The Truth About Thigh Gaps (2024)

Let us clear up one major weight-loss myth: You absolutely cannot"spot reduce" fat anywhere on your body. Doing 100 consecutivecrunches won't give you instantVictoria's Secret modelabs becauseburning flab comes down to exerciseanddiet. But even those aren't alwaysenough to achieve an "ideal" figure.

A few days ago, Demi Lovato posted a beachy pic of her bikini bottoms with a very body-positive PSA:

Regardless of what society tells you these days... You don't have to have a thigh gap to be beautiful. It is possible to love your body the way it is. #fitness #health #acceptance #selflove

Amen.

And as far as thigh gap obsession goes, sorry (not really) to break the news, but it's an unrealistic goal to aim for. Squats, lunges, andrunning won't increase the space between your thighs because targeted exercises help you tonemuscle, not torch fat. And even then, muscle definition doesn't open your leg room.

Also, thigh gaps are primarily genetic. Some people are born thatway, but for most of the population, this isn't a look you can—or should—strive for. There's noone "perfect" body out there.

Bottom line: Screw the thigh gap. It's a bigger fantasy that anything E L James couldimagine.

You should also check out:

According to the World's Best Study, Red Wine Burns Fat

A New Study Says Using a Fancy Treadmill Desk Won't Help You Lose Weight

Timing Your Meals Could Redeem a Crappy Diet

The Truth About Thigh Gaps (2024)

FAQs

What do they say about thigh gaps? ›

Providing an individual is at a healthy weight, the absence of a thigh gap does not indicate a health issue. The thigh gap is strictly a beauty ideal. Some women are genetically predisposed to carry extra fat around their inner thighs, making this a challenging standard to realize.

Can every girl have a thigh gap? ›

Some women are very slim but still don't have a gap between their inner thighs. The reason for this is that thigh gaps are usually down to genetics. Some women have a thigh gap naturally due to their pelvic structure. Others don't because their pelvis is narrower, and their leg bones are closer together.

What does it mean when a girl lets you touch her thigh? ›

When a girl let you touch her thigh, it means that she is comfortable with you. It can be something sexual, or just a friendly intimate gesture. If in a romantic situation, it means she is letting me be more romantically and physically intimate, with likely more to come later.

Are thigh gaps an insecurity? ›

It's common to assume that a thigh gap is determined by physical fitness, body weight or diet—and we don't blame you! It's just one tactic of diet culture to target us, and another way for fitness gurus to sell products and training programs targeting an area of the body that lots of people are insecure about.

Why is thigh gap unhealthy? ›

Are thigh gaps healthy? Whether you have a thigh gap or not has no bearing on your internal health. It's common to assume that a thigh gap is determined by physical fitness, body weight or diet—and we don't blame you!

Why is thigh gap a thing? ›

It's a Genetic Phenomenon

Travis Stork proved that inner thigh gaps are a genetic phenomenon based on bone structure. The primary determining factor for whether you have a thigh gap isn't body weight, a healthy diet or strength training – it's the width of your hips.

What body type has thigh gap? ›

Like Height and Shoe Size, Thigh Gap Is Tied to Genetics

Herold explains. "Some people with wide pelvises may have leg bones that are farther apart, while people with narrower pelvises may have leg bones set closer together, closing the gap. Obviously, this can't be changed with diet and exercise."

What are mermaid thighs? ›

Basically the idea is that the more your legs join up when you sit or stand, the closer you are to being a mermaid.

Do all girls thighs touch? ›

Unless you have bones that are shaped genetically to not touch (such as bowed legs, a strong Q angle, a wide pelvis etc) your thighs will generally touch, and that is OK!

Why do guys like holding a girls thigh? ›

“I'm being vulnerable in front of you.” It takes a lot for some men to show any sort of emotion, and romantic advances require a certain amount of vulnerability. Touching your thigh could be his way of showing you that he's comfortable enough around you to be tender.

What does it mean when a girl puts her leg on you while cuddling? ›

Leg Hug. If one person has a leg or feet touching their partner, it could mean that the person is craving a sexual or emotional connection.

Do girls like it when guys touch their thighs? ›

If it is between a couple that are demonstrating interest in each other, then a touch to the thigh is a way of indicating intimacy, in which case, it is the response to the touch that is the important thing. Keep in mind, that I am not talking about groping or caressing, but rather a touch. It's a crazy ride.

Do men care about thighs? ›

If you think guys only like "perfect" bodies, you may just want to think again. Hate your hips? Annoyed by your bid thighs? Whether they or any other part of your body seems too flabby, too bony, too narrow, too wide, or otherwise unpleasant to your eyes, chances are, most men find them attractive.

How common are thigh gaps? ›

A tiny percentage of people have thighs so slim that they don't come together. The "thigh gap" refers to this space.

Is the thigh gap trend back? ›

Thigh gaps are back and resurfacing on the popular social media site TikTok under a new name "legging legs." The new trend is targeting Gen Z and Gen Alpha users as it gains traction with its hashtag.

What body types can get a thigh gap? ›

If your hips are set close together, it's less likely you'll have a thigh gap. However, if you have wider set hips, it's more likely that you'll achieve a thigh gap. Be kind to your body: speak positively about it, nourish it with healthy foods, and get enough exercise so you stay in great shape.

Is it rare to have a natural thigh gap? ›

… But Thigh Gap Is Uncommon

Dr. Herold explains, "A thigh gap is a physical trait found in only a small percentage of healthy, well-nourished female body types." The media can make thigh gaps seem like a cultural standard, as though everyone has or can have one.

Are your thighs supposed to touch when you walk? ›

Unless you have bones that are shaped genetically to not touch (such as bowed legs, a strong Q angle, a wide pelvis etc) your thighs will generally touch, and that is OK!

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