The waist-to-hip ratio

The waist-to-hip (WTH) ratio is a common measure of fat distribution.   Purposes of the WTH ratio:   1.Track weight loss progress   2.Estimate health risk for problems related to being overweight, such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Calculating Your Waist-to-Hip Ratio Use a measuring tape to measure your waist and the circumference of your hips  Compare your result to the appropriate chart below, which is different for males and females.     Females Estimated health risk  Estimated body shape 0.80 or below Low  Pear 0.81 to 0.85 Moderate  Avocado 0.85+ High  Apple Males Estimated health risk  Estimated body shape 0.95 or below  Low  Pear 0.96 to 1.0 Moderate  Avocado 1.0+ High  Apple

 

 

Pear Shape (Low Health Risk) 
Pear shaped people tend to carry most of your weight in your hips, thighs and buttocks. Storing fat in your lower half is actually a healthier site for fat accumulation. Research shows that storing fat here may actually protects you against cardiovascular disease. Danish researchers found that those with excessive fat in the arms, legs, hips and buttocks had less atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) than those who stored most fat in their abdominal area and other central parts of the body .Wow.

Apple Shape (High Health Risk) 
Apple shaped people carry weight in their abdominal area, upper torso and around their waists (commonly referred to as a “pot belly”) and are at a greater risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes than pear-shaped people.

Avocado Shape (Moderate Health Risk) 
The less common "avocado" shape is somewhere between an apple and a pear, with health risks higher than a pear-shaped person, but somewhat lower than a true apple-shaped person.

 

How to get rid of excess fat

 

1.Regular cardio exercises (running,cycling, step aerobics) and a healthy diet. However if you tend to store fat in a certain area (apple or pear) it may take longer to lose fat from that specific area. Stay consistent and you will lower your risk for future health problems by achieving a healthy weight.

2. Strength training. Strength training helps in toning your bodies and reduces fat buildup. By doing the appropriate weight training targeting different areas of the body, there would not be a case of bulking up but instead, through weight training, humans can add up to 30% lean muscle and end up looking thinner while feeling stronger and being firmer.