As far back as the 1200s, people have been trying to lose weight. And at the same time, we were all obsessed with our weight and what it means for our health. So it’s no wonder the CDC got results of over 41.9% obesity prevalence in the US.
When you struggle with your weight, you’re quick to blame everything. So when you notice love handles on your body, you wonder, are love handles genetic?
How can you tell if your love handles are genetic, or are they more to blame on your weight and activity level? We’re here to help you understand.
Keep reading to learn more!
The Science Behind Love Handles
Love handles are that extra fat that tends to accumulate around the sides and lower back of the waist. This excess fat, often referred to as “love handles,” can make it difficult to fit into certain clothing. Besides being aesthetically unpleasant, love handles can be harmful to your health.
Misfolded proteins in the body often don’t have a place to end up. It causes fat to build up around the middle, which leads to love handles. The cells in this area are often more resistant to diet and exercise, making it even harder to get rid of.
Are Love Handles Genetic?
The common question is, are they inherited from generation to generation? There is no definitive answer. Research does suggest that there is a genetic component to the development of it.
Genetics can play a substantial role in whether someone develops love handles or not. People who are naturally slimmer or have a more petite frame may be more prone to having them.
Some studies also found that a family’s organic structure may predispose them to gain more weight than others. But one significant factor that drives waist circumference is lifestyle-related. There is much debate about this, but genetics plays a role.
Changing Genetics to Combat Love Handles
There are some steps people can take to reduce body fat around the waist. Recently, scientists have been looking at how to get rid of love handles by changing genes. This could potentially be revolutionary in fighting obesity.
Current research indicates that genetic manipulation could suppress genes responsible for love handles. It also stimulates the production of genes that help keep fat off the midsection.
More research is underway to further understand how effective this would be. But it provides a glimmer of hope to those who battle love handles daily.
Managing Love Handles
To tone your stomach, you can eat less fat, exercise, or get in touch with a Liposuction Surgeon. Having a good attitude and accepting your natural shape can also help you. Focus on the areas of your body you appreciate, as they can help lower stress and improve self-image.
Everybody is different. Loving yourself in any shape or size is the cornerstone of body confidence. Instead of focusing on love handles, it’s vital to focus on overall health and well-being.
Things to Know About Love Handles
Love handles are largely a matter of genetics, influenced by body shape, size, and frame. Even if you don’t have control over your genetics, you do have the power to decide what you do with them.
Integrate exercise with a healthy diet geared towards improving physical health. Stop asking, “Are Love Handles Genetic?”. Just aim to make healthy lifestyle choices and be the best version of yourself!
Do you want to find more helpful info? Check out more of our guides on our blog today!
Andrea Parker is a reporter for Zobuz. She previously worked at Huffington Post and Vanity Fair. Andrea is based in NYC and covers issues affecting her city. In addition to her severe coffee addiction, she’s a Netflix enthusiast, a red wine drinker, and a voracious reader.
