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.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.