Do genetics dictate thigh shape?

How and where we store fat is genetically determined at birth as is the “body type” that we are destined to have throughout life. La Jolla, CA, plastic surgeon Lori Saltz, MD, says, “Some women are ‘apple shaped’ and carry weight in their hips and abdomen while others are ‘pear shaped’ and carry their weight in the butt and thighs. The distribution of fat remains fairly constant as our weight goes up and down. Areas that are problems areas will always be problems areas, regardless of how much weight is gained and lost.” Besides the butt, thighs and stomach, other problem areas can include the knees and ankles, which tend to be more resistant to weight loss via diet and exercise because they are congenital.