What Is Your Body Shape?

You are not as thin as you would like to be, but you have never really considered yourself too fat. So when you read about the benefits of maintaining a "healthy weight," you wonder where you fit in: Is your weight okay or is it putting your health at risk? A simple DIY assessment informed in the Mayo Clinic Health Charter can give you an idea of ​​where it fits. Determine what shape your figure is in and if you could benefit from losing a few pounds.

The waist-to-hip ratio indicates where most of your fat is located. People who carry most of their weight around their waists are often called "apples." Those who carry most of their weight below the waist, around the hips and thighs, are often called "pears." In general, it is better to have a pear shape than an apple shape. This is because the fat around the waist is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. The fat around the hips and thighs is considered less risky for health.

To find out what shape you are, measure your hips at their widest point and your waist at their narrowest part (usually at the navel, but this can vary). Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. A ratio greater than .80 for a woman and greater than 1.0 for a man indicates an apple shape.