Android Vs. Gynoid Obesity
The distribution of the body’s fat storage, independent of the variable of total body fat, can indicate which health risk you are susceptible to. These fats can be broken down into two types:
Central or “Android Fat”, and Peripheral or “Gynoid Fat”
Oftentimes we refer to this as “Apple Shape” and “Pear Shape”, respectively
Android:
This fat accumulates around the central trunk region. It can also include chest and upper arms. Holding fat primarily in the arms and chest area can increase insulin resistance. This means your body will not be able to transport and use up extra sugar for energy, versus leaving it free floating in the blood (Diabetes). This can more readily support processes that cause heart disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, sleep apnea and more. The reason that we see so many more risk factors for disease in this type of fat storage can be because this fat directly correlates with a higher amount of visceral fat. According to Dexafit.com, “The danger of visceral fat is related to the release of proteins and hormones that trigger inflammation in our bodies, which in turn damages arteries, invades our organs, and affects all the vital processes they carry out every minute of the day.”
Pop Quiz: Which gender do you think carries their weight in this area, and experiences, generally, more of these more internal health signs?
Gynoid:
This fat accumulates around the hips and buttocks. Individuals who hold their excess fat in this region tend to suffer from mechanical problems such as hip, knee and other joint issues, versus metabolic or hormonal issues. In addition, this distribution of fat actually has a negative risk factor for heart and metabolic disease! (That’s a good thing!) However, don’t be fooled, even though individuals who hold their excess fat in the lower region of their bodies are at a decreased risk for Metabolic and Heart Disease, they are still at risk for overall health complications due to too much fat storage.
According to Dexafit.com, “This fat is stored primarily around the hips and thighs, and its storage is considered healthier—although some men with gynoid shapes may have hormonal imbalances.”
Pop Quiz: Which gender do you think hold their weight in the bottom half of their body, and what sorts of issues do these people generally run into in regards to movement?
