By Dr Steven Ang | Published 2018 (Updated for readability)
Question:
I am dissatisfied with the lower part of my body, especially my hips and waist. Despite eating healthy and exercising regularly, my hips are bigger than many of my friends’. I am in my 40s and I understand that our lower body can accumulate more cellulite as we age. Will this continue to worsen? Is there any other way to slim down? Will laser treatment be effective in reducing my waist size?
Why do hips and thighs hold on to fat?
As we grow older, the body tends to store more subcutaneous fat around the waist, hips and thighs — especially in women. These fat deposits are often more “stubborn” because:
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Genetics determine where we store fat first
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Hormonal shifts (e.g., perimenopause) influence fat distribution
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Lower-body fat is usually harder to burn than abdominal fat
This means you may be exercising consistently, but changes in these problem areas may be slower to show.
What causes cellulite?
Cellulite — the familiar orange-peel or dimpled skin — occurs when:
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Fat pushes up against the skin
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Fibrous connective tissue bands pull the skin down
Ageing, skin laxity and genetics can make cellulite more visible over time. It is very common and not a sign of poor health.
How to assess whether weight may be impacting your health – A quick check
You can estimate your weight category using Body Mass Index (BMI):
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height (m) ÷ Height (m)
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WHO defines obesity as BMI ≥ 30
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In Singapore / Asian populations, a BMI ≥ 27.5 indicates higher health risks
Waist circumference also matters
Measuring your waist can indicate abdominal fat levels:
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Asian cut-offs for high health risk:
Men ≥ 90 cm | Women ≥ 80 cm
If your waist exceeds these values, it’s wise to discuss health strategies with your doctor.
Can laser or machine-based treatments help?
Lifestyle remains the first-line foundation:
✅ Healthy nutrition
✅ Regular cardio and strength training
✅ Adequate sleep & stress control
If you still struggle with stubborn areas, non-surgical body-contouring treatments may help improve shape and reduce circumference modestly. Options available in many clinics include:
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Radiofrequency (RF) — heats and disrupts fat cells
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High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) — targets fat layers
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Cryolipolysis — freezes fat cells to eliminate them
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Laser-based devices — more often used for skin tightening or cellulite appearance than major fat reduction
Results vary by person and usually require multiple sessions plus maintenance.
Which treatment works best?
Different devices work better for different areas:
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Larger areas like the abdomen or waist may benefit from RF body-contouring systems
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Thighs and hips may respond better to devices that tighten skin and support connective tissue
A consultation with a doctor will help determine the right approach based on fat thickness, skin condition and overall goals.
Bottom line
You’re not alone — many women in their 40s notice changes in their hip-thigh area due to biology, not failure. With realistic strategies and, if needed, professional treatments, you can still shape and tone these stubborn regions effectively. PRIME
