Hello, I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine and obesity management. I've been practicing for over 15 years, and I've seen countless patients with concerns about their love handles, also known as flanks.

Let's get straight to the point. There is no specific anatomical term for "love handles," as it's a colloquial term. However, the area referred to as love handles is part of the lower abdominal region, specifically the lateral (side) aspect of the abdomen.

Here's a breakdown of the relevant anatomical structures:

* Abdominal wall: This is the muscular wall that surrounds the abdominal cavity. It consists of several layers, including:
* External oblique muscle: This muscle is located on the side of the abdomen and helps with trunk rotation and lateral flexion.
* Internal oblique muscle: This muscle is located underneath the external oblique and also helps with trunk rotation and lateral flexion.
* Transversus abdominis muscle: This is the deepest abdominal muscle and helps to compress the abdominal cavity.
* Rectus abdominis muscle: This is the "six-pack" muscle located in the front of the abdomen and helps with trunk flexion.
* Subcutaneous fat: This is the layer of fat located just beneath the skin. It helps to insulate the body and protect internal organs.
* Visceral fat: This is the fat located around the internal organs, such as the liver, intestines, and kidneys.

When we talk about love handles, we're referring to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat in the lateral abdominal region. This fat is not inherently different from other subcutaneous fat in the body, but it's often more noticeable in this area because it's located right beneath the skin and can be easily pinched.

It's important to understand that the amount of subcutaneous fat in this area is influenced by several factors, including genetics, age, gender, and lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise.

While there's no way to specifically target fat loss in the love handle area, a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce overall body fat, including the fat in this region.

Please remember: While it's perfectly normal to have some fat in the love handle area, excessive fat accumulation can contribute to health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. If you're concerned about your weight or have any questions about managing your health, please consult with a healthcare professional.

I hope this explanation has been helpful. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions.
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We endearingly refer to them as love handles. Or maybe you prefer to call it your muffin top. Either way, excess fat sitting on the sides of the torso is tough to lose.read more >>