Body Fat Distribution Factors

Most men and women put on weight differently. But on what makes fat settle in a preferential way, there is little evidence.

Scientists ascertained that the specific body shapes are: the android shape, or apple shape, common among men (fat deposits on the middle section of the body, mostly on the abdomen) and the gynoid, or pear shape, more common among women (fat deposited on hips and bottom). There is also the third type of body shape: the ovoid shape, not differentiating between men and women. With this type we can speak of an over-all general coverage of bodyfat.

Thinking of many cases of exceptions, I try to find out in what follows if there is a strict specific fat pattern distribution for men and women and what are the factors influencing fat distribution. And I find this interesting not in as much as the aesthetic side is concerned but from the health perspective.

Being overweight or underweight are characteristics depending on many factors: you are genetically overweight if you have a family history of overweight parents/relatives. Also, the nervous system plays an important role in balancing the body weight: serotonin and endorphins send signals to the brain that induce the need to eat or on the contrary. There is also the CCK hormone which transmits the brain signals on the state of satiety - it decreases hunger.

While generally, body weight is influenced genetically, hormonally and by the body maintenance condition (the activity routine), it seems that the fat distribution is influenced by age, genetic inheritance, race, but to a greater extent by gender specific hormones. They are responsible for the distribution of fat in certain zones of our bodies: thus, estrogens which are responsible of the typical female sexual characteristics will influence the fat deposition in the pear format, favouring its laying on the hips, thighs, and belly, while testosterone will "lead" fat mostly towards tummy and upper body.

Latest studies show that men's tendency towards the gynoid format has increased in the past 30 years (one study shows a growth of 2 inches in men's hips in the past 30 years). According to researches as John R. Lee, M.D (specialist in natural progesterone therapy), Dr. Jesse Hanley and Dr. Peter Eckhart, it seems that modern life exposes people to increased amounts of estrogen and estrogen-like substances (xenoestrogens or foreign estrogens). Sources of these substances can be plastics, plastic drinking bottles, commercially raised beef, chicken and pork, personal care products, pesticides, herbicides, birth control pills, spermacide, detergent, canned foods and lacquers. The problem is that increased estrogen levels in men not only make their hips fatten but are the main risk factor for disease such as prostate enlargement and cancer.

Also, for women, the android pattern fat distribution should raise questions with regard to hormonal imbalances, such situations being a potential cause for health problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

We've seen how health related problems can affect body fat, now let's take a look at how fat can induce health problems.

It is clear that increased body fat affects health, the news is that its distribution on the body influences the state of health of specific organs.

According to its placement, fat can be subcutaneous (under the skin) or visceral (around organs). The greatest concern is generated by visceral fat that can interfere with the good functioning of vital organs. There is a relationship between overall fat deposits and specific fat deposits: fat around the body middle section is associated with visceral fat, so, abdominal fat is the most serious health risk.

The waist to hip ratio is a method of determining whether there are excessive amounts of upper body fat. It is obtained by dividing the waist measurement by the hip measurement. The upper limits are:.95 for men and .80 for women. Any exceeding values should be alarming.

Apple-shaped fat individuals are exposed to a greater risk of developing obesity-related diseases, as the fat is intra-abdominal and distributed around their stomach and chest. They risk:

• Cardiovascular diseases and hypertension

• Type 2 diabetes

• Respiratory diseases (sleep apnea syndrome)

• Some cancers

• Osteoarthritis

The pear-shaped overweight persons are at greater risk of mechanical problems, as most of their body fat is distributed around their hips, thighs and bottom.

Both apple-shaped and pear-shaped obese persons are likely to develop psychological problems and alteration of the quality of life.

In any case, extra-weight cannot create but problems. Fact is that the main role in acquiring extra-fat is the food intake that the body cannot burn for various reasons (such as a decreased metabolic rate, low activity level or the physical condition), and, consequently, it creates fat deposits. The solution is a classic one: diet and exercise.

However, in shedding extra weight there are men-women differences. The process appears to be harder for women.

The total mass of the body is made up of fat mass and fat-free mass. The fat mass can be of two types: essential and excess. Essential fat is found in bone marrow, in various organs, and throughout the nervous system.

