Just like any other part of your body, your feet are capable of storing fat, and they can become larger as the result of weight gain, medications or pregnancy. This may cause you to go up a size or two or need to purchase a shoe in a wider width. Weight loss may cause the fat on your feet to diminish, but the bone structure of your feet would remain the same.
Genetics
Controlling the actual size of your feet is near impossible. Your shoe size -- whether you wear a size 6 or a size 11 -- largely depends on genetics. According to KidsHealth.org, genetics plays a large role in how an individual will grow. Your height and bone structure may be largely influenced by your parents. If your parents are shorter and have a smaller bone structure, you may too. If your parents are taller with a larger bone structure, you may develop these traits. The same is true for foot size.
Foot Fat
If you notice excessive fat on your feet, this can be due to a number of reasons. Obesity, pregnancy and certain medications may cause your feet to become larger. Large feet associated with pregnancy will subside once you have given birth. Swollen feet due to medication can be prevented by adjusting the dosages of your medication and are likely to subside completely when your medication is stopped. If you notice fat on your feet due to obesity, the only means of combating this problem is through diet and exercise. Unfortunately, you cannot specifically target fat loss to your feet.
Safe Weight Loss
Weight loss should be a gradual process. MayoClinic.com indicates that safe weight loss occurs at a rate of 1 to 2 lbs. per week. One pound of fat is equal to 3,500 calories. As a result, you will need to reduce your caloric intake as well as burn calories through exercise to achieve weight loss. MayoClinic.com recommends reducing your caloric intake by 500 calories per day to achieve safe and healthy weight loss.
Diet and Exercise
A well-balanced diet is one means of losing body fat -- including fat on your feet. A well-balanced diet should include lean meats, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables. Diet should also be coupled with exercise for effective weight loss. The National Academy of Sports Medicine recommends 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity daily for individuals looking to loss weight. Cardiovascular exercise is effective in burning calories. Cardiovascular exercise can include swimming, biking, sports, running, jogging, aerobics, dancing, gardening and jumping rope.
References
- KidsHealth: Feeling Too Tall or Too Short
- "National Academy of Sports Medicine: Essentials of Personal Fitness Training"; Scott Lucett; 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Weight Loss; December 18, 2010
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