For several causes, including genetics, hormone fluctuations, lifestyle choices, or diseases like Cushing's syndrome, a woman may have a huge tummy and slender legs.
Losing fat in the legs and thighs involves a combination of exercises that tone the leg muscles and general changes to support weight loss.
Why Some People Have a Big Belly and Skinny Legs: The Science Behind the Shape
Ever wondered why some people carry most of their weight in the belly, even if their arms and legs stay slim? Here’s what could be behind this unique body composition:
1. Genetics
Some bodies are just wired this way. Genetics can determine where fat is stored, and for some, that’s the midsection—regardless of overall weight.
2. Hormonal Changes
Hormones such as estrogen also play a significant role in fat distribution. When the balance shifts—during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause—fat can redistribute, especially to the belly.
3. Lifestyle Habits
Too little exercise, diets with a lot of sugar and processed foods, or heavy drinking can all lead to belly fat gain.
4. Medical Conditions
Diseases like Cushing's Syndrome cause increased cortisol levels, which give rise to a "skinny limbs, round belly" physique. This can also occur due to other hormonal or metabolic illnesses.
5. Pregnancy
After giving birth, the majority of women possess retained belly fat due to stretched muscles and lingering hormonal shifts. It is normal, but it can linger even with good living.
6. Menopause
As estrogen declines, fat tends to move from the hips and thighs to the stomach region. It is one of the most common changes in the body during midlife.
7. Gut Health
An unhappy gut microbiome can put a wrench in your metabolism and inflammation levels, which could be to blame for belly bloating or fat storage.
8. Digestive Disorders
Medical conditions like SIBO, celiac disease, EPI, or IBD can lead to bloating and swelling in the abdominal region, making it appear larger even though no fat has been gained.
9. Stress
Recurring stress boosts levels of cortisol—a hormone that is linked to the storage of belly fat. Stress eating? That's counted too.
Try doing some strength training.
Strength training helps increase muscular endurance and strength by having participants perform activities against resistance.
Leg muscles can be toned and defined with the following multi-joint strength training exercises:
Deadlifts, lunges, leg presses, hamstring curls, and squats
Engage in aerobic activity.
Cardiovascular training that raises heart rate and breathing rate is called aerobic exercise. It consists of things like:- cycling
- running
- Walking
- dancing
- swimming
Calorie burning from aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and lungs and aid in total fat loss.