How To Lose Thigh Fat In 2 Weeks: Top Tips For Toning Up In 2024

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Reviewed by Ellie Busby, MS, RDN
how to lose thigh fat in 2 weeks
How to lose thigh fat and make it last. Photo: staras/Shutterstock

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Slimmer thighs have been a trend in women’s health for many years. With so many quick-fix schemes, you may want to know how to lose thigh fat in 2 weeks. Because everyone’s body is different, there’s no single solution to losing thigh fat quickly. While some research has found spot-reduction techniques[1] to work, there is overall limited research on this claim.

That’s why we focus on total body health in this article. We explain the most effective ways to reduce overall body fat by leading a healthy lifestyle. Not only will this help when it comes to losing fat around your thighs, but it will also help you achieve sustainable weight loss results that last.

How Do You Lose Thigh Fat In 2 Weeks?

There are five main ways to lose thigh fat and improve your overall health:

  • Calorie Deficit: To lose weight, you should have a calorie deficit of 500-1000 calories daily.
  • Cardio: Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate-to-high-intensity aerobic cardio activity five days a week.
  • Focus On Whole Foods: Follow a balanced diet focusing on whole foods.
  • Try Strength Training: Tone your thigh muscles with targeted strength training exercises at least two times a week.
  • Limit Processed Foods: Many processed foods contain excess calories, sodium, fat, and limited nutritional value, which can contribute to weight gain.

How To Lose Stubborn Thigh Fat In Two Weeks

There’s no evidence supporting claims of losing thigh fat in two weeks. Setting realistic goals for yourself is essential – you’re more likely to stick with them and achieve lasting, sustainable results. We’ve found five ways to burn fat and remove stubborn pounds.

Calorie Deficit

When it comes to weight loss, the most important thing is to be in a calorie deficit. This means consuming fewer calories than you’re burning daily. You can also think of this as eating less and moving more. You need to be expending more energy than what you’re consuming through fewer calories on a daily basis to burn excess fat in your inner and outer thighs.   

You’re probably wondering, “How many calories do I need to cut out though?” For safe, effective weight loss, experts recommend maintaining a caloric deficit of 500-1000 calories[2] daily for up to six months.

A common approach is to limit your fat intake, but fats are essential for your body to function correctly. Experts say healthy fats should make up at least 20%[3] of your daily calorie intake. Consuming a Mediterranean diet rich in healthy fats like extra-virgin olive oil and nuts can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke by up to 30%.

Cardio

how to lose thigh fat in 2 weeks
Cardio for weight loss. Photo: Lyubov Levitskaya/Shutterstock

Cardio is one of the best exercises for burning calories, which can lead to weight loss.[4] Cardio exercises like running are popular and can be done at your local gym or outside. Experts recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise[5] weekly. Broken down, this is about 30 minutes daily, five days a week. Walking, jogging, and using the gym’s elliptical are great cardio exercises.
One of the most underrated types of cardio is walking. It’s shown to be highly effective for overall body fat loss.[6] If you don’t feel you have enough time to walk 30 minutes daily, you can break it up into smaller amounts of time. For example, try walking 15 minutes in the morning and then 15 minutes in the evening.

Focus On Whole Foods

Regarding weight loss, nutrition is vital. We recommend a healthy diet focusing on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins such as chicken or salmon. A balanced diet focusing on whole foods[7] has been shown to be effective for weight loss.

Many whole foods contain a lot of fiber. A recent study found adding fiber-rich foods[8] promoted weight loss in overweight patients following a calorie-restricted diet. A few examples of high-fiber foods include beans, broccoli, berries, and avocados.

We know getting in all your daily fruit and vegetable servings can be tricky. Thankfully, many dietary supplements can help you with this. Talking to your primary healthcare provider before taking any supplements is essential.

Try Strength Training

how to lose thigh fat in 2 weeks
Add strength training to tone your thigh muscles. Photo: New Africa/Shutterstock

While you can’t spot-reduce thigh fat, you can add strength training into your exercise routine to strengthen and tone your leg muscles. Weight lifting is a great option if you aren’t a fan of cardio but still want to workout. With so many different types of exercise options, it’s easy to switch things up and keep you motivated to reach your weight loss goals.

