Love handles, colloquially referred to as fat love handles, are excess pockets of fat and skin that protrude from the sides of the abdomen, particularly around the hips. This area is notorious for being resistant to traditional weight loss efforts, often persisting despite diet and exercise. Both men and women commonly struggle with love handles, which can be influenced by genetic predispositions, hormonal fluctuations—such as increases in cortisol levels due to stress—and lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity levels.

Reducing love handles typically involves a combination of targeted exercises and dietary adjustments. Da Vinci Medical suggests engaging in exercises that focus on the abdominal and oblique muscles, such as side planks, bicycle crunches, and leg raises, which can help strengthen these areas and reduce fat accumulation. Pairing these exercises with a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables, while limiting sugars and unhealthy fats, supports overall weight loss efforts and can contribute to a more toned appearance around the waist and hips over time.