Ask Dr. Caroline Apovian

How Do I Lose Underarm Fat?

 

Q: What should I do to lose weight under my arms? Do I need to lose weight all over and then tone the arms? If so, can you suggest an exercise? I am tired of hiding my arms with long sleeves.

— Sharon, Chicago

A:

Most people who are on a low-calorie diet and who exercise regularly lose weight all over their bodies — not just in one spot. However, to tone up that area specifically, you need to do resistance exercise training for that area. This means that you need to lift weights that target the biceps muscles on top of the upper arms and the triceps muscles, which are under your arms. You can join a gym and work with a personal trainer if you are inexperienced at lifting weights or buy handheld weights, or dumbbells, for home use. Be sure to work out with weights at least twice a week.