My upper body is thin... Why do only my legs get swollen and gain weight?

Even if you diligently control your diet and exercise, there are people who particularly don't lose lower body fat compared to upper body fat. In fact, our bodies tend to store fat more easily in the lower body than in the upper body. What is the reason for this?

The lower body has many alpha-2 receptors, which inhibit fat breakdown enzymes. Thighs have a lot of cellulite, making it particularly difficult to lose weight in the lower body. Cellulite refers to the accumulation of fat tissue and fluids caused by blood circulation or lymphatic circulation disorders. Areas with cellulite develop a bumpy, orange peel-like surface on the skin. When body fat increases, weight gain from the thighs is also due to this reason.

Unlike the lower body, the upper body has a high concentration of 'beta receptors' that help break down fat. Beta receptors bind to lipoprotein lipase enzymes involved in fat breakdown and storage, aiding in fat decomposition. In particular, the face has small fat particles, so it loses fat the fastest among the upper body. Smaller fat particles burn more quickly even with minimal exercise. Additionally, dieting reduces not only fat but also muscles and ligaments. This leads to decreased facial elasticity and an optical illusion that makes the face appear even thinner.

If you want to lose lower body fat quickly, doing lunges is a good choice. Place both hands on your hips, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, then step forward about 70-100cm with your right foot and raise your left heel. Keep your back straight and face forward, with your back and waist aligned. Bend your right knee to a 90-degree angle, and lower your hips so that your left knee is close to touching the ground but not quite. When rising back up, do so without using momentum, relying solely on your lower body strength. Move slowly to avoid twisting your body, and continuously focus on the sensation in the muscles of both legs. Reducing intake of fats and carbohydrates, along with eating more dietary fiber, can also help.

Meanwhile, it is advisable for elderly individuals over 65 who have persistent swelling in the legs and feet to undergo medical examinations. This is because the swelling may be caused by an underlying illness rather than weight gain. The main diseases that cause lower limb edema in the elderly include ▲cancer ▲renal failure (kidney dysfunction) ▲heart failure (reduced heart pumping function). Among these, cancer poses the greatest risk. According to a study by the Geriatric Internal Medicine team at Severance Hospital, among 226 elderly Koreans experiencing lower limb edema, 51.3% (116 people) had cancer, making it the most common cause. The research team explained that cancer patients produce less albumin, a protein that absorbs and releases water in blood vessels, which leads to edema. Patients with renal or heart failure may develop edema due to the accumulation of water and salt in the body.

<Source: Health Chosun>