Body Fat Distribution

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Body Fat Distribution

Picture of apple-shaped and pear-shaped body fat distribution

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: March 1, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: March 1, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, 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.

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