< Back to Glossary

The area called “flanks” refers to a woman’s side. People sometimes call them “love handles.” The term describes excess fat to the side of the lower waist and lower back. On a woman, the flanks are underneath her bra strap. They’re a common problem area, not only for women but also for men. When there is excess fat on the flanks, your waist isn’t defined, and the back has obvious bulges.

Why Do My Flanks Look Fat?

Everyone stores fat in their bodies differently. Many people store their excess fat around their stomachs. The main reasons for this are hormones, gender, and genetics. As we get older, love handles often form as our metabolism slows down and we gain weight. Also, part of the aging process involves the redistribution of fat from the limbs to the trunk of the body. There are two other common reasons for your flanks looking fat.

Firstly, the muscles in this area of the body, the rear deltoids, are rarely used. Even people who regularly go to the gym rarely target this muscle group. Therefore, over time, they lose definition and tone. Secondly, many of us have poor posture. A slumped stance makes fat on the flanks look even bulkier.

Also Read: What to Expect During Liposuction on the Flanks?

Can Changing My Diet Help Me Lose Fat On My Flanks?

If you’re overweight, you may be able to lose flank fat by shedding some pounds. If you need to lose some weight, it’s essential to do this in a healthy way. You can achieve your weight loss goals most effectively by:

  • Eating more vegetables and fruit
  • Eating more whole grains
  • Consuming more lean proteins such as chicken, tofu, beans, and fish
  • Avoiding processed foods
  • Switching to healthier fats like avocado oil and olive oil
  • Drinking more water instead of sodas

Can Working Out Get Rid Of Flank Fat?

For some people, working out may help to eliminate flank fat. Regular cardio workouts will burn calories and help shed body fat overall. It won’t specifically target the flanks, though. If you are overweight, working out may be helpful in dropping weight in general.

Here is a guideline on how to work out effectively:

  • Do half an hour of cardio exercises daily, five days out of 7
  • Do walking, swimming, running, dancing, or cycling

There are no exercises to target the fat on the flanks, but some muscle strengthening exercises may help. They include:

  • Side planks
  • Bicycle crunches
  • Standing trunk rotations
  • Bird dog

Will Lifestyle Changes Make A Difference In My Flank Fat?

One overlooked factor in maintaining a healthy body weight is high-quality sleep. Getting sufficient sleep every night is essential to regulating your metabolism so you can lose weight quickly and efficiently. If you struggle to get enough rest, there are several things to try:

  • Avoid using screens of any kind in bed.
  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule and stick to it, even at weekends and on vacation.
  • Avoid eating large meals before bed.
  • Avoid nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine at night.
  • Keep your room dark and quiet.
  • Keep your bedroom at a cool temperature.
  • Avoid taking naps during the daytime.
  • Try to spend some time outdoors each day.
  • Try to include some physical activity in your lifestyle.

Another lifestyle change that can help you lose weight is to reduce the stress in your life. Scientists find that when you stress, your body can release cortisol, which, at high levels, causes weight gain. In addition, when we stress, we’re more likely to make unhealthy food and beverage choices. If you stressed out excessively, you can take steps to reduce your stress level, such as:

  • Practicing yoga
  • Meditating
  • Journaling
  • Doing breathing exercises
  • Mindful eating

Will Surgery Help Get Rid Of Fat On The Flanks?

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that any of the above measures will get rid of excess fat on your flanks. Even people who are at their ideal body weight may store excess fat in this area. Losing weight will make no difference at all to them. In such cases, surgery is the ideal solution.

Surgeons perform flank liposuction under local anesthetic. They make small incisions in this area and pass through a cannula to break the fat up. They then suction out the fat cells to remove them permanently from the body. The surgeon sculpts the area to create a slim and toned appearance. The results are very impressive. A skilled surgeon can get rid of any unsightly bulges and produce a smooth contour. Patients can enjoy wearing tight-fitting clothing without worries about bulges spoiling their appearance. As long as they maintain a healthy lifestyle in the long term, the fat cannot return.

Of course, it’s essential to choose a surgeon with extensive skill and experience in the liposuction field. Dr. Su at ArtLipo is a top choice in Tampa, Florida. Thanks to his years of experience, he produces outstanding outcomes for his patients. You can see the results of his flank liposuction procedures in the ArtLipo before and after photo gallery.