What Your Wobbly Bits Say About You: The Problem, The Cause And The Cure

Bingo wings, tough-to-tone-up tummy or flabby thighs, we all have our problem areas and up to now we’ve just been blaming our poor mothers for the genes.

But what if we were to tell you that there is another part to the story, another reason why your problem area is your problem area?

According to new research, the way fat accumulates on our body reveals more about our health than we thought. The key to banishing the bad bits is to understand why that is our problem area in the first place.

“The wrong foods, hormonal imbalances, stress and toxins can determine where we store fat,” James Duigan, author of the Clean & Lean Diet, told the Daily Mail.

“I’m always being asked: “Why do I gain weight on my stomach or my legs?” I ask a series of lifestyle and diet questions to determine why. Weight doesn’t go on evenly all over. Some women are fatter in their face, thighs, stomach or arms and while it’s largely genetic there are certain lifestyle factors that determine where fat is deposited.”

James, we like this optimistic guy, said it’s also a myth that you can’t reduce fat in problem areas.

“You can enhance the body’s ability to reduce fat from a targeted area with the right diet and exercise,” he said.

We have the ultimate guide to identifying your fat trigger spot and find out how you can improve your lifestyle to improve your wobbly bits.

Identify your problem areas and love the body you're in...

Is Your Problem Area Your…Tough-To-Tone-Up Tummy?

The Problem

Your stomach looks fat or bloated most of the time. Even when you lose weight, you have a tummy and any weight that you do gain goes straight to your tummy.

The Cause

You’re stressed. Stomach fat is directly linked to stress levels.

The Cure

Too much cardiovascular exercise can create excess cortisol, not what you want in this situation. Instead include weights, yoga or Pilates in your exercise regime to help flatten your tummy. Sweets, coffee, alcohol and salt stress out your system too so try to avoid them. Foods that restore cortisol balance, and so can help flatten your stomach, include lean protein, such as chicken and fish, green vegetables, sweet potatoes, beetroot, olives and avocadoes.

Click here for The A-Z Guide To A Flat Tummy...

Is Your Problem Area Your… Chunky Calves?

The Problem

Your lower legs are big, disproportionate to the rest of your legs and can often feel heavy and uncomfortable.

The Cause

You’re tired.

The Cure

To improve your quality of rest try to avoid eating carbs and sugar three hours before bed because they can overstimulate your system. Caffeine or chocolate also disrupt sleep, but even drinking too much fluid before bed, even something as harmless as water, is also disruptive.

Try to skip the cuppa before bed...

Is Your Problem Area Your… Bulge Around The Bra Strap?

The Problem

You have excess fat on your back and around the bra straps.

The Cause

Your body can’t process carbs. Many women store excess fat around their shoulder blades that can be due to your body not handling carbohydrates efficiently.

The Cure

Try and eliminate grains and refined carbohydrates (such as white rice and pasta) from their diet to see if it reduces fat. Slowly introduce unrefined carbohydrates into your diet, like wild rice or quinoa.

Is Your Problem Area Your… Bingo Wings?

The Problem

You have bingo wings and fat on the upper breasts and armpits that spill over strapless dresses.

The Cause

This is due to the toxins in your body. Never heat up soup in a plastic container and try to limit the amount you drink from plastic water bottles.

The Cure

Tricep dips which target the upper arms are good, but what can be more effective is to do exercises that detoxify the body. Bikram yoga and body brushing are just two suggestions here.

Have you ever tried Bikram yoga? Get ready to sweat!

Is Your Problem Area Your… Love Handles?

The Problem

You’re slim but you have a thick waist. This can mean a muffin top over your jeans.

The Cause

Too much sugar. A sugary diet can result in fatty deposits around the waist.

The Cure

This type of fat can also be due to stress so dedicate 15 minutes a day to relaxation. Antioxidant rich foods such as berries, brightly coloured vegetables and green or white tea help stabilise blood sugar levels too.

Is Your Problem Area Your… Chubby Face?

The Problem

When you gain weight it goes to your face first.

The Cause

Too much alcohol. Having a chubby face is often due to water retention or excess alcohol. People who drink regularly tend to have bloated faces.

The Cure

Cut back on the drink. Have four alcohol-free days a week.

If it's a bloated face or neck you suffer from, cut back on the alcohol...

Is Your Problem Area Your… Thick Thighs?

The Problem

You have a slim waist and flat tummy, but a large pair of thighs. You are a classic pear shape.

The Cause

This is your mum! Having relatively large thighs is a classic pear shape and is largely genetic. It is rarely due to diet so embrace your shape and love it!

The Cure

In terms of exercise, squats and lunges are good for this area because they tone you up and increase the heart rate, which burns calories.