A growing body of evidence suggests that the shape of your body has a significant impact on your risk of developing certain diseases.

What is Body Shape?

Body shape refers to the distribution of fat in the body. The two main types of body shape are apple and pear.

Apple Shape

If you carry more fat around your midsection, you have what’s known as an apple shape. This type of body shape has long been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.

Pear Shape

If you carry more fat around your hips, buttocks, and thighs, you have what’s known as a pear shape. This type of body shape, while not entirely risk-free, has been associated with a lower risk of the diseases mentioned above.

Link Between Apple Shape and Diseases

Research has shown that the type of fat that accumulates around the midsection–known as visceral fat–produces hormones and other chemicals that can damage the body’s organs and cause inflammation.

This inflammation can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.

Link Between Pear Shape and Diseases

While pear-shaped individuals are still at risk for the diseases mentioned above, research suggests that the location of the fat–around the hips, buttocks, and thighs–may be less harmful than visceral fat.

Additionally, this type of fat may produce hormones that are more protective of health.

Other Factors That Affect Disease Risk

While body shape is an important factor, there are other factors that can also affect your risk of developing certain diseases. These include:.

Age
Gender
Race and ethnicity
Family history
Diet
Physical activity level
Smoking status
Alcohol consumption
Stress level

Preventing Disease

If you are concerned about your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome, or type 2 diabetes, there are steps you can take to help prevent these diseases, including:.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol
Engaging in regular physical activity
Avoiding smoking and tobacco products
Limiting alcohol consumption
Managing stress levels
Getting regular health check-ups, including blood pressure and cholesterol screenings

Conclusion

While body shape is just one factor that can affect your risk of developing certain diseases, it is an important one.

Maintaining a healthy body shape through diet and exercise can help reduce your risk of these diseases and improve your overall health and well-being.