The common phrase “love handles” refers to excess body fat around a person’s waist and hips. While widely understood in everyday conversation, the term itself is not part of precise medical or anatomical language. This article will explore the popular understanding of “love handles,” their scientific names, and the biological factors contributing to their presence.
Understanding “Love Handles”
“Love handles” typically describe the fatty deposits located on the sides of the lower waist, extending just above the hips and towards the lower back. This area is a common site for fat storage, and the term has become a popular, informal way to refer to these localized pockets of fat. The phrase gained traction in popular culture, with some sources dating its modern usage to the 1960s. It broadly refers to subcutaneous fat, which is the layer of fat situated directly beneath the skin. Other informal terms, such as “muffin top” or “spare tire,” also describe similar fat accumulation around the midsection.
The Anatomical Name
In anatomical and medical contexts, the area commonly known as “love handles” is referred to as the “flanks.” The flanks encompass the sides of the torso, extending from the lower part of the rib cage down to the top of the hip bones. The fat found in this region is primarily subcutaneous adipose tissue, which resides just under the skin.
Beneath these fatty deposits lie specific muscle groups, including the abdominal external oblique muscles. These muscles are the largest and outermost of the three flat abdominal muscles located on the lateral and anterior parts of the abdomen. Medical professionals utilize precise terminology like “flank fat” or “abdominal oblique fat” to accurately describe the location of this fat accumulation, distinguishing it from general abdominal fat.
Why They Form
The formation of fat deposits in the flank area results from a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. Genetics play a significant role in determining where an individual’s body stores fat. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to accumulate more fat around their waist and hips, even if their overall body fat percentage is not exceedingly high. This genetic blueprint influences the distribution patterns of fat cells throughout the body.
Hormones also exert considerable influence on fat storage. For instance, changes in estrogen levels, particularly during menopause, can lead to a redistribution of fat from the hips and thighs towards the abdominal area, including the flanks. Additionally, stress hormones like cortisol can contribute to increased fat storage around the midsection.
Ultimately, the fundamental cause of fat accumulation, regardless of location, is a caloric surplus, where the body consumes more energy than it expends. This excess energy is then stored as fat in various body regions, with the flanks often being a prominent site.