How To Lose Arm Fat: 9 Proven Ways to Tone Up 

“How to lose arm fat” is one of the most searched queries in the fitness space, and there is a good reason why. 

If you are like most, the appearance of having excessive fat on your arms can be incredibly unappealing. Moreover, you might have even tried a few weight loss methods to reduce arm fat and failed. 

 This is why we decided to create this article giving you proven methods you can use to tone up your arms. Let’s get right into it and take a look at how to lose arm fat. 

What Is Arm Fat? 

Despite what you may have been led to believe, arm fat is just regular fat. 

There is no difference between arm fat and fat anywhere else on your body – this is why spot reduction does not work for weight loss. 

Some people do feel incredibly uncomfortable about their arm fat, with some thinking it reduces their overall attractiveness or appeal. 

However, it is important to note that having some arm fat is completely normal. 

You can have a completely healthy body and be at a healthy body fat percentage and still have the appearance of having excessive arm fat depending on how your body distributes fat. 

Additionally, unless you are overweight, you might not even have excessive arm fat at all. 

Many people (particularly women) are much more critical of their own bodies than they are of others, and this can make one self-conscious about how they look. 

So, before learning how to lose arm fat, consider if you even need to. 

If you are overweight or generally just think you have an excessive amount of arm fat and want to do something about it, then read on. 

Arm Fat Causes 

Arm fat is caused by eating in a caloric surplus (eating more calories than you need to maintain your current body weight) for a considerable period of time. 

Arm fat is just regular fat, and if you have a high bodyfat percentage or happen to store a lot of fat in your arms, then this may lead to the appearance of having “chubby” arms. 

It is also worth noting that certain medications and underlying health conditions can also affect your body fat percentage, so it could be worth seeing your GP if you are gaining an excessive amount of weight without changing your exercise or diet habits. 

Arm Fat Treatment 

The best “how to lose arm fat” answer is simple weight loss. 

Weight loss is achieved by eating fewer calories than you need to maintain your current body weight over a certain period of time. 

The logical question after this is; but how do I know how many calories I have to eat in order to lose weight? 

This is a good question, and knowing this information is vital if you want to lose arm fat. 

To find out how many calories you need to lose weight, head to our free online calorie calculator and input your details like height, weight, gender, and more. 

From here, you will be given a rough estimate of how many calories you need to consume on a daily basis depending on your goals. 

This is the easy part – the hard part is sticking to a diet in the long term. 

It takes around 4 weeks to see a noticeable reduction in arm fat if you stick to a caloric deficit of 500 or more per week, so you may have to diet for a few months or even more depending on where you are now and where you want to be. 

The best way to stick to a caloric deficit for a considerable period of time is to just automate the process. 

Make sure all the food you have in the house is low-calorie, and try to eat the same things on a regular basis so you do not have to constantly track the calories of different foods. 

This is possible for anyone – once you get into the swing of things, weight loss can be surprisingly easy. 

You can also exercise to reduce your calorie intake even further to get results faster or so you can eat more food, but exercise is not a necessity for the weight loss process to take place. 

If you would like to find out more about weight loss and how weight loss actually occurs, we will dive much more in-depth later in this article.

The only other option you have for reducing arm fat is surgery. 

Unless you are severely obese to the point where your health is being put at risk on a daily basis, you should not even consider surgery as a viable option. 

The risks of weight loss surgery far outweigh the benefits if you are not severely overweight. The fact that you have searched “how to lose arm fat” is likely a good indicator that you are in a positon to learn how to lose arm fat – this would be the least of your concerns if you were morbidly obese.

How Can I Get Slim Arms? 

Aim For Weight Loss In General 

The best way to get slim arms is to aim for weight loss in general. 

Being in a caloric deficit is the only way to lose fat, so you need to be eating under your maintenance calories and/or exercising to see any noticeable difference in arm fat. 

Incorporate Weight Training Into Your Schedule 

Something that can help you get slim arms is to incorporate weight training into your schedule. 

Putting on muscle can make your arms seem firmer, giving them less of a chubby appearance. 

In addition, gaining muscle can actually decrease your overall body fat percentage, meaning your arms will be made up of a smaller percentage of fat than they were before.

Other articles titled “how to lose arm fat” will likely tell you that building muscle is all you need to do. This isn’t the case. These how to lose arm fat articles are written by people who do not know what they are talking about – “toning” isn’t a thing. Its simply increasing muscle mass while losing body fat.

