Flabby Arms: Causes, Symptoms, & How To Get Rid Of Them?

Written by an Expert Aesthetic Content Writer Lisa.
Reviewed by Expert Medical Director Dr. Raj Thethi
Published on: July 15, 2025
Body Concerns

Flabby arms

Waving at someone and realising that your flabby arms are waving a little more? Does that sound familiar? If yes, do not feel embarrassed. This is a part of your body, and if you want, there are various ways to get rid of it. 

Wobbly arms are extremely prevalent, particularly as we age or gain or lose weight. The best part? You don’t have to deal with them for the rest of your life. With some easy lifestyle changes and, if necessary, a bit of assistance from non-surgical interventions, you can firm and tighten your arms naturally. Let’s get into the details of all these tips and treatments via this blog. 

What are Flabby Arms?

Flabby arms typically refer to the underside of the upper arm, where the tissue and skin become loose or saggy. This may occur when fat accumulates or muscle tone is lost. Rather than remaining tight or toned, the arms may feel soft or wiggle with movement.

What Causes Flabby Arms?

Flabby arms may not have a direct cause, but are linked to the following:

➤ Genetics

Some individuals have a natural tendency to store excess fat in their arms due to their genetic makeup. If your relatives have flabby arms, you may be more likely to have them too, even if you’re otherwise healthy.

➤ Ageing

With ageing, our skin’s elasticity and collagen production are decreased. Muscles also get weaker with time, particularly if they are not regularly exercised. This results in a loose appearance in parts such as the upper arms.

Inadequate Activity

If you don’t move your arms very much or engage your upper body in your daily activities, the muscles can atrophy. Without muscle beneath to give the skin a helping hand, the arms can begin to appear soft and untoned.

➤ Increase in Weight

Rapid weight gain can cause the skin to stretch. Down the line, if you lose weight too rapidly or without first gaining muscle, the skin won’t spring back; instead, it will hang in loose folds.

Imbalanced Hormone Levels

Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, make it easier for fat to accumulate in specific places, such as the arms. Hormonal changes also influence skin texture and muscle tone.

Poor Diet

Consuming too much sugar, processed foods, or insufficient protein results in weight gain and muscle loss. To develop strong muscles and maintain healthy skin, you’ll need to provide your body with proper nutrients.

What are the Symptoms of Flabby Arms?

Flabby arms may represent any of the following:

  • Loose, hanging skin below the upper arms, particularly evident when your arms are raised.
  • Soft or jiggly feel when you press or shift the arms.
  • Difficulty feeling confident in sleeveless tops, dresses, or swimwear due to the appearance of the arms.

Can Saggy Arms be Fixed?

Can flabby arms really be toned? Yes, flabby arms can be toned, but it’s important to keep expectations realistic. You can’t choose where your body loses fat, so spot fat reduction isn’t really possible. While toning exercises and healthy habits can help, they may not fully tighten loose skin, especially with age or weight loss. Still, with consistent efforts, you’ll be able to make a big difference in how your arms look and feel.

If you wonder how to lose arm flab, the next section holds your answer.

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Lifestyle Changes to reduce Flabby Arms

Here’s how to lose flabby arms:

 Let’s get into the details of all these strategies to get rid of arm flab. 

➤ Do Arm Exercise Often

Would you need fancy equipment or a gym membership? No!. Just 15–20 minutes of arm flab exercises a day can make a real difference. Focus on movements that target the upper arms, like tricep dips, push-ups, and arm circles.

➤ Incorporate a Water Bottle or Light Weights

Resistance training tones the body and makes the skin look tighter. Since most people do not have dumbbells at home, you can use two water bottles or tins instead. The extra weight adds to the challenge and tones your arms quicker. 

This tip may also help you if you wonder how to get rid of bingo wings.

➤ Walk More & Stay Active

Daily movement burns fat throughout your entire body, including the arms. Even house dancing or walking for a few minutes can raise your heart rate. Swimming and gardening are also good arm-toning exercises.

➤ Eat a Balanced Diet

attempt to reduce sugary snacks and heavily processed foods. Incorporate more lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, and eggs, along with fresh vegetables and whole grains. Protein aids in muscle growth and may aid in providing more definition in your arms.

➤ Drink Plenty of Water

Skin elasticity has a significant contribution from hydration. Drink 6–8 glasses a day to maintain firm skin and enable your body to eliminate fat more effectively.

➤ Get Sufficient Sleep

When you sleep, your body repairs and creates muscle. Bad sleep can delay progress. Attempt to sleep 7–9 hours each night to aid your body’s natural recovery process.

➤ Massage Your Arms

Daily massage for a couple of minutes can improve circulation and promote skin health. Use a body oil or moisturising lotion and massage in the upward direction for optimal benefit.

