Does Running on a Treadmill Help You Lose Thigh Fat?

Excess thigh fat can cause chafing when you walk and make finding the right outfit a challenge. But you don't have to accept this situation. Exercise, coupled with a reduction in your caloric intake, can lead to fat loss. Although running on a treadmill is an effective way to burn calories quickly in an effort to improve your physical health, this workout can't specifically burn your thigh fat.

Treadmill workouts are a convenient way to burn fat. (Image: Deklofenak/iStock/Getty Images)

Overall Fat Loss

Fat loss is possible by burning calories through regular exercise while cutting down on your intake of unhealthy calories. For best results, give equal attention to both areas of your life, as it's hard to burn fat and lose weight solely through exercise. You don't, however, have control over where you burn your fat. Although running on a treadmill will strengthen your thighs and several other muscles, you'll lose fat from many parts of your body, including from your thighs.

Keep Active Regularly

A 30-minute run on the treadmill can help you burn hundreds of calories. HealthStatus notes that a person who weighs 210 pounds burns around 403 calories in 30 minutes of running at 5 mph. To consistently burn enough calories to help you lose weight, plan to run for a minimum of 150 minutes per week.