of women and the bellies of men. For women, this so-called sex-specific fat appears to be physiologically advantageous, at least during pregnancies. But it has a cosmetic down-side as well, in the form of cellulite.

Can a pear-shaped body lose thigh fat?

If you have a pear shaped body, then you struggle with flabby inner and outer thighs. Lateral or side lunges are the perfect exercise to target this area, helping you get those toned legs.

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.

Is lipedema fat jiggly?

The lipedema fat itself is not smooth but feels like gelatin with small pea-sized nodules like foam balls in a bag. The excess fat growth on the buttocks, hips and legs gives a distorted pear shape to the body where the lower body is clearly out of proportion to the upper body (Figure 2).

Does insurance cover liposuction for lipedema?

Some insurance companies may cover part of the costs, while others might not cover it at all. Coverage often depends on whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary. This means that if liposuction is considered essential for treating lipedema, there is a higher chance of getting coverage.

Previous article
Does it matter what hair school you go to?
Next article
What is the most hygienic way to shower?