What Is FUPA And How Do You Get Rid Of It?

Body fat refers to the amount of fat stored in the body, including essential and storage fat, per the University of New Mexico. Essential fat is found mainly within the muscles, bone marrow, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen, and nerve tissues. Storage fat, on the other hand, is the excess fat that accumulates under the skin and around the internal organs.

Different areas of the body may have different patterns of fat distribution. When excess fat accumulates around the waist and abdomen, it gives rise to the "apple" body shape. Fat may also accumulate around the hips, thighs, and buttocks, creating a "pear" body shape. According to a 2019 article published in Frontiers in Physiology, men are more likely to have excess abdominal fat, while women are more likely to accumulate fat in the hip and thigh area.

Many people also experience fat accumulation in the lower belly and upper pubic areas. Having some fat in the upper pubic area is normal, as everyone's body is different and can have fat deposits in various areas. However, if the amount of fat in the upper pubic area is excessive or disproportionate to the rest of the body, it may cause the appearance of a prominent bulge, commonly referred to as FUPA (fat upper pubic area), per Medical News Today.

Various factors can cause FUPA. One of the primary causes is excess weight, as being overweight can cause fat to accumulate in different parts of the body, including the pubic region, reports WebMD. Genetics can also play a role, as some people may be more prone to storing fat in certain areas of the body due to their genes.

Stress is another potential cause of FUPA. When a person experiences stress, their body releases cortisol. Chronic stress and high cortisol levels may lead to an increase in body fat, particularly in the abdominal area and also in the upper pubic region, per Healthline. Finally, aging can contribute to FUPA. As we age, our body tends to accumulate fat in the abdominal area, via Medical News Today.

While having some fat in the upper pubic area is normal, excessive fat can sometimes cause physical discomfort or low self-esteem. If you're concerned about the appearance of your upper pubic area, you can consult with your doctor to discuss the best course of action.

One way to address FUPA is through weight loss. If the excess fat in the area is due to being overweight or obese, adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine may help reduce the amount of fat in the pubic region, per Medical News Today. Certain exercises that target your deep core muscles, such as planks, can help target the abdominal and hip muscles, which may contribute to the appearance of FUPA.

Another option is liposuction, a surgical procedure that removes excess fat through a small incision, according to WebMD. This can help to target stubborn pockets of fat in the FUPA area. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is another surgical option to remove excess fat in the pubic area. This procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, which can include the FUPA region.

It's important to remember that the most effective treatment approach for FUPA will vary depending on individual factors. Consulting with a doctor or a plastic surgeon can help determine the best course of action.