Some of us have a perpetual problem of gaining fat around the thighs and buttocks. This article discusses the reasons for abnormal fat around the thighs and buttocks and what can you do about it. Although this fat is probably the most stubborn fat in the body, there are remedies and things which you can do to lose this stubborn fat. This fat can’t be targeted with just workout.
Facts about lower body fat
- Where you store fat depends on your genes, body type, kind of workout you do, your gender and your hormones
- The pear body type which is common in South Asia also known as gynoid obesity stores fat easily around the hips and thighs
- The fat cells present around the lower body parts are difficult to unlock and access
- High estrogen levels are related strongly to lower body fat
More about Estrogen
- The legs, mainly thighs have a large number of estrogen receptors
- Over a period of time, there is an increase in the fat storing form of estrogen known as estradiol
- This hormonal imbalance can create a large amount of fat storage around the thighs, hips and buttocks
What causes high levels of estrogen
- High refined carbohydrates / sugar
- Sugar increases aromatase enzyme which convert testosteron into estradiol thereby increasing lower body fat
- Poor digestive health
- Lower levels of hydrochloric acid leads to hogh estrogen levels
- Estrogen can be produced by the body as well as taken from food and environment
- Methylation cycle
- This is a process which affects estrogen metabolism in the body
- In order for the methylation cycle to fucntion optimally, various nutrients like Vitamin B6, B12, folic acid, magnesium and zinc are needed by the body
- Irregular periods and menopause
- Cellulite appears as body fat is gained and more of it is packed into the existing cells
- New cells are generally not formed after adolescence
- As the skin gets thinner and less flexible with age, the puffed up fat cells become even more visible
- Birth control pills causes heavy estrogen fluctuations in the body
Other rare causes of high lower body fat
- Gluten allergy
- Lipedema : A disorder where both legs are enlarged due to deposits of fat under the skin
Common signs of high estrogen levels in the body
- Irregular periods
- Bloating
- Cold hands and feet
- Difficulty in sleeping, constant fatigue and headaches
- Hair loss
- Low sex drive
- Mood changes, depression or anxiety
- Problems with memory
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Uterine fibroids
What to eat to reduce high estrogen levels
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, spinach, cabbage, brussels sprouts and cauliflower
- Eating while grain, pulses, sprouts and legumes
- Omega 3 fish oil and zinc
- Flax seeds
- Green tea
- Moderate protein and fat
What else can you do ?
- Workout to reduce and tone your lower body muscles
- Include squats, lunges and weight training in your workout
- Do leg raises, dead lifts and steep walks
- Don’t sit at one place without moving for more than 30 minutes