Big Belly, Thin Legs????

JULYO · 12-11-2004, 09:23 PM

Hello Everyone,

Funny question. I've had a massive belly since I was 5 years old (I've always blamed wearing pinafores!!) This was regardless of how much I weighed (I've been yo-yo dieting since I was 10, isn't that sad?) Anyway I was wondering whether it's possible to lose your tummy by diet alone (ie reaching normal weight) or whether I will need to start doing specific stomach exercises at the gym (which I find very embarassing) It seems that even when able to buy new smaller clothes (especially trousers) they still look rubbish because they are way too baggy on the legs because of the size I have to buy for my big stomach.
Also wondered whether getting the hormones and IR under control changes the distribution of fat ie, could you change from being an APPLE shape to a PEAR.
Just wondering, any thoughts would be useful.

Julie 28

Heaviest Weight - 224
Current Weight - 182
Target Weight - 140

Doing Weightwatchers (and some exercise) very slowly this time!!!

All PCOS symptoms apart from insomnia, no meds at present, hoping for Met at next Endo appointment (22nd Dec).
Single, not TTC.

Have a happy Christmas everyone

One tattered Angel · 12-11-2004, 11:18 PM

If you get an answer I would like to know to. All my life I have been chubby and overweight. Alot of friends especially guys would give me a hard time about being big and having skinny legs. It drove me crazy. When I started dating one time I was on a double date and I was wearing a skirt. The other dude was talking about ladies and their legs. He looked at me and said, you know you have great legs too bad they were put on the wrong person. Needless to say my date punched him and we left that cupple stranded. I hated teen years!!!! I wish my legs would stay the same and my body would catch on to the skinny thinking.

Revka · 12-12-2004, 01:23 AM

Actually, "central obesity" is an indicator of PCOS. Cushing's syndrome is an endocrine disorder associated with too much cortisol, and the main symptom is obesity in the belly and face but skinny-- even too skinny-- arms and legs. Cushing's mimics diabetes in much the same way PCOS does. Anyway, the point is that treatment of PCOS should help your central obesity-- but since it looks like you're not diagnosed yet, please ask your doctor about Cushing's, too. Other POSSIBLE symptoms include red cheeks and dark striations on your belly.
Hope this helps! Good luck with everything.

MyBagelhasBunions · 12-12-2004, 11:38 PM

Have you tried men's pants/clothes?

I've had this problem for years and years and years.

I have no hips to speak of and according to women's sizes, I should have this monstrous hips. I feel like I'm swimming in clothes.

Anyway, men's clothes can be bought by waist size 34" 36" and so forth, instead of those sizes that womens' clothes come in.

I think I've worn men's pants since 18ish just cause they fit so much better. And men's shirts as well, since I have such broad shoulders.

*sigh* about the only feminine things I own are my bras and panties.

Did I mention I have to wear men's shoes cause I have wide feet as well?

Good luck to you.

Amanda04 · 12-13-2004, 01:51 AM

I have also had this problem. My stomach isn't HUGE but it is the problem area no matter how much weight I lose. I have lost 20 lbs so far and my stomach is still my problem place. My arms, hips, legs are all slimming down, but not the stomach! I blame it on PCOS now, but for the longest I thought I just took after my Dad (tall & skinny) and got my small legs from him.

JULYO · 12-13-2004, 09:36 AM

Thanks for the replies guys,

I love this site, I definitely don't feel alone in my big belly plight!!!

Will definitely try mens trousers on to see if they fit better and will hope that the Met and weightloss will help make me look more in proportion. It doesn't do anything for your self-asteem if you're losing weight but clothes still look bad.

Don't know much about Cushings disease, which I'm hearing more and more about, it was never mentioned at diagnosis but I did have blood tests done. Will ask at my Endo appointment next week.
Also might have to conceed that stomach exercises might be on the agenda in the near future (arghhhhh), I've started doing Pilates at the gym which might tone me a bit but the swimming I've been doing for months doesn't seem to have done anything belly wise

If anyone has succesfully got rid of their belly I would be grateful for their input.

Cheers
Julie 28

Heaviest Weight - 224
Current Weight - 182
Target Weight - 140

Doing Weightwatchers (and some exercise) very slowly this time!!!

All PCOS symptoms apart from insomnia, no meds at present, hoping for Met at next Endo appointment (22nd Dec).
Single, not TTC.