Gynoid obesity: Causes, risks, and treatment

Gynoid obesity involves excess fat accumulation in the body's lower part, particularly in the hips, buttocks, and thighs.

People with gynoid obesity may have a "pear-shaped" appearance, with a narrower waist and wider hips.

The appearance and distribution of body fat can vary widely among individuals and may not always fit neatly into these categories.

Additionally, body fat distribution may not always correspond to overall health status or risk for obesity-related health problems.

This article discusses gynoid obesity, its causes, health risks, and treatment options.

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms "male," "female," or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

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

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

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.