By Theresa Stahl, RD, LDN

Q: For as long as I can remember, I’ve had love handles as well as flabby arms and thighs. How can I lose weight in these problem areas?

We all come in different sizes and shapes. And as individuals, we each have our own particular challenging areas that we wish we could target for weight loss or toning. But in order to lose weight in problem areas, it’s necessary to lose weight all over.  Exercises that target certain areas of the body may help tone the muscles in those areas, but they won’t promote weight loss in those spots. 

So, in order to lose weight in your problem areas, you’ll need to focus on losing weight in general.  While you’re losing weight (and after you lose weight), you should exercise regularly to tone your hips, arms, and thighs. Here are some helpful tips for success:

•  Exercise regularly. Plan activities you like, and find a friend who will be a good partner. Together, you’ll encourage each other to keep moving.

• Consider working with a personal trainer who can individualize your workout and help you with your problem areas.

• Write down everything you eat and drink for a few days. Consider working with a registered dietitian who can analyze your diet for you and provide individualized nutrition counseling.

• Decrease or eliminate empty calorie foods—foods that provide calories with little or no nutritional value—things like soda, chips, and candy.  

• Manage stress without using food.  Exercise is a great way to unwind while burning calories and increasing metabolism and muscle mass.