Women are at a disadvantage, as their physiological processes (childbearing and hormone functions) require a plus of essential fat, the "sex-specific fat". Thus the total percentage of body fat is higher, moreover, this part of essential fat is hard to dislodge. Secondly, women have less calorie burning muscle than men, which makes it more more demanding for the female to achieve a trimmer figure. Now, girls, don't use it as an excuse!

About The Author

Laura Ciocan writes for http://www.dietsindex.com where you can find more information about the dietary options.

Please feel free to use this article in your Newsletter or on your website. If you use this article, please include the resource box and send a brief message to let me know where it appeared: mailto:lauracio@gmail.com.

---

Diets Dont Work

Any doctor worth their salt will tell you diets don't... Read More

The Secret To Permanent Weight Loss

AND SAVE MONEY IN THE PROCESS. The secret is simple... Read More

Too Many Calories

How many calories do you need? Well, that depends on... Read More

20 Ways to Lose Weight

20 WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT1. Take it one step at... Read More

Loss Your Weight

WEIGHT LOSS:Nutrition and weight-loss researchers say that some supplements can... Read More

Fast Weight Loss - 7 Day Diet Program for Quick Weight Loss

Do you have a big event coming up? Perhaps you... Read More

The Science of Obesity: Fats & Cholesterol

For years we heard that a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet would... Read More

Before You Burn - Information About Weight Training Routines For Beginners

Information About Weight Training Routines For BeginnersSo you need to... Read More

Gastric Bypass Surgery, an Overview

With the number of people suffering from obesity rising so... Read More

Mamma Said: Keep Your Fingers Out Of Your Mouth

Watching television exercises our eyes but nothing else. Unfortunately, it... Read More

Help to Reduce Belly Fat

Can You Lose Weight Where You Want?If you have excess... Read More

What Obesity Debate?

This is a perfect example of how on-line weight loss... Read More

Vinegar and Weight Loss

The Sour Truth -------------------------- Question: I had a baby 6... Read More

What You Need to Know Before Starting a Low Carb Diet

In the last 12 months or so, low carbohydrate diets... Read More

Eating Habits That Can Help You Lose Weight And Stay That Way

There are certain eating habits that can make you gain... Read More

Obesity in America -- The Growing Epidemic!

Obesity is a disease that affects approximately 60 million people... Read More

Phentermine Side Effects

When you're taking Phentermine, you should go to the emergency... Read More

Empower Your Shopping Experience

Healthy living begins with healthy eating and healthy eating begins... Read More

Breaking Research: Whats a Dieter To Do?

Every day, it seems, a new study pertaining to weight... Read More

NotOneOunce -- Junk at the Office

After the post-Halloween sugar surge, everyone coaches you to get... Read More

Holidaze

It's the travel time, meaning hours spent sedentary. It prepares... Read More

Lose Weight Quickly And Easily - Weight Loss Information

For people that are obese, losing weight quickly can seem... Read More

Food: The Proof Is In The Portion

We are a large people. 65% of us are overweight,... Read More

Weight Loss Diets with Negative Calorie Foods

Negative calorie foods are said to use more calories to... Read More

Top 10 Diet Tips From Diet Winners

Use these tips to turbo charge your weight loss program.Take... Read More

Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss Lesson #3

Whew! So how did you do on that last lesson?... Read More

Scales Are For Fish, Not Weight Loss

Contrary to common belief, your weight is not really the... Read More

Ten Important Things to Know Before You Join a Weight Loss Program

1. What is my BMI and how do I calculate... Read More

Weightless Workout - Strength Training Without Equipment

Resistance training, also known as strength training, does not require... Read More

The Miracle of a Cheat Meal

One of the greatest tricks that I use to stick... Read More

Commit To Cardio Exercise For Permanent Weight Loss

Everyone is looking for the secret to losing weight. Everyone... Read More

You Dont Have to Stop Eating Out Because You Are On Diet

Diners have become more health-conscious the last few years, and... Read More

Nutrition and Metabolism Disorder

What is the relationship between intake of nutrition and metabolism... Read More