|  | Diet Nutrition | Weight Loss

How to Get Rid of Fat & Stretch Marks on Your Legs

Losing weight in your legs requires that you eat well and exercise to shed excess weight. Unfortunately, gaining or losing weight quickly can cause stretch marks to appear on your skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, stretch marks are "pink, reddish or purplish indented streaks." While they are harmless and tend to fade on their own over time, stretch marks can be aesthetically bothersome. Fortunately, there are several stretch mark treatments. Find the one that works best for you.

Things You'll Need

  • Tretinoin cream
Show More

Instructions

  1. Lose Fat on Legs

    • 1

      Exercise at least three times each week. Losing weight requires a whole body approach, so to lose weight on your legs, you need to lose weight overall. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes at a moderate level. If you have a gym membership, hit the treadmill, elliptical trainer or aerobic classes. If you don't use a gym, try walking, jogging, swimming or even gardening to work up a sweat.

    • 2

      Eat properly. Cut out the fast food, junk food, sugar, fat and excess carbohydrates. Eat a diet high in fiber, lean protein, vitamins and minerals. Your meals should be high in vegetables, whole grains and protein, such as fish, poultry, eggs and legumes. Swap soda, coffee and juice for water. Fuel your body without adding excess calories.

    • 3

      Tone your legs to improve their appearance and strength. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hands on your hips. Squat down, pushing your buttocks out and keeping your back straight. Return to a standing position then repeat up to 30 times, three days each week.

    Treat Stretch Marks

    • 4

      Smooth Tretinoin cream onto the affected area, as directed. Tretinoin cream is available over-the-counter and improves skin's appearance by rebuilding collagen.

    • 5

      Talk to your doctor about laser therapy options. For deep, persistent scarring, laser may be the answer. Lasers resurface the skin and stimulate new elastin and collagen growth.

    • 6

      Investigate microdermabrasion options. These treatments are available at spas. Small crystals are used to polish the skin's surface and stimulate regrowth. Meet with an esthetician to determine if microdermabrasion is right for you.

Weight Loss - Related Articles