What does FUPA mean? How to Get Rid of It?

FUPA is a term that stands for “Fat Upper Pubic Area”. IT describes the fat layer that is directly above the pubic bone and is located beneath the belly button. This area is usually referred to as the panniculus in medical terminology, but “FUPA” has become a more commonly accepted term in everyday use. This is stubborn fat, which in the bodies of men and women is difficult to lose. Sometimes, instead of a highly observed diet plan and exercises, it is challenging to lose fat in this area.

Most frequently, it is said that it is mainly found in women’s bodies due to the accumulation of fat cells, especially after pregnancy or due to weight changes in women’s bodies. Some research studies have also shown that it is sometimes due to genetic predisposition in the abdominal region of men’s and women’s bodies. Sometimes it is also acquired due to lifestyles and daily diet routines.

What Leads to a FUPA?

No single factor contributes to its development. Instead, it typically stems from a confluence of factors:

1. Gaining weight

Body fat is distributed unevenly in the body.  These fat cells are sometimes stored in the pubic region and lower abdominal region of the body.

2. Pregnancy & giving birth

Many bodily changes occur in the female body during pregnancy, and the abdominal region of the body stretches significantly. If a woman gains weight again after pregnancy, a pouch-like appearance results from this weight gain.

3. Heredity

Genetic predispositions are playing a vital role in causing it. Some people, by their genetics, are prone to storing fat in their lower abdominal area. As you have seen, some people have more fat stored in their thighs, arms, and hips as well.

4. Skin Looseness and Weight Loss

After significant weight loss, it can also occur. The excess skin accumulates in the pubic area as a result of rapid weight loss, causing FUPA.

5. Growing older

As age grows, the elasticity of skin decreases, and this reduced elasticity of skin and loose skin causes the visibility of fat in the lower abdominal or pubic area.

Does FUPA Cause Health Risks?

Typically, it has no side effects on the physical health of a person. It is more like a problem of appearance that causes the problem in self-perception and self-esteem. However, a thick layer of fat in the upper pubic area can cause discomfort while sitting or walking, making it challenging to maintain personal hygiene, and also irritate the skin.

You must keep in mind that having fat cells beneath the pubic bone and in the lower abdominal area is normal. However, this issue is not publicly discussed, despite many people, including athletes, celebrities, and ordinary individuals, facing it.

How Is It Possible to Get Rid of It?

If you want to get rid of this, there are many methods if you are not happy with your appearance. The treatment depends on comfort level, medical procedures, and lifestyle modifications. Some of the methods to get rid of it are described here:

1. Diet & Physical Activity

As we know, body fats are not evenly distributed throughout the body. So diet and exercise can help reduce body fat. However, reducing body fat in a single area of the body is challenging and may not be possible, but it can be achieved through a healthy diet and regular exercise. Here are some methods that can help reduce body fat.

(i) Aerobic exercises like cycling, swimming, and running can burn calories.

(ii) Muscle training exercises can help in increasing muscle strength, boost metabolism, and help in removing excess fat.

(iii) Some core exercises like leg raises, bicycle crunches, and planks can help remove excess fat in the lower abdominal area.

2. Modifications in Lifestyle

• Inadequate water intake can sometimes lead to fat accumulation. Keep your body hydrated to increase the elasticity of your skin.
• Today’s lifestyle has changed, and we consume too much sugar and processed food in our daily diet, which leads to an increase in body fat. So avoiding such foods can decrease fat storage and bloating.
• Stress can cause hormonal imbalances, which in turn lead to increased body fat. Fat in the abdominal area can be loosened by managing stress.
• Hormonal imbalances that can lead to belly fat can be avoided by managing stress.

3. Non-surgical methods to lose fat.

There are some non-surgical methods used for fat reduction in some areas of the body with modern cosmetic procedures. Some of these methods are:

(i) CoolSculpting is a method that is also known as “cryolipolysis”. This is the method that freezes fat cells, allowing the body to eliminate them.

(ii) Laser treatment is also used to remove excess body fat. It is called “Laser lipolysis,” which breaks down fat cells and can help with weight loss.

4. Surgery

Surgery can be an option for losing body fat and gaining more long-lasting effects:

What Is Liposuction?

It is a procedure with minimal invasions that requires only two incisions. In it, smart lipo cannulas, which are only 3mm wide, are used. These incisions are so small that they don’t require stitches. In the liposuction procedure, patients can usually walk out on the same day.

Pubic liposuction is the best option for loose fat for both men and women. It is suitable for women who have fat accumulation in the upper pubic area and want a flat bikini line. Individuals who are overweight and have experienced rapid weight loss, women who have had a C-section but have a loose layer of fat in their pubic area, can also go through this procedure to lose fat and lose skin. Liposuction helps in eliminating fat deposits.

What Is Monoplasty?

Monoplasty is a surgical treatment for FUPA.  Pubic lift monoplasty is recommended for women with excessive pubic fat who desire an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). They are advised to have their mons pubis liposuctioned at the same time because this will make the pubis more noticeable.   Here, liposuction and a pubic lift are used to remove excess skin.   This is a pubic lift procedure known as a monsplasty. Extra loose skin and body fat are removed from the fatty pad covering the pubic bone during a monsplasty.   This is recommended when a patient has both excess mons pubis fat and sagging upper pubic skin. But the thing to remember here is that both FUPA and the panniculus are not interchangeable.     The thick layer of fatty tissue in the lower abdomen, often a result of obesity, is referred to as the panniculus, or pannus. This excess skin or fat can occasionally hang over the pubic area. But this isn’t the fatty upper pubic area.     Abdominal plasties and mini-tummy tucks are surgical procedures used to improve the contour of the abdomen by removing excess abdominal skin and panniculus.

Before beginning any medical treatment, it’s crucial to speak with a trained expert.

Adopting Self-Belief

Although there are ways to reduce FUPA, it is normal to have body fat in some areas of the body. As we know, today is the era of social media and the use of various social platforms. The beauty industry, which consistently uploads material on these platforms regarding the ideal body shape, is contributing to increased body consciousness among people. Now people are more conscious about their bodily characteristics. To achieve this body shape and attain self-confidence, they prioritise their overall appearance.