The Real Reason Not Everyone Can Have A Thigh Gap

Not only is having a thigh gap an unrealistic fitness goal and standard of beauty, it's also fairly uncommon and primarily predetermined by genetics (via Women's Health). "Thigh gap" is a term that refers to a space or gap between a person's (usually a woman's) upper thighs. Generally speaking, thigh gaps are most visible when a person is standing with their legs together. But despite the term's increasing popularity in fitness culture, whether or not you can have a thigh gap is largely determined by your bone structure. In order to have a natural thigh gap, you need to have wider-set hips and a uniquely angled pelvic bone. "For some people, a thigh gap is a natural part of their bone structure and genetics," Dr. Rekha Tailor, a cosmetic doctor and the medical director at Health & Aesthetics, told Women's Health. "For the majority of people, however, genetics mean that their hips are set too close together to exhibit a thigh gap. This, plus the normal fat distribution on the female body, means that women can carry additional fat around their thighs in spite of a healthy diet and exercising."