questionisyouroverallbodyshape(appleorpear)and.docVIP

Question: Is your overall body shape (apple or pear) and indicator of risk? Answer Yes, body shape can affect your heart disease risk. Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease. But people who carry most of their excess weight around their waist (often referred to as apple shapes) are at even greater risk of heart disease than are those who carry most of their excess weight below their waist (pear shapes). There are a couple of ways to determine whether youre carrying too much weight around your abdomen: Waist circumference. Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of your waist at its smallest point — usually just above your naval. A waist measurement of greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters) for men or 35 inches (89 centimeters) for women indicates increased health risks. Waist-to-hip ratio. Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of your waist at its smallest point. Then measure the circumference of your hips at their widest point. To calculate your waist-to-hip ratio, divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. A waist-to-hip ratio of greater than 0.9 for men and 0.85 for women indicates increased health risks. The reason why body shape affects heart disease risk isnt well understood. But individuals with apple shapes are more likely to have metabolic syndrome — another risk factor for heart disease. Although it can be difficult to change your natural body shape, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly are the best ways to minimize your waistline. Belly fat in men: What you need to know Learn why belly fat is unhealthy — and what you can do to lose the extra pounds. Michael Jensen, M.D. If you are carrying a few extra pounds — whether in the form of belly fat, love handles, a beer gut or potbelly — youre not alone. In recent years, the number of people who are overweight has increased dramatically worldwide. Two-thirds of American men are overweight or obese. But this is one case where following