Strength training[9] exercises have been shown to increase lean body mass and metabolic rate. An increased metabolic rate helps your body burn calories faster, which can help you achieve your weight loss goals more efficiently. Targeted exercises focusing on the inner and outer thigh muscles include leg raises and the leg press machine.

There is currently no research to support claims that targeted exercises such as these can help to tighten inner thighs in 2 weeks. However, research shows strength training can help improve your overall body composition[10] by reducing fat and increasing muscle mass, even without weight loss.

Many leg exercises can also help strengthen your glute muscles,[11] which can be a way to lose bum and thigh fat simultaneously. Again, more research is needed to determine how long this would take. Ultimately, it will vary based on individual lifestyle factors.

Limit Processed Foods

We know processed foods are tempting, but they are considered empty calories. This means they are high in calories but provide little nutrition and satiation,  contributing to weight gain.[12] Satiation refers to how full you feel after eating. For example, you may feel full right after eating a whole bag of chips, but it most likely won’t keep you full for very long.

A few examples include fast food, fried foods, and candy. Alcohol is another example of empty calories. Studies have shown limiting alcohol intake[13] to be associated with long-term weight loss results.

How Thigh Circumference Affects Health

Thigh circumference will vary depending on multiple factors such as your fitness level, genetics, gender, and diet. Nevertheless, studies have linked greater thigh circumference[12] to several health conditions like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. It also increases your risk of chronic kidney disease, which is linked directly to obesity.

But it isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to thigh circumference. Interestingly, one cohort study showed a smaller thigh circumference to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.[14] This includes diseases like coronary artery disease, as well as more severe types like heart attack or stroke.

More research is needed to determine why this inverse relationship exists, but one explanation could be concerning body fat distribution. For example, more belly fat and lower leg muscle mass might indicate insulin resistance. When your body is resistant to insulin, it can cause your blood sugar level to increase, which can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes if left untreated.

Is It Possible To Lose Thigh Fat In Two Weeks?

It depends. There’s currently no research that has proven this to be effective. When you lose weight, there’s a decrease in overall body fat, not just one specific area. So, it’s always best to focus on total body health when it comes to losing thigh fat.

Experts suggest setting realistic weight loss goals of aiming to lose 1-2 pounds per week.[15] You’re also more likely to stick to your goals when they are realistic. Studies have found it more effective[16] in the long term by aiming to lose a few pounds weekly.

Conclusion

There’s no quick fix for losing thigh fat, but this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. When it comes to losing weight, it’s best to set realistic goals and incorporate healthy lifestyle habits into your daily life. By setting realistic goals, it will be easier to commit to them and take small steps everyday to reach your weight loss goals.

A calorie deficit combined with exercise and a diet focused on whole foods is a great way to lose weight and live a healthier life. It’s important to limit processed foods and empty calories, including alcohol, to avoid excess calorie consumption.

Certain supplements, such as fat burners, may be helpful to your weight loss efforts. However, talking to a healthcare professional before taking any supplements is important. Additionally, supplements should always be used in addition to a healthy diet and exercise routine, not as a replacement. By focusing on total body health, you’ll increase your chances of achieving sustainable fat loss results for your thighs and your entire body. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you lose thigh fat fast?

Focus on a combination of healthy diet and exercise. The amount of time it takes will depend on individual factors such as your age, current weight, exercise routine, and diet.

How can I lose my thigh fat in a week?

There’s currently no evidence to support these claims. Rapid weight loss can be unsafe and unsustainable, so it is not recommended. Focusing on total body health through a healthy diet and exercise can help.

What burns the most thigh fat?

Exercise has been shown to be very effective at burning overall body fat,[17] especially cardio. 

Why are my thighs so fat even though I exercise?

This could be caused by many different things. For example, if you eat a lot of processed foods, you may be consuming excess calories, hindering your weight loss efforts. Hormone levels[18] can also play a role in body fat distribution.

Can walking reduce thigh fat?

Yes, studies show that walking can be effective[6] for fat loss.

+ 18 Sources

EHproject has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We work mostly with peer-reviewed studies to ensure accurate information. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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