Expert says women should focus on exercise and a healthy lifestyle instead of weight loss in hips and thighs
Many women know how frustrating it is when their bodies won’t shed weight where they want it to.
But understanding how you’re put together can translate to a healthy acceptance of your particular body type and lead to a happier—and ultimately healthier—life, says Dr. Cathy Roy, an expert on the cellular basis of obesity who has researched metabolism in both men and women.
Because men and women are built differently—women tend to be pear-shaped, carrying fat on hips, thighs and buttocks, while men tend to be apple-shaped, carrying fat in the midsection—they lose weight differently.
Fat cells in women’s hip, thigh and buttocks areas can be stubbornly resistant to exercise and healthy eating, said Roy, associate professor of exercise science at Longwood.
“Women are pear- or spoon-shaped by nature, and, when they lose weight, they usually lose it in the waist area, visually exaggerating the fat in the buttocks, hips and thighs. The fact is that you can’t lose weight just in your thighs or your buttocks; spot reduction is nearly impossible.”
But there are serious advantages to having a pear-shaped body. A little extra weight in the hips, thighs or buttocks—often problem areas for many women—does not increase the risk for several life-threatening diseases like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or coronary artery disease.
“The good news for women who distribute their fat in a pear-shape pattern is that their risk for the so-called lifestyle diseases is minimal to nonexistent, and in some studies has actually been shown to be beneficial,” said Roy.
Conversely, men generally pattern excess fat in an apple shape—the waist/abdomen area—which puts them at higher risk of developing these same diseases. “The bad news for men is that abdominal fat is linked irrefutably to those diseases, so it’s dangerousif they keep putting on that ‘spare tire,’” said Roy.
If women can shift the focus from weight loss in problem areas to regular exercise andits advantages, that healthy, happy lifestyle we’re all aiming for is easier to attain.Roy said the benefits of exercise include lower cholesterol, improved self-esteem, improved chance of a long life, increased energy levels and improved sleep.
“My advice to women frustrated by not losing more weight, or not losing weight in the desired area, is to try not to get on the scale and try not to get wrapped up in social media,” she said. “Far too much importance is placed on body fat levels when the focus really should be on incorporating fitness and proper nutrition.”
By: Kent Booty
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FAQs
British, informal. : to go wrong. She was in debt, and when she lost her job it all went pear-shaped.
What does it mean for something to be pear-shaped? ›
1. : having an oval shape markedly tapering at one end. 2. of a vocal tone : free from harshness, thinness, or nasality.
Is being pear-shaped a good thing? ›
A pear-shaped body is associated with excess fat being stored in the hip and thigh areas. While still not ideal, the good news for those that have this body shape is that you are at a lower risk for developing many of the conditions related to those who are apple-shaped.
Are pear-shaped bodies attractive? ›
The pear-shaped body is one of the most popular body shapes out there. Some examples of real-life pear body shapes can be taken from Celebrities such as Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, and Rihanna. Just remember, even if you have a pear-shaped body, that does not mean your body needs to look a certain way.
What is a synonym for pear shaped? ›
having a circular shape. adjective. (of sounds) full and rich. “pear-shaped vowels” synonyms: orotund, rotund, round full.
What does the expression pear mean? ›
It means that something has gone wrong. A plan has not worked as intended, and disappointment is the result. It originated with glass-blowing, when overheating caused a spherical shape to droop and take on the appearance of a pear.
What is a pear shaped personality? ›
One can say a pear shaped body. They usually have fat on arms and thighs however skinny wrists and ankles. Their personality is found to be sociable, comfortable, tolerant, and relaxed. They are fun-loving and even-tempered.
Which body shape is most attractive? ›
Top hourglass body shape
Considered to be the most attractive body shape, this is very similar to hourglass body shape, except that in this case the curves are more defined.
How do I know if I am pear shaped? ›
As a pear-shaped woman, your defining proportion is that your shoulders are narrower than your hips. That doesn't mean you necessarily have narrow shoulders, although many of you do, but they are NARROWER than your hips. This can be a subtle difference, or one that's more dramatic.
Do men prefer hourglass or pear? ›
Scientists claim it's in men's nature to prefer this body type because having an hourglass figure is a sign that a woman is young, has never been pregnant and has "key reproductive resources".
The surveys concluded one definite, that men prefer curves and a balanced WHR (Waist Hip Ratio). Thin and bigger women can have a balanced WHR, men do like curves it seems. As for height, men don't appear to prefer short over tall.
What are the disadvantages of a pear shaped body? ›
Pear shaped persons are also known to have lower metabolic rates than apple shaped. Due to the fat stored in the thighs and other lower regions of the body they are also most likely to have problems like osteoporosis.
What is pear slang for? ›
A while back people on social media who are pretty much pedophiles who haven't acted called themselves “M.A. Ps” or Minor-Attracted People. They've recently started calling themselves P.E.A.R., meaning “pro-expression, anti-repression”. They use the acronym and the pear emoji (🍐) to identify each other.
What is commonly referred to as a pear shaped physique? ›
In contrast, the “pear” body shape is known as “gynoid,” which means more fat is stored in the hips, buttocks, and thighs than in the midsection. People with gynoid body types often have a smaller waist-to-hip ratio, which means their hips are usually wider than their waist.
What does pear shaped mean in Australia? ›
If something 'goes pear-shaped', this means that it goes horribly wrong, it goes awry. So, for things to go bad, for things to go wrong. That is when things 'go pear-shaped'. So, I was looking around trying to find the origin of this expression and it seems like there's no clear-cut origin for it.
What does the pear mean in love? ›
Pears are ancient and sacred symbols of love and separation. In Chinese, the word “fen li” means “sharing a pear”, which is pronounced the same way as the word meaning “separation.” In this way pear is a hom*ophone (words that sound alike but have different meanings).
Many women know how frustrating it is when their bodies won’t shed weight where they want it to.