The answer to whether men have “love handles” is definitively yes. This common term refers to fat deposits that accumulate around the hips and the sides of the waistline. Understanding this fat distribution requires looking beyond the colloquial term to the underlying biology, including the anatomical location, hormonal influences, and health implications.
Defining the Anatomy of Flank Fat
The fat referred to as “love handles” is scientifically known as adipose tissue located in the flanks. These deposits are primarily composed of subcutaneous fat, the soft, pinchable layer situated just beneath the skin. Anatomically, this fat surrounds the oblique muscles on the sides of the torso, sitting above the hip bones. Subcutaneous fat is generally considered less metabolically active than the deeper type of abdominal fat.
The other type is visceral fat, located deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding internal organs like the liver and intestines. Flank fat, being subcutaneous, is structurally and functionally different from this deeper layer. While flank fat is externally visible, visceral fat is not. The distinction between these two fat types is important because they carry different levels of health risk.
Hormonal and Genetic Factors in Male Fat Distribution
Men tend to develop fat around the abdomen and flanks, creating an “android” or apple-shaped body profile, largely governed by sex hormones. Testosterone, the main male androgen, plays a significant role in determining where fat is stored. Higher levels of testosterone generally encourage central fat storage while promoting muscle protein synthesis. Testosterone also influences fat cell metabolism, inhibiting the creation of new fat cells and encouraging the breakdown of lipids for energy.
Conversely, a decrease in testosterone levels, which naturally occurs with age, is often linked to an increase in total body fat, particularly in the abdominal region. This hormonal shift impacts the fat storage system. Research indicates that testosterone impedes both visceral and subcutaneous fat expansion. Moreover, the downstream metabolites of testosterone, such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), selectively block the growth of subcutaneous fat, highlighting a complex regulatory system for fat distribution.
Genetics also influence where an individual stores fat, determining a predisposition to the android body shape. Some people are genetically programmed to have fat cells more receptive to storing fat in the abdominal and flank areas. This genetic tendency interacts with lifestyle factors to determine the ultimate shape of fat accumulation. The combination of genetic predisposition and the hormonal environment dictates the likelihood of developing prominent flank fat deposits.
The Health Context of Abdominal and Flank Fat
The accumulation of fat in the central body area, including the flanks, serves as a visual indicator of potential underlying health concerns. Although flank fat is subcutaneous and less metabolically harmful than visceral fat, its presence often marks elevated visceral fat levels. Visceral fat is considered dangerous because it is metabolically active, releasing inflammatory molecules and free fatty acids directly into the portal circulation and liver. This process contributes to insulin resistance and chronic inflammation.
Excess central fat accumulation is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing conditions like metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The inflammatory substances released by visceral fat can lead to the hardening of arteries, known as atherosclerosis, and can raise blood pressure. Health professionals recommend measuring waist circumference as a simple, effective proxy for total abdominal fat to gauge this risk.
For men, a waist circumference greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters) indicates a significantly higher risk for serious health issues. While removing subcutaneous flank fat may have cosmetic benefits, addressing the deeper visceral fat through lifestyle changes is paramount for reducing disease risk. Focusing on a calorie deficit through diet and regular moderate aerobic exercise is the primary strategy for reducing both subcutaneous and visceral fat stores.