A woman is often described as either an apple shape or pear shape when referring to her body composition. The classification is more about where fat is stored on the body than an actual shape. If you are an apple shape you will store fat around the midsection, and if you are a pear, you will carry more fat on your lower body.
Pear Shape Features
A pear shaped body type carries fat around the hip, thigh and buttock area to give a "bottom-heavy" look. Pear shapes usually have smaller breasts and upper bodies, and will remain a pear shape even after weight loss.
Diet Plan
A pear shaped body will do well with a lower fat eating plan. Women with pear shapes often pack weight on quickly, so monitoring your fat and caloric intake is important. Choose complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and all vegetables except for potatoes. Also choose lean proteins such as turkey, chicken, tuna, trout, salmon and beef. Stay away from full-fat versions of foods, junk foods and fast foods.
Pear Risks
Although pear shapes will suffer less serious health problems than apple shapes, certain problems are still more likely. Pear shapes will suffer more from varicose veins, cellulite and osteoporosis. Pear shapes are also more prone to issues with self-esteem due to poor body image, says CBS News.
Pear Benefits
The fat that rests in the thighs of pear shapes can trap and hold fatty acids and prevent them from floating through your bloodstream, reports Science Daily. This fact may help protect against heart disease and diabetes. The abdominal fat in an apple shape is much more active and results in fatty acids being distributed throughout the body and around organs.
Considerations
Pear shapes often have a problem with calcium absorption, which can result in osteoporosis. Be sure to ask your doctor to do a bone density scan, especially if you are approaching menopause. Also, remember to exercise regularly to help keep your weight down and avoid the risk factors.
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