Did you know that body shape affects your risk of heart disease?
People with ‘apple’ shaped bodies (fattest around the abdomen) have a greater risk of heart disease than people with ‘pear’ shaped bodies (fattest in hips, buttocks and thighs). Fat in the abdomen is stored deeper inside the body; fat in the hip and thigh region is stored just under the skin. Studies suggest that abdominal fat releases more fatty acids, leading to increased triglycerides and blood cholesterol levels.
So, what shape are you in? Here’s how to find out:
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Lying down get a measure of your waist at the navel and your hips at the greatest circumference around the buttocks. Divide your waist size by your hip size. This is your hip-to-waist ratio.
If you’re hip-to-waist ratio is greater than 1.0 for men and 0.8 for women, you have a greater risk for heart disease. In other words, your waist shouldn’t be bigger than your hips.
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