Having a small waist and large hips can be attributed to a few different factors, including genetics, body fat distribution, and potentially a medical condition called lipoedema.
Here’s a breakdown:
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Genetics: Your genes play a significant role in determining your body shape, including where you store fat. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to store more fat around their hips and thighs, leading to a more pronounced waist-to-hip ratio.
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Body Fat Distribution: Overall body fat percentage also influences your shape. Even with a relatively low body fat percentage, fat distribution patterns can result in a smaller waist and larger hips. Hormones, particularly estrogen in women, contribute to this pattern.
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Lipoedema: In some cases, a disproportionate figure with a small waist and large hips and thighs could be a sign of lipoedema. As the reference explains, people with lipoedema often have a smaller upper body and larger lower body, making it difficult to find clothes that fit properly. This is due to an abnormal build-up of fat cells in the hips, thighs, and sometimes lower legs.
- Lipoedema is a chronic condition.
- It primarily affects women.
- It is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphoedema.
Here's a table summarizing the potential causes:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Inherited predisposition to store fat around the hips and thighs. |
| Body Fat | General body fat percentage and hormonal influences leading to specific fat distribution patterns. |
| Lipoedema | A medical condition involving abnormal fat accumulation in the hips, thighs, and lower legs. |
If you are concerned about the possibility of having lipoedema, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.
