Short legs... problems?

Okay. So I honestly do not know where to put this, but I figured since it sort-of runs in the family that I would give "Genetics" a shot.

Basically I have short, thick legs. I'm about 109 lbs, 5' tall, exercise at least 30 min every day and have an average diet (all I drink is water or juice, never soda; not big on fast food, eat whole wheat... etc.). I've always had a hard time loosing weight, though, and I could eat virtually nothing and still have tummy issues.

Anyway, I have short, thick legs, and lately it's been bothering me. Is it possible that because I'm carrying more weight on my upper body that it's hurting my legs? I say genetics because my mother has the same issue, as did her mother, and my brother is really tall and thin.

If no answer, a suggestion on where this question should be placed?

[Dragon1973]

Hello Zoeombi,

I don't think this is a "Genetics" medical issue per se, but yes, having said that having a body that is similar to your parents and those before them, is genetic in make up.  The thing is, are you worried about any medical issues as a result of having short legs?  And when you mention that your legs are short, given your height, it doesn't tell me if your legs are short, or if that is just something you feel.  What is your inseam length?  Is it something where you feel your body is not proportioned to your leg length?  I think you are also mentioning a completely separate issue when you talk about your tummy too.  It is very important to note, if you eat less and less, you will have something called a starvation mode.  This is where your body stops loosing any fat or weight because it recognizes that you are not putting the normal amount of calories it is used to  and so it goes into starvation mode, trying to hold onto everything, (fat stores etc) because your mind and body feel that it wont get the proper amounts.  When this happens, your body slows, (or your metabolism) and therefore, what happens is after when you do decide to re up your intake of calories, your body is still in starvation mode, and will then pack on the weight even more so.  Eating more often, but smaller meals is a better way of getting your metabolism to ramp up, or work faster at burning calories off.  Now, since you have been eating less and virtually nothing, you will have to increase your energy output so that when you do increase your caloric intake you don't pack on the weight as I mentioned.  You will have to do this for a while, (increase your exercise) until your body adjusts and comes out of starvation mode.  
Back to your legs.  If you have short thick legs, you may have more muscle on your legs and or tend to carry your muscle bulk there.  The only way to prevent adding muscle bulk to your legs if you are prone to building unwanted muscle there, is to do exercises which are high in repetition and low in weight.  This will burn the muscle as well as any fats that may be in that location.  I know you mentioned you exercise 30 mins a day, but if you want to burn the stalkiness off, you will have to do high reps and low weights for this to happen.  A lot of cardio will also do this for you.  Cut out the juices as they tend to be high in sugars (even natural sugars will add unwanted calories).  Drink a lot of water.  This is a great way to hydrate, and also lessen any unwanted calories.  If you are looking for good foods to consider, cut out the flours and wheats.  Eat things with high fibres and no starches or sugars.  Now, don't cut them all out, because high protein diets are good but lots of people can't maintain them and end up putting the weight back on.  I did personally do a high protein diet called Dr. Bernstein, and I lost the weight I was looking to (176 to 141), and I am now at 139 for over a year.  The thing I was seriously doing to keep it from coming back was not cutting out all my fun foods, only eat things in moderation.  I did follow a high protein diet, but I didn't just cut everything out.  This way, when you are done, you don't force your body to rebel when you complete the diet.  Anyway, I think I have gotten off track.  I think that with respect to your legs, I don't think that you will change something that is "genetic" when it comes to your stature, but you can do somethings (like the foods and exersize) that I mentioned to maybe help.  I hope that I haven't made you more confused, but I wanted to ultimately say,  you are most likely beautiful no matter what your legs look like, so please try not to worry about it.  Most times, we can not fight genetics, without doing some serious body or surgery modifications, and i don't ever think anyone should do this.  There are certain things i believe people want to change about their bodies, but not for the reason if they are unhappy with themselves.  No amount of surgery will change your feelings if you are not happy inside.

Please let me know if I can help to explain any of the things I mentioned above, you can message me directly to my in-box anytime.  I have put together this diet I am speaking about for other MH members in the past, since I don't think Dr. Bernstein's is available everywhere, and I am also unaware of where you reside.

In addition to anything I have mentioned, please keep in mind, that while I or others may have extensive knowledge in many areas, you should always seek professional medical advice from your own physician, as it pertains to medical conditions or concerns.

Good luck, and if you have any other questions that I can help you with, please feel free to message me directly.

Sincerely,
Sandi (Dragon1973)
MedHelp Genetics Community Leader;
Children - Special Needs Community Leader;
Down syndrome Community Leader & Ds Group Forum Founder/Moderator