Can You Increase Breast Size Naturally by Exercising and Eating?

Some women consider their breasts one of their best features. Others, however, may not be satisfied with their breast size and wonder if they can increase their breast size. Home remedies including diet, exercise and nutrition supplements are touted as a natural way to increase breast size. However, breast size is primarily influenced by genetics and body weight, with breast shape and position also being affected by age and breastfeeding history. While certain exercises can help build muscle under the breasts, there is little women can do to increase breast size.

Understand breast anatomy and physiology. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, breasts are comprised of both fat and breast tissue -- the lobules and ducts that kick into action during lactation 1. In adults, any permanent increase in breast size is often related to fat accumulation in the breast. Temporary increase in breast size may be noticed as part of the monthly menstrual cycle, related to fluctuations of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, and breast size increases during pregnancy and lactation to prepare for milk production. After menopause, reductions in estrogen causes the breast tissue to shrink and lose shape. While there are no muscles in the breasts themselves, the American College of Sports Medicine outlines that increasing pectoral muscles may cause the breasts to appear slightly larger, though any increase is typically quite negligible.

Learn more about calorie balance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, calorie balance refers to the number of calories that you are eating, versus the number of calories that your body uses to function 7. Consuming more calories than your body uses is a way to gain weight, and sometimes touted as a way to increase breast size. This will lead to an increase in body fat, but it's not possible to target these fat deposits in the breasts only. Instead, individuals who increase their caloric intake will likely see small increases in fat deposits throughout their body. Furthermore, gaining weight can increase the risk of a number of serious health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and some types of cancer. Because of these risks, the American Council on Exercise strongly discourages women to gain weight solely in an attempt to increase the size of their breasts 345.

Incorporate a regular resistance training routine. While lifting weights will not promote breast growth, it can increase the size of the underlying pectoral muscles. While this may make the chest appear slightly larger, any impact on breast size is negligible. However, toning and staying fit can do wonders to improve healthy, self-esteem and body image. For best results, the American College of Sports Medicine encourages individuals to perform strength training exercises that target the pectoral muscles -- like pushups, chest flyes and chest presses -- two or three times per week 2. Perform two to three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions of the exercise for optimal results.

Reviewed by: Kay Peck, MPH, RD