Up Your Protein Intake 

Upping your protein will not only help you build muscle and tone up, but it will also make you feel much fuller while in a caloric deficit. 

That goes without even mentioning the health benefits that come from intaking an adequate amount of protein. 

Aim to eat roughly 0.8g of protein for every pound of body weight. 

Try Adding More Fibre to Your Diet 

Similarly to protein, adding more fibre can help you feel fuller for longer, making staying in a caloric deficit much easier. 

 If you are struggling to stick to a diet, upping your fibre intake is going to help you out tremendously. 

Reduce Your Refined Carbs 

If you truly want to speed up weight loss, you might want to reduce how many refined carbs you consume. 

Some studies suggest that eating fewer carbs may lead to a quicker rate of rate loss, so this could help you get to where you want to be that tiny bit quicker. 

Arm Fat Exercises 

How To Lose Arm Fat with Equipment 

Bicep Curls 

This exercise primarily targets the bicep muscles located in the front of your upper arms. 

To perform a bicep curl, you typically hold a dumbbell or barbell with an underhand grip and lift it towards your shoulders by bending your elbows. 

Lat Pulldowns 

This exercise targets the latissimus dorsi muscles in your back, which are responsible for pulling movements. 

You typically perform lat pulldowns by sitting at a cable machine, gripping the bar with your hands wider than shoulder-width apart, and pulling the bar down towards your chest. 

Tricep Press 

This exercise primarily targets the tricep muscles located in the back of your upper arms. 

To perform a tricep press, you typically hold a dumbbell or barbell with an overhand grip and extend your arms overhead, keeping your elbows close to your head. 

Chest Press 

This exercise primarily targets the chest muscles, or pectorals, which are responsible for pushing movements. 

To perform a chest press, you typically lie on a bench and lift dumbbells or a barbell up and down towards your chest. 

Rowing Machine 

This is a cardio and strength exercise that targets multiple muscle groups, including the back, arms, and legs. 

To use a rowing machine, you typically sit on a seat with your feet secured to the footrests, and use a rowing motion to pull the handle towards your chest while extending your legs. 

How To Lose Arm Fat Without Equipment 

Tricep Dips 

This exercise targets the tricep muscles located in the back of your upper arms, as well as your shoulders and chest. 

To perform tricep dips, you typically position your hands shoulder-width apart on a bench or other elevated surface, with your legs extended out in front of you. 

You then lower your body by bending your elbows, keeping your back close to the bench, and then push yourself back up to the starting position. 

Arm Circles 

This exercise targets the shoulder muscles and can help improve range of motion and flexibility. 

To perform arm circles, you typically stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and extend your arms out to your sides. 

You then make small circular motions with your arms, gradually increasing the size of the circles. 

Push Ups 

This exercise primarily targets the chest muscles, or pectorals, as well as the triceps and shoulders. 

To perform push ups, you typically start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart, and then lower your body towards the ground by bending your elbows. 

You then push yourself back up to the starting position. 

Try Some Cardio 

Cardio exercises are any type of exercise that gets your heart rate up and increases your breathing rate. 

Examples of cardio exercises include running, cycling, swimming, dancing, or using cardio machines such as treadmills, ellipticals, or rowing machines. 

Cardio exercises can help improve cardiovascular health, endurance, and stamina, as well as burn calories and aid in weight loss. 

How to Lose Arm Fat – 9 Methods

1. Load up on Fiber. 

Eating foods high in fiber can help you feel fuller for longer periods of time, which can reduce overall calorie intake and contribute to weight loss. 

Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. 

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, and Hydrate. 

Drinking plenty of water can help keep you hydrated, improve metabolism, and flush out toxins from the body, which can aid in weight loss and reduce arm fat. 

3. Make Plant-Based Foods a Big Part of Your Meals. 

Plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes are typically low in calories and high in fiber and other nutrients, making them an excellent choice for weight loss and reducing arm fat. 

4. Cut out Sweet Drinks. 

Sweetened beverages like soda, juice, and sports drinks can be high in calories and sugar, leading to weight gain and excess arm fat. 

Cutting out these drinks and switching to water or unsweetened beverages can help reduce calorie intake and promote weight loss. 

5. Exercise. 

Regular exercise can help burn calories and build muscle, which can help reduce arm fat. 

Activities like cardio, strength training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are great choices for promoting weight loss and reducing arm fat. 

6. Get Plenty of Sleep. 

Getting enough sleep is crucial for overall health and can also aid in weight loss. 

Lack of sleep can lead to increased appetite and cravings, making it harder to lose weight and reduce arm fat. 

7. De-stress Regularly. 

Chronic stress can lead to weight gain and excess arm fat, so finding ways to de-stress and relax regularly is important. 

Activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and promote weight loss. 

8. Lift Weights. 

Strength training exercises like lifting weights can help build muscle, which can reduce arm fat and increase overall metabolism. 

Focusing on arm-specific exercises like bicep curls, tricep dips, and push-ups can also help tone and strengthen arm muscles. 

9. Tackle Compound Exercises. 

Compound exercises like squats, lunges, and pull-ups can help burn more calories and build overall body strength, which can contribute to weight loss and reduction of arm fat. 

Incorporating these exercises into a regular workout routine can help promote overall health and fitness. 

How To Lose Arm FAT – Weight Loss 

As we mentioned earlier, general weight loss is the best and only way you can lose arm fat. 

Arm fat is just regular fat, and there is nothing you can do to target specific areas of your body in which you lose fat.  

So, now that we know that losing weight is the key to losing arm fat, let’s take a more in-depth look at weight loss. 

To put it simply; weight loss can only occur when you eat fewer calories than you need to maintain your current weight. This is known as being in a “caloric deficit”. 

Get used to this term, as it is the most important part of losing weight. 

When you are in a caloric deficit, your body has no choice but to pull from fat stores in order to make up for the reduction in calories. 

In turn, this means that you can lose fat over time, for as long as you are in a caloric deficit.

Exercising isn’t required to lose fat, but it can help you get results quicker and easier. 

Exercising can either help you maintain a larger caloric deficit or allow you to eat more food while still losing weight. 

In general, it can take around 4 weeks to see a noticeable difference in body fat percentage if you are sticking to at least a 500-calorie deficit. 

This might not sound too inspiring, but 4lbs can make a significant difference on your physique, especially if you are smaller or lighter in the first place. 

Just make sure that you do things as healthy as possible. Unless you are severely obese, you shouldn’t really go into a caloric deficit over 750 to do things healthily. 

In addition, make sure you eat a wide range of foods so you get all of the nutrients and minerals you need. 

Other Factors That Affect Arm Fat 

While going into a caloric deficit and exercising is all you need to lose arm fat, there are a few other factors that can impact your rate of weight loss as well as how much arm fat you have in the first place. 

One of the most significant is genetics. 

Genetics can affect how easily you lose weight as well as where you store fat, meaning you could even have some arm fat at low bodyfat levels if your genetics store fat in your arms. 

However, genetics do not play as much of a role as some people would think in weight loss. 

In all likelihood, you have average genetics, and even if you are somewhat unfortunate and have poor genetics, you will still be able to lose weight with a little more effort. 

Most people who think they have poor genetics either underestimate how many calories they are eating or do not stay in a calorie deficit long enough to see results. 

Another factor is water weight. 

While technically not fat, water weight can make your arms look fatter than they really are. 

You can reduce how much water your body stores by eating less food, avoiding excessive sodium consumption, and not drinking too little or too much water. 

Lastly, underlying medical conditions could impact how efficiently you are able to lose weight. 

If you think you may have an underlying health condition that is affecting your ability to lose weight, go see your doctor immediately. 

hOW tO lOSE aRM fAT – It Is Possible For Anyone!

It’s important to remember that losing arm fat is possible for anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or body type. While it may require dedication and consistency, don’t give up on your goals of achieving toned and sculpted arms.

With the right combination of exercise and nutrition, anyone can see significant improvements in the appearance of their arms over time. Incorporating resistance training exercises that target the muscles in the arms, along with cardiovascular workouts to burn calories and reduce overall body fat, is key to success.

Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet that supports weight loss and muscle development can further enhance results. Focus on consuming whole, nutrient-rich foods and limiting processed foods and added sugars.

Remember, progress may take time, so be patient with yourself and stay committed to your fitness journey. Celebrate small victories along the way and keep pushing forward toward your goals. With perseverance and determination, you can achieve the toned and defined arms you desire. Don’t give up—your efforts will pay off in the end.

How To Lose Arm Fat – FAQs 


How Can I Lose Arm Fat Fast? 

You can lose arm fat fast by going into a significant calorie deficit and exercising. 

