Apples and Pears-What Your Body Type Says About Your Health

Our bodies come in a variety of sizes and shapes - this is part of what makes us unique. And while recognizing the differences in our physical make-up is only natural, the World Health Organization has initiated two categories of body shapes for overweight people to help point out the risk factors associated with being overweight and certain body shapes.

"Apples" and "pears" are the two body type classifications used to describe the way that fat is distributed in the body and the effect that it can have on health.

Apple-shaped people tend to store most of their extra body fat around their middle section, while pears store most of their extra body weight below their waistline - on their hips, buttocks and thighs.

Health Risks Associated With Body Types

Research shows that apple-shaped people tend to have a higher risk of heart disease, liver and gallbladder disease, diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure. However, because pear shapes tend to develop extra body fat below their waistline, they do not seem to have an immediate danger of developing the aforementioned diseases. Nonetheless, being overweight still poses a risk to your overall health and well-being. Research has shown that given enough time, pear-shaped people will eventually begin to develop some of the same diseases that apple-shaped people develop.

Some of the general health risks that are associated with being overweight include:

Arthritis - Research shows that overweight people have a higher risk for arthritis, especially of the knees.

Breathing Problems - People who are overweight tend to suffer from a variety of breathing disorders including asthma and severe bronchitis.

Premature Death - According to the CDC, over 300,000 deaths are attributed to obesity.

Poor Reproductive Health - Researchers have found that women, in particular, who are overweight, suffer from infertility, irregular periods and irregular ovulation.

With these health risks associated with these different body types in mind, the age-old question is "what's the best way to lose weight?" The answer is: there is no automatic way and no magic pill, either. Losing weight involves a commitment to your health. It includes a combination of decreasing the amount of calories of food you take in on a daily basis, balanced with proper nutrition and exercise.

Making the commitment to losing weight will not only make you look better, it will also make you feel better about yourself.