Only diet and exercise can help you lose fat in your legs at the same time you lose weight everywhere else. That's because the body doesn't take more fat out of one area than another. You can only lose the same amount of fat in your legs than anywhere else in your body. Nothing will make you lose more fat in one area over another.

The truth is that as people age, the proportion of fat around the belly, hips and legs increases.

The good news is that extra fat in the legs and hips doesn't seem to harm health like extra fat around the belly does.

One of the best ways to reduce fat in the legs is with exercise. Along with this, you will have to cut down on calories, eat a healthy, nutritious, low-calorie diet and start exercising regularly — preferably with a good aerobic exercise routine.

Here are a few suggestions of exercises to help you lose fat in your legs:

• Riding a bicycle is still the best way to keep your legs in shape!

• Walking up steps or using a Stairmaster are good exercises for the legs.

• Thighmasters still work!

Remember, while exercise can't cause you to lose more fat in your legs than another area, there's no substitute for exercise as a way to shape up and tone up your legs.

Be sure not to over-exercise your legs as you might get cramps. And also make sure to stretch your leg muscles after your workout.

For specific exercises for the thighs, see: Thigh Exercises

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -