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    1. Health and Fitness

    Half of British women hate their legs

    One in six women won't even show their legs to their partners

    By Marie Claire
    Published 1 July 2009 In Features

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    woman sunbathing, health news, marie claire
    woman sunbathing, health news, marie claire
    (Image credit: Rex Features)
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    One in six women won't even show their legs to their partners

    Nearly half of British women hate their legs – and one in six will not show their pins to their partners, it has been revealed. A total of 47% of the nation's women are ashamed of their legs and six out of ten are too embarrassed to wear skirts and dresses in public. Cellulite, varicose veins, excess fat or being too pale emerged as the top reasons why women will not get their legs out. The study, of 4,000 women, was carried out by Venaforce, which offers traditional relief for the symptoms of varicose veins.

    Researchers also found 17% of women think their legs have kept them back in life and 63% said they would be feel more confident if they were happier with their legs.

    A further 28% of women were so self-conscious they said they would not wear a bikini on holiday, with 49% opting to wear a sarong to cover them up or use a towel at the pool. The study also revealed many women hate their legs so much they will only wear a skirt or dress twice a week this summer.

    Women worry about their legs at least twice a day, and spend an hour and a half thinking about their legs, weight and dress size, the study found.

    Participants voted Beyoncé, Cheryl Cole and Elle Macpherson as having the best legs. ‘It's saddening to hear how many women hate their legs and it seems that often this comes down to a lack of confidence,’ psychologist Corinne Sweet said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH NEWS

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