➤ Be Patient & Consistent

There is no overnight fix, but with time and consistent effort, you’ll notice a noticeable difference. Reward yourself with small victories along the way to remain motivated.

Flabby Arms Workouts

What is the fastest way to get rid of flabby arms? To lose them fast, you may start working out while following all the above-mentioned tips. When combined, you may see dramatic results. 

Saggy arms workouts include:

➤ Tricep Dips

Tricep dip is an amazing saggy arm workout. This works on the back of the arm where flabbiness tends to be most pronounced. To do tricep dips, sit on a bench or chair with your hands at your hips. Push your bottom forward and lower yourself down, then come back up. 

➤ Push-Ups

Begin in a plank position and lower your chest, then push back up. If this is too difficult, drop to your knees. This old standby exercises your arms, shoulders, and chest simultaneously.

➤ Arm Circles

Stand with arms extended to the sides. Perform small, controlled circles forward and then back. It’s a mild but worthwhile exercise to warm up and tone the upper arms.

➤ Bicep Curls

Hold a light dumbbell or water bottle in both hands. Bend your elbows to raise the weights up toward your shoulders, then lower them back down to the starting position. This works on the front of your upper arms.

➤ Tricep Kickbacks

Hold a dumbbell in both hands, bend forward slightly, and push your arms back to lock them straight. Then return to the beginning position. Excellent way to work the back of your arms

➤ Overhead Tricep Extensions

Hold a dumbbell with both hands above your head. Lower it behind your head by bending your elbows, then return to the top position. This exercise targets the upper triceps.

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➤ Plank to Push-Up

These are also called up-down planks. Begin in a plank on elbows, then push up onto hands and back down. It simultaneously strengthens arms, core, and shoulders.

➤ Wall Push-Ups

Stand with your back to a wall and put your hands on it, flat against the wall. Push back against the wall while leaning forward. Easy for beginners, but it still tones up the arms.

➤ Resistance Band Pull Aparts

Grasp a resistance band in each hand at shoulder height. Pull the bands apart and bring your arms out to the sides. This exercise tones up the shoulders and upper arms.

Non-Surgical & Professional Flabby Arms Treatments

➤ Fat Dissolving Injections

Fat Dissolving  injections use special solutions (such as Aqualyx or Deso) to dissolve fat cells in treated areas. The solution is injected below the skin where fat has accumulated. With time, the fat is flushed out naturally by your body. It can take a few treatments, but it works well for small, persistent areas of fat.

➤ ArmTite

ArmTite is a radiofrequency treatment that causes the tissue underneath the skin to heat up and thereby tighten and shrink fat. It also stimulates collagen, so your skin feels tighter in the long run. It is popular because it treats both sagging skin and fat all at once. 

➤ CoolSculpting (Fat Freezing)

CoolSculpting works by controlled cooling of fat cells that are then frozen. Your body naturally eliminates them over several weeks. It’s entirely non-surgical, no needles, no downtime. Ideal for individuals who need a low-risk, gentle means to contour their arms.

Final Thoughts

Flabby arms are a completely natural occurrence, particularly as we age or undergo physical changes. However, if you don’t like them, there are numerous things that can improve their appearance. 

Begin with simple lifestyle changes, introduce regular exercise, and be consistent. If you desire faster results, non-surgical procedures such as fat freezing or ArmTite in Leeds may provide your arms with that additional edge. 

Remember, confidence develops with each bit of action you take!

FAQs

1. Can a 70-year-old woman get rid of flabby arms?

Yes, she can. With regular arm exercises like bicep curls, tricep dips, and light push-ups, a 70-year-old can strengthen her arms and reduce flabbiness over time. However, non-surgical options like ArmTite may bring quick results.

2. Can saggy arms be fixed?

Yes. While exercise and a healthy diet can improve the look of saggy arms, some people may need treatments like skin-tightening procedures for more noticeable results.

3. How to get rid of old lady arms?

You can make your arms look firmer by doing arm exercises like push-ups, tricep dips, and lifting small weights. Eating healthy and staying active also helps. Be patient, it takes time, but it works!

4. How long does it take to tone very flabby arms?

It may take about 6 to 12 weeks to see changes, if you do arm exercises 3 to 5 times a week and eat well. Everyone is different, so don’t give up if it takes longer. For quick results, you may consult for ArmTite treatment.

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About Dr. Raj Thethi - Medical Reviewer

Dr. Raj Thethi

Founder and Medical Director at Yorkshire Skin Centre.   Expertise: Injectables, FaceTite, BodyTite, Breast Augmentation, NeoGen Plasma. Education: MBChB, BSc (Hons), MRCSEd, and Level 7 Accreditation in Medical Aesthetic Injectables

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