If Saddlebags are Genetic, Should You Give Up Trying to Lose Them?

Is It Possible to Get Rid of Saddlebags?

"Fat around the abdomen is more likely to be visceral fat, which is dangerous because it produces substances such as the stress hormone cortisol and inflammatory proteins known as cytokines that increase risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease," explains Dr. Peeke.

​Read more: ​ What Your Body Shape Says About Your Health

Saddlebags, on the other hand, are just unsightly. "It's excess fat, sure, but it won't kill you," says Dr. Peeke. "That's why God made Spanx."

Even if you're not able to totally rid yourself of these unwanted companions, there are things you can do to lessen their appearance.

How to Get Rid of Saddlebags (or at Least Give Them a Run for Their Money)

​1. Put the kibosh on overeating.​

If you've got saddlebags, the unfortunate truth is that any extra calories you consume are likely to head straight for your thighs. If you struggle with calorie-counting, Dr. Peeke suggests trying time-restricted feeding, also known as intermittent fasting. "Try to eat during an 8 to 12-hour window each day — for example, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. — and then go on kitchen lockdown after that," she says.

​Read more: ​ The Beginner's Guide to 16: 8 Fasting for Weight Loss

Did you know that keeping a food diary is one of the most effective ways to manage your weight? Download the MyPlate app to easily track calories, stay focused and achieve your goals!

​2. Amp up your workout to burn fat.​

Beyond eating right, the key to blasting all stubborn body fat — including saddlebags — is to incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your workout regimen two to three times a week, says Dr. Peeke. These routines involve short bursts of high-intensity exercises (like jumping jacks or burpees) followed by short periods of rest or recovery.

"These types of workouts really increase fat fuel utilization," Dr. Peeke explains.

​3. Add strength-training to tone.​

There are no specific exercises that are guaranteed to obliterate your saddlebags. But doing a basic thigh-strengthening routine three days a week can help tighten and tone the area, whittling saddlebags down, says Ashley Borden, a Hollywood-based certified personal trainer.

Here are three effective toning moves you can easily do at home:

• ​Seated, banded hip abduction.​ Sit on a bench or a chair with a resistance band around your legs, positioned just under the knees. Keep your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. Without moving your feet, push your knees away from one another and out to the side (pitching your torso forward if needed), then bring them back to your starting position. Repeat 50 times.
• ​Single leg balance.​ Stand barefoot on one leg for one minute, then switch sides. Repeat three times. You can make it more challenging by either changing your base (use a balance pad or a balance beam), moving your arms or keeping your eyes closed. For an advanced version, try single-leg squats.
• ​Reverse lunge step-ups.​ Stand in front of a chair or bench with your feet hip-width apart. Lift your right leg and step backward, bending both knees to lower your body until your right knee nearly touches the floor (keep your upper body upright, and make sure your left knee stays in line with your left toes). Return to a standing position, then step up onto the chair or bench with your right leg. Return to starting position. Do 10 repetitions on the right, then 10 on the left. Repeat this cycle twice.

​Read more: ​ How to Get Rid of Fat Deposits and Tone Your Outer Thighs

What if Diet and Exercise Just Aren't Working?

The three most common options are:

​Liposuction: ​ If you want to shed more than a couple of inches of fat from your thighs, then you'll need liposuction, a more invasive surgical procedure in which a surgeon uses a large narrow suction tool called a cannula to suck out up to 11 pounds of fat. Unlike SculpSure or CoolSculpting, where you're back on your feet and can resume activity immediately, liposuction usually involves two to four weeks of recovery time. The average cost of liposuction is over $3,500, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.