Weekdays 9:30am - 7pm.
Alternate Saturdays 9am - 5pm.
Red orchid flowers in a vase with the text Amaris B. Clinic on a white wall in the background.
Getting Here
By Car/Taxi

Public parking available or drop off along Arab Street, Village Hotel Bugis (Previously known as Golden Landmark Hotel)

By Public Transport

Buses (2, 12, 32, 33, 130, 133, 133A, 520, 960, NR7)  MRT (alight at Bugis MRT station)

Follow us
Red orchid flowers in a vase with the text Amaris B. Clinic on a white wall in the background.
Getting Here
Follow us

Get In Touch

Causes Of Skinny Fat Body, Health Issue That May Arise

Oct 3, 2023
October 21, 2025
Reviewed by:
Dr Ivan Puah, Medical Director

We often think that being “skinny” equates to being healthy and attractive. But what do you do if you appear slender overall but still have a bingo wings?

skinny fat body

Table of Contents

In our quest for the ideal body, we often think that being “skinny” equates to being healthy and attractive. But what do you do if you have a skinny fat body where you appear slender overall but still have a protruding belly, jiggly “bingo wings“, or excess fat on your inner thighs?

This puzzling phenomenon known as “skinny fat” is something most of us can easily identify with. It describes a body type characterised by a lack of noticeable muscle definition, coupled with enough body fat to create a soft appearance, especially when shirtless.

It’s a common body type that most of us sport, but if you’re looking to change that, read on. Ahead, we’ll be sharing why being “skinny fat” could be a cause for concern and how you can start shaping up.

Causes of skinny fat body

Skinny Fat

Understanding the underlying causes of having a skinny fat body is essential to address this paradoxical body composition.

To start, let’s talk genetics. We’re all born with unique genetic makeups that influence how our bodies store fat and build muscle.

Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to carry a higher percentage of body fat and have less muscle mass, making them more prone to the “skinny fat body” appearance. This genetic influence means that despite their slender frame, they might still struggle with stubborn pockets of fat.

Beyond genetics, lifestyle choices significantly impact one’s body composition. Exercise and nutrition habits play a pivotal role in determining whether someone has a skinny fat body or not.

A sedentary lifestyle combined with a diet high in processed foods and sugar can lead to fat accumulation in specific areas, even in individuals who are naturally slender.

On the flip side, regular physical activity and a balanced diet can help combat the “skinny fat body" dilemma, promoting muscle development and fat loss.

Additionally, factors like age and hormone levels also contribute to body size and composition. As we age, our metabolism tends to slow down, making it easier for fat to accumulate, especially around the midsection.

Hormone imbalances, such as fluctuations in estrogen or testosterone, can also influence how the body stores fat. These hormonal shifts can lead to the development of “skinny fat” characteristics, particularly in certain age groups and genders.

Health issues that may arise if you have a “skinny fat body”

Being “skinny fat” is not just a matter of aesthetics; it can also pose significant health risks.

Despite appearing trim on the outside, individuals grappling with this paradox may be silently facing an increased risk of Type II diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol levels. The culprit here is often visceral fat, that stealthy fat hiding around your vital organs.

Visceral fat has been linked to numerous diseases, including heart disease, and has even been associated with a higher likelihood of premature death.

To illustrate, a study conducted in 2018 unearthed a startling revelation: women who predominantly carried their weight around their midsection faced a 10% to 20% elevated risk of experiencing a heart attack compared to women with a more evenly distributed weight profile.

This emphasizes the critical importance of not just monitoring body weight but also paying close attention to how and where body fat is distributed, as it can significantly impact one’s health outcomes. It’s a stark reminder that appearances can indeed be deceiving.

From skinny fat body to pretty fit body: Sculpt your arms, tummy, and thighs

How Amaris B. Clinic’s Modern Liposuction with MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo Technique works

If you’re looking to transform your “skinny fat body", consider Amaris B. Clinic’s Modern Liposuction with MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo Technique, tailored for specific areas like the arms, tummy, and thighs.

This technique adds a new dimension to the conventional approach, emphasising precision and delicacy in treating stubborn fat pouches. It’s tailored to the unique contours, fat distribution, and skin elasticity of each individual’s body.

The MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo Technique serves a dual purpose: it effectively targets localised stubborn fat that remains unresponsive to exercise and diet while concurrently sculpting the body.

Its versatility allows Dr Puah to perform comprehensive 360-degree fat removal and sculpting, targeting common trouble areas such as the abdomen and waist, delivering natural and optimal results for patients.

Amaris B. Clinic’s Modern Liposuction pairs perfectly with a healthy lifestyle

“Most of the patients exercise and try to eat healthily, but sometimes, despite a healthy lifestyle, they find it hard to see a significant improvement in stubborn fat reduction,” Dr Puah shares.
“So, is it really cheating if you use Modern Liposuction with MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo Technique to help you eliminate those stubborn areas? Not at all.”

Liposuction complements a healthy lifestyle by addressing areas that diet and exercise may not fully resolve, offering a chance for individuals to achieve their desired body contour.

However, liposuction’s significance goes beyond mere body transformation; it’s a journey that reshapes your relationship with yourself. It’s about aligning your external appearance with the vitality and renewed sense of self that you feel inside.

Whether it’s banishing that under-chin pouch, erasing the bra roll, or bidding farewell to that pesky muffin top, liposuction allows you to rediscover and embrace your true form. With such transformative potential, there’s no room for surprises – only a chance to emerge feeling renewed.

Let Dr Ivan Puah from Amaris. B Clinic help you achieve your dream physique

It’s important to choose a qualified liposuction doctor who possesses not only the right credentials, but also the meticulousness and attention required for such a delicate procedure like liposuction.

Modern Liposuction With MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo Technique

A multi-dimensional liposuction approach that focuses on removing stubborn fat while simultaneously sculpting the body & tightening the skin.

Reference

read other blogposts

Female pattern hair loss

44.4% of women in Singapore aged 15 to 64 reported ranking hair loss as their top hair concern, surpassing concerns about hair damage or dryness

November 24, 2025
Male chest contouring

Discover effective chest contouring and sculpting solutions for men to reduce chest fat and enlarged glands to achieve a more defined, masculine chest.

November 24, 2025
vaser liposuction

While gyms and fitness studios somehow encourage us to keep up with the routines, there’s one slight problem with them: they aren’t actually true.

November 22, 2025
gynecomastia

As gynecomastia cannot be hidden under clothing, it brings about psychological distress to the individual affected by it, affecting their quality of life.

November 22, 2025
weight loss vs fat loss

The terms ‘fat loss’ and ‘weight loss’ & often used interchangeably, and it is understandable in some cases. Here are some solutions you might want to consider.

November 22, 2025
armpit fat removal

Are your sleeveless tops just piling up at the back of your closet after not being worn for a long while? Sometimes our insecurities get the better of us.

November 22, 2025