Body Fat Distribution Health Article

Body Fat Distribution

Adipose tissue accumulation is referred to as body fat distribution. For individuals with android (apple-shaped) distribution, fat is centered around the abdominal area. This leads to an increased risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is also an indicator for obesity. Gynoid (pear-shaped) distribution is associated with body fat that accumulates around the hip and thigh region.

Specific body fat distribution is often determined by measuring the waist-to-hip ratio, which is the circumference of the waist divided by the circumference of the hips. Android fat distribution is defined as a ratio greater than 1.0 for men and 0.8 for women.

SEE ALSO ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS; BODY IMAGE; OBESITY; WAIST-TO-HIP RATIO; WEIGHT MANAGEMENT.

Diane L. Golzynski