What to know about gynoid obesity

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Many factors can contribute to the development of gynoid obesity. Here are some of the causes and risk factors of gynoid obesity:

• Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to store more fat in the lower part of the body. Genes that regulate fat metabolism can influence this, as can hormone levels and other factors.
• Hormonal factors: Estrogen plays an important role in body fat distribution, and females tend to have higher estrogen levels than males. As a result, females are more prone to gynoid obesity.
• Age: As people age, they may experience weight gain, which can take the form of gynoid obesity.
• Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of physical activity can contribute to gynoid obesity by reducing energy expenditure and promoting fat storage.
• Diet: A diet high in calories, fat, sugar, and processed foods can contribute to weight gain and developing gynoid obesity.

Gynoid obesity, like any other form of obesity, can increase the risk of various health problems, which include:

• Type 2 diabetes: Obesity can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat may interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Cardiovascular disease: Gynoid obesity can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which includes conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. Excess body fat may lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Sleep apnea: Obesity can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea, which is a condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. This is because excess body fat can put pressure on the airways, making it harder to breathe.
• Joint problems: Obesity can increase the risk of joint problems, such as osteoarthritis, due to the extra weight and pressure on the joints.
• Cancer: Some studies suggest that obesity may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast and ovarian cancer, due to excess body fat and hormonal factors.

Treating gynoid obesity is important to reduce the risk of developing health problems that relate to excess body fat.

While there is no single treatment for gynoid obesity that suits everybody, the following strategies can be effective:

• Diet modification: Adopting a healthy and balanced diet rich in nutrients and low in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats can help reduce a person’s body weight and fat.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps burn calories, reduce body fat, and improve overall health. A person can take part in activities such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or strength training.
• Medication: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to help treat gynoid obesity. Medications such as orlistat and liraglutide can help reduce body weight and improve blood sugar control in individuals with obesity.
• Surgery: If other methods of weight loss have not been successful, doctors may recommend bariatric surgery to help treat gynoid obesity. This may include gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or adjustable gastric banding.

It is important to note that people should achieve weight loss through healthy and sustainable methods. Crash dieting or extreme weight loss methods can be harmful.

A safe and effective rate of weight loss is typically around 1–2 pounds per week, which people can achieve through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian or a personal trainer, can also help a person develop a safe and effective individualized weight loss plan.

Gynoid obesity and android obesity are two different types of obesity featuring different body fat distribution patterns.

Android obesity features an excess accumulation of fat in the upper part of the body, particularly in the abdomen and chest.

A 2021 article notes that females tend to be more prone to gynoid obesity due to the presence of estrogen, which promotes fat deposition in the lower body.

Males, on the other hand, tend to be more prone to android obesity due to the presence of testosterone, which promotes fat deposition in the upper body.

The following are frequently asked questions about gynoid and android obesity.

Is android or gynoid obesity ‘better’ than the other?

Neither android nor gynoid obesity is “better” than the other, as both types of obesity can increase the risk of various health problems.

However, doctors generally consider android obesity to be more harmful than gynoid obesity because excess abdominal fat can be more metabolically active and release hormones that increase inflammation and insulin resistance.

This may contribute to the development of health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.

What is apple-shaped obesity?

Apple-shaped obesity refers specifically to android obesity, which involves an excess accumulation of fat in the upper part of the body, particularly in the abdomen and chest.

“Apple-shaped” describes the body’s appearance, with a wider waist and narrow hips, resembling an apple.

What is the android-gynoid ratio?

The android-gynoid ratio is the ratio of the circumference of the waist to the circumference of the hips.

Doctors use it as a measure of body fat distribution and to determine whether an individual has an apple-shaped body or a pear-shaped body.

Gynoid obesity, also known as “pear-shaped” obesity, is a type of obesity that involves an excess accumulation of body fat in the lower part of the body, especially in the hips, buttocks, and thighs.

Android obesity involves the accumulation of fat in the upper part of the body, primarily in the abdomen and chest.

Both types of obesity can increase the risk of medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease.