Obesity is a major health problem that affects millions of people across the world. It’s not just an appearance issue; being overweight can increase the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer.

If you’re struggling to lose weight, it could be because you haven’t identified your obesity type.

What is Obesity Type?

Obesity type refers to the specific body shape and composition of an individual. There are four main types of obesity, each with its own causes and treatment options.

Knowing your obesity type can help you understand why you’re struggling to lose weight and what you can do about it.

Understanding the Four Types of Obesity

1. Upper Body Obesity

Upper body obesity refers to excess fat around the waist and abdomen. People with upper body obesity typically have an apple-shaped body. The main cause of upper body obesity is a high-calorie diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

This type of obesity increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems.

2. Lower Body Obesity

Lower body obesity refers to excess fat around the hips and thighs. People with lower body obesity typically have a pear-shaped body. The main cause of lower body obesity is hormonal imbalances, such as estrogen dominance.

While lower body obesity is less harmful than upper body obesity, it can still increase the risk of health problems like osteoporosis and joint pain.

3. Abdominal Obesity

Abdominal obesity refers to excess fat around the internal organs, such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. People with abdominal obesity typically have a protruding belly.

The main cause of abdominal obesity is a diet high in sugar and processed foods. This type of obesity increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and liver problems.

4. Full-Body Obesity

Full-body obesity refers to excess fat throughout the body. People with full-body obesity have a rounded body shape. The main causes of full-body obesity are genetics and a sedentary lifestyle.

This type of obesity increases the risk of all types of health problems associated with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

How to Determine Your Obesity Type

Determining your obesity type is easy. Simply measure your waist circumference and hip circumference and divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement. If the result is less than 0.8, you have a pear-shaped body and lower body obesity.

If the result is greater than 0.8, you have an apple-shaped body and upper body obesity. If your waist measurement is greater than 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men, you have abdominal obesity. If you have excess fat throughout your body, you have full-body obesity.

Treating Your Obesity Type

Treating your obesity type depends on the cause. For upper body obesity, focus on a low-calorie diet and regular exercise to help burn off excess fat. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat meals.

For lower body obesity, focus on balancing your hormones with natural remedies and supplements. Eating a diet that’s rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats can help promote hormone balance. Exercise can also help reduce lower body fat.

For abdominal obesity, focus on reducing your sugar and carbohydrate intake. Eat more fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Exercise can also help reduce abdominal fat.

For full-body obesity, focus on a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks and high-fat meals. Eat more fruits, vegetables and lean protein. Increase your physical activity by walking, running or doing yoga.

A combination of a low-calorie diet and regular exercise can help reduce full-body fat.

The Bottom Line

Identifying your obesity type is the first step towards achieving a healthy weight.

By following a lifestyle that addresses your specific weight loss challenge, you can start reducing your risk of serious health problems and feeling better about yourself. Consult your physician or dietician for further guidance and evaluation for any underlying medical condition that may be causing your obesity.