However, it is important to note that fat loss can take a long time, even when using extreme weight loss techniques. 

How To Lose Your Arm Fat In 2 Weeks? 

To lose your arm fat in 2 weeks, you need to eat under your maintenance calories and be in a caloric deficit. 

However, 2 weeks is not a long time for weight loss, so you are unlikely to see a substantial reduction in arm fat in this time period. 

How Long Does It Take To Lose Arm Fat? 

In general, it can take around 1 month or 4 weeks to see a noticeable difference in arm fat. 

However, this time span will vary drastically depending on how much of a caloric deficit you are in. 

How Long Does It Take To Lose Arm Fat?  

It takes around 4 weeks or 1 month to see a noticeable reduction in arm fat. 

However, the time it takes to lose arm fat will vary depending on how severe of a calorie deficit you are in as well as how much body fat you already have. The good news is that with a little patience, anyone can reduce the appearance of flabby arms.

How Can I Lose Arm Fat In 7 Days At Home? 

You can lose arm fat in 7 days at home by going into a severe calorie deficit and doing high intensity exercise like skipping. 

However, even with extreme weight loss techniques, you are not going to see a noticeable reduction in arm fat in just 7 days. 

How To Lose Arm Fat in 7 Days? 

To lose arm fat in 7 days, you need to go into a severe caloric deficit and exercise. However, in just 7 days, you are not going to lose a significant amount of arm fat even with extreme weight loss techniques.  

How To Lose Arm Fat In a Week? 

You can lose arm fat in a week by going into a large calorie deficit and exercising. 

Although, in just one week, you are not going to see a massive difference in body fat percentage unless you are severely obese. 

How To Lose Arm Fat In 2 Weeks? 

To lose arm fat in 2 weeks, you need to be in a caloric deficit and do some exercise. 

In just 2 weeks, do not expect to see a noticeable difference in your body fat percentage. 

What Burns the Most Arm Fat?

To effectively burn arm fat, a combination of resistance training, cardiovascular exercise, and a balanced diet is essential.

While spot reduction is not possible, incorporating exercises that target the muscles in the arms, such as bicep curls, tricep dips, and push-ups, can help build muscle mass and increase metabolism, leading to overall fat loss, including in the arms.

Cardiovascular workouts, such as running, cycling, or swimming, also help burn calories and reduce excess fat throughout the body, including the arms.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet that is rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing calorie intake can support weight management and promote fat loss.

Consistency and dedication to both exercise and nutrition are key factors in achieving significant arm fat reduction.

Is Arm Fat Hard to Lose?

Arm fat can be stubborn and challenging to lose, particularly if it’s accompanied by excess body fat overall.

While spot reduction of fat in specific areas, such as the arms, is not possible, adopting a comprehensive approach to weight loss can help reduce arm fat over time.

This includes incorporating a combination of resistance training and whole body cardiovascular exercise to increase calorie burn and build lean body mass, as well as maintaining a balanced diet to support overall weight loss.

While it may take time and consistency to see significant changes in the appearance of arm fat, making lifestyle changes and staying committed to healthy eating and doing cardio workouts can lead to gradual and sustainable fat loss throughout the body, including in the arms.

How Do You Get Rid of Flab Fat on Your Arms?

Getting rid of flab fat on your arms requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both exercise and nutrition. To reduce flab fat in the arms, focus on a combination of resistance training exercises that target the muscles in the upper arm region, such as bicep curls, tricep extensions, and lateral raises.

These exercises help build muscle mass and increase metabolism, leading to overall fat loss. Additionally, incorporating cardiovascular exercise into your routine, such as running, cycling, or dancing, can help burn calories and promote fat loss throughout the body.

Alongside exercise, maintaining a healthy diet that is low in processed foods and added sugars and rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support weight loss and reduce the appearance of subcutaneous fat in the arms/get rid of your unwanted arm fat.

The main goal is to reduce your overall body weight and drop excess weight by reducing the number of calories you consume on a daily basis.

Consistency and dedication to both exercise and nutrition are essential for achieving lasting results in reducing flab fat and achieving toned arms.

We hope this article will be of use to you. 

Now you know how to lose arm fat, you have all the tools you need to tackle this problem head-on. 

Just remember – arm fat is just regular fat, so be prepared to go on a diet and exercise if you want to see a significant improvement. 

If you would like more advice on how to lose arm fat, feel free to check out the rest of what we have at MovingForwards

See you next time. 

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