There are two common body shapes based on bone structure and how the body deposits fat — apple and pear. People who gain weight in their abdomen and chest have an apple shape, whereas people who gain weight in their hips and thighs have a pear shape.
Research has found that your health risk goes up as your waist size increases, which spells trouble for apple-shaped individuals. Specifically, abdominal weight gain increases weight around your internal organs and is associated with a greater incidence of Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
This is especially true if your waist circumference measures more than 35 inches for women and more than 40 inches for men.
To determine your health risk based on body shape, stand and measure your waist right above the hip bone. If your abdomen is measuring high, then you should work on your low-glycemic diet and incorporate regular exercise to get your waist measurement below the danger zone.
No matter what the shape, all excess weight can be harmful by causing excess strain on joints and ligaments, a shortened life span, and increased risks for the aforementioned diseases.