Body fat distribution varies. Some people may be apple-shaped and carry
most of their excess body fat around the stomach. Other people may be
pear-shaped and carry most of their excess body fat around the hips, buttocks,
and thighs.
You can check to see if you are apple- or pear-shaped
by dividing your waist measurement by your hip measurement. This will give you
your waist-to-hip ratio. Women with waist-to-hip ratios of more than 0.8 and
men with waist-to-hip ratios of more than 1.0 are apple-shaped.
Apple-shaped people are more likely than pear-shaped people to develop
health problems related to obesity.
ByHealthwise Staff Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Specialist Medical ReviewerJennifer Hone, MD - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.