There are several body shapes and sizes, and each one of them carries their own unique health risks. Here are some of the common body shapes and the associated health risks:.
Apple-Shaped
Apple-shaped people are those who store more fat around their midsection. They tend to have broader shoulders and a wider torso compared to their hips and thighs. This body shape puts them at a higher risk of:.
- Heart Disease – Excess fat around the midsection puts a strain on the heart and causes high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease.
- Type 2 Diabetes – Apple-shaped people have a higher tendency to accumulate visceral fat (fat around the organs), which increases insulin resistance and leads to type 2 diabetes.
- Cancer – Fat cells that accumulate around the midsection produce more estrogen, which increases the risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers.
Pear-Shaped
Pear-shaped people have more fat stored in their hips and thighs compared to their midsection. They tend to have a smaller waist and broader hips. This body shape puts them at a higher risk of:.
- Osteoarthritis – As the body weight is mostly concentrated in the lower body, pear-shaped people have more pressure on their joints, leading to osteoarthritis.
- Cellulite – As the fat is stored mostly in the lower body, pear-shaped people have a higher tendency to get cellulite.
- Vitamin D Deficiency – As the fat stores in the lower body, they hinder vitamin D synthesis in the skin, leading to vitamin D deficiency.
Straight-Shaped
Straight-shaped people have a straight figure, with little difference between their shoulders, waist, and hips. This body shape puts them at a higher risk of:.
- Cardiovascular Disease – Straight-shaped people tend to have a higher body fat percentage, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Metabolic Syndrome – Straight-shaped people are at a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, which includes a cluster of health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol level.
- Osteoporosis – Straight-shaped people tend to have less bone density, which puts them at a higher risk of osteoporosis.
Inverted-Triangle Shaped
Inverted-triangle shaped people have broader shoulders and chest compared to their hips and thighs. This body shape puts them at a higher risk of:.
- Shoulder and Back Pain – The extra weight on the shoulders and chest can cause shoulder and back pain.
- Injury – Inverted-triangle shaped people tend to have less flexibility in their lower body, making it difficult to perform lower body exercises, leading to injury.
- Hypertension – Inverted-triangle shaped people are at a higher risk of hypertension due to the extra weight on the upper body.
Diamond Shaped
Diamond shaped people carry more weight in their midsection, while the rest of their body is relatively lean. This body shape puts them at a higher risk of:.
- Heart Attack – Diamond shaped people have a higher tendency to accumulate visceral fat, which increases the risk of heart attack.
- Breathing Problems – Excess weight around the midsection puts pressure on the lungs, reducing lung capacity and leading to breathing problems.
- Diabetes – Diamond shaped people are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to excess visceral fat.
Rounded Shaped
Rounded shaped people tend to have an overall rounded figure, with weight distributed evenly throughout the body. This body shape puts them at a higher risk of:.
- Heart Disease – Rounded shaped people have a higher body fat percentage, which puts them at a higher risk of heart disease.
- Diabetes – Rounded shaped people are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to excess body fat.
- Breast Cancer – Excess weight in the breast area can cause hormonal changes, leading to breast cancer in women.
Conclusion
While these health risks may vary depending on the body shape, one thing is for sure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for everyone.
Eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can help reduce the risk of these health conditions, regardless of the body shape.