Is this fat? Photo included

[MouthFullofGum]

So I’ve always had a thing about my legs, it’s where I carry the most weight but from the side they look huge .., but I’d that normal?

I can grab some fat on it but it almost doesn’t seem like loads?

You're not fat. You're an ordinary woman with plumpish thighs. Dress to disguise what you see as a flaw, and don't aspire to be a super model.

I think they look more stocky/muscle than fat. Altho your bum cheeks are also curvy they look perky and not flabby to me! Are you a pear?
I'm large of thigh but mine are much more wobbly than that so looks good to me.

With all due respect, these are not the slimmest legs I have seen and they don't look toned at all from that angle.

Either you are happy with your body shape, and you dress to flatter your silhouette, or you exercise and diet to change your shape - but it takes a bit of time, think summer ready for next year, not this one.

Nothing wrong in wanting to look the best you can look, and being "normal" is a bad notion. A skinny woman is just as normal.

"Also, I've read online that jogging/cardio wastes away your muscles as your body tries to "lean down", and the loss of muscle slows your metabolism."

Probably the most ridiculous thing I've read on Mumsnet this year.

Two-thirds of UK adults are overweight or obese, so the chances are that yes you are fat and so are most of the people posting replies.

What do you think OP? Honestly, its down to you to decide what you think and not some random people online.

Two-thirds of UK adults are overweight or obese

That can't be true surely? I'm in the healthy BMI range, but I look fat!

That said, there does seem to be a lot of fat women particularly when I thin about it.

When I 'think' about it! Not thin about it lol. Though it would be great if thinning about it could get rid of this tummy!!!

Yes; your thighs look large. Do you do a lot of cycling? I associate keen cyclists with larger thighs.

If you're concerned and you can't spot a simple explanation yourself, try having a chat with an older female relative (to check if it's an inherited family shape), personal trainer at your local gym (in case your favourite sport has caused this muscle and/or fat distribution), and/or your GP (in case there's an unlying health reason). However, the most likely explanation is just that we all have different shapes and sizes. x

Some people are more curvy and carry fat on their legs and some on hips, waist etc. It does look like they could be toned a bit more and perhaps lose a bit of weight.

Some amazing replies here!

OP you have lovely shaped legs, you may carry a bit of extra fat on your upper thighs, but most women do. You also have lovely shaped calves. FWIW I'm a size 10, and 5 ft 9 but my thighs are strong as I squat a lot, they still have some fat cover. I like to have strong thighs.

Best thing you can do to reduce your fat % is diet. Strip out sugar and reduce unhealthy fats, increase helathy fats and keep well hydrated.

I do a lot of hiking and have quite shapely legs but also still with cellulite

I wouldn’t look at you and describe your legs as fat as they have shape and you don’t have cankles

See I have a small waist and almost flat stomach. It’s just these damn thighs

This is pretty much my favourite body shape. I don't think your legs look fat, OP. They look strong and a nice shape. My friend is a PT and has this shape, and legs very similar to yours - she's incredibly athletic and runs a marathon every year.

I'm not trying to flatter you - I mean it. This isn't my own body shape (I'm a completely different shape) but it the one that I always admire.

Ps - my DH loves legs that look just like yours.

Well yes. It’s clearly fat but so what? Loads of people are a bit fat.

@Thump yes it's true. digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/statistics-on-obesity-physical-activity-and-diet/statistics-on-obesity-physical-activity-and-diet-england-2019/part-3-adult-obesity

There will be lots of people saying that BMI is nonsense - what about all the rugby players and sumo wrestlers etc etc but for most ordinary folk it does work, i.e. if your BMI is over 25 you are fat.

They do look an unusual shape at the front of the thigh. I don’t know why you would ask though.

OP
Just love yourself. It doesn't matter what a bunch of saddos on the internet think 😀

They don’t look fat to me. It just looks like you’re curvy and don’t have a tiny frame. Perfectly nice legs!

I haven't read all the replies to this because I'm about 99% certain they'll make me very

OP, I used to have a similar body shape and large thigh problem. Weight lifting and bodyweight training did help tone and shape my entire body, but the only thing that really worked for slimming down my thighs/reducing overall body fat percentage was a massive diet overhaul and a lot (and I mean a lot) of cycling.

I lost about 6 stone a few years ago, most of which came off my thighs I think! Good luck.

OP, console yourself with the fact that if you're going to carry a bit of extra fat, legs/hips/bum is the healthiest place to put it! I'm the classic "apple shape" which means I lay down shitloads of visceral fat, which is the fast track to diabetes and heart trouble .

As for how to tone legs - well, the only exercise I've ever found that does the trick is running. Sadly I can't do that any more (post-menopausal hip problems), but it is amazing for toning your thighs.

And, as PP have said, sadly, the only way to do it is less refined sugar/sweets/chocolate/cake/wine, more fruit and veg, protein to make sure you don't get hungry, and watch your portion sizes. God, I'd kill for a bar of chocolate (yes, I know there are effective diets which allow you the odd treat... but I'm all or nothing with chocolate - eat a bit, and before I know it, I've troughed a whole 100g bar!)

They're perfectly normal thighs, in fact, if you're a size 12 jeans you're below average.

Now if you'd said you're a size 22 jeans, that would be different.

My legs are that shape too - I walk,cycle and spend my work day getting up and down,and going up and down stairs. Cycling more balanced them up a bit but they are still bulkier at the front,fat and muscle both.
I'm a healthy weight but trying to lose a bit more,however I wonder if I get my legs looking thin the rest of me will be gaunt! ( memories of my Mum telling me that DGran would be like that !)

Cardio, cardio and more cardio.

They do look quite big, but we all carry weight in different places. I carry mine mostly round my waist, I'm bony in other places like my chest and my veins stand out on my lower arms and legs sometimes but I still have that bit of softness round my waist (though it has improved a lot).
Personally, I would go for diet and exercise, maybe consult a trainer if you can afford it, before you opt for any invasive procedures.

Cardio and barre exercises. Or good old fashioned Callanetics. Remember that?

You'll see results in a few weeks.