Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Warning: This Body Type May Be A Red Flag For Colorectal Cancer, Diabetes And Heart Attack

There's more to a person's health than how much weight is on them — it matters where the body carries that extra load. Researchers have found out that the spread of body fat influences the probability of having particular diseases; ranging from heart disorders to cancers. Understanding these interrelations helps set the route towards targeted strategies on health.

Body types are usually divided into shapes, with the most widely discussed perhaps being "apple" and "pear." People who have a wider waist and more weight around the middle tend to be considered apple-shaped. Pear shapes accumulate their excess fat in the hips, thighs, and buttocks, while the waist is not as wide.

An apple-shaped body is not only cosmetic but may be an indicator of visceral fat, a condition in which the body accumulates fat around its organs, leading to several severe health problems. This fat is more metabolically active than subcutaneous fat and has a strong correlation with various severe health conditions. Each 3.9-inches increase in waistline was related to a 3 percent increased risk of heart disease among women and 4 percent increased risk in men, according to studies which illustrate dangers of excess abdominal fat. 

A research by investigators at Columbia University in 2018 demonstrated inflammation in abdominal fat increases the propensity for insulin resistance, which greatly contributes to developing type 2 diabetes. Yet another related serious condition, cancer of the colon/rectum that has very poor survival rates world over, can be significantly well associated with a central obese state, given persistent evidence in relation to its causality. This supports the role played by the state of fat patterning in decision-making towards risking health.

<h2>Does Pear-Shaped <span rel="noindex">Body Type</span> Have a Health Advantage?</h2>

Pear-shaped individuals tend to store fat subcutaneously — just beneath the skin. While not without risks, this type of fat is less metabolically active and doesn't wrap around vital organs. As a result, pear-shaped bodies are less likely to face severe health issues compared to their apple-shaped counterparts.

<h2>Visceral vs. Subcutaneous Fat: Why Location Matters</h2>

Understanding fat distribution goes beyond body shape. Fat stored in the body comes in two forms:

<strong>Subcutaneous fat: </strong>Found under the skin, often in the thighs and hips, it is generally less harmful.

<strong>Visceral fat: </strong>Deeper fat stored around organs, it contributes to health issues like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndromes.

A study in Science Advances showed that even for people who are not overweight, having a high level of visceral fat increases the chances of developing serious conditions such as colorectal cancer and heart disease. This underlines the importance of fat distribution over total body weight.

<strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/fitness/why-your-waistline-tells-more-about-your-body-composition-than-your-bmi-article-151122664" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Why Your Waistline Tells More About Your Body Composition Than BMI- Ways To Trim Down Fat</a></strong>

Emerging research is revealing that, when coupled with central obesity, greater height might further increase the risks of several types of cancers. A study by an international body, where 300,000 participants across multiple ancestries participated, revealed that central obesity with higher stature elevates risks of colorectal cancer. Therefore, this also means health risks are not generally distributed and that the same health risks depend on a combination of factors.

Primary risk factors of colorectal cancer:

<ul><li>Being overweight or BMI greater than 25</li><li>High waist-to-hip ratio</li><li>Central fat accumulation</li><li>Genetic predispositions linked to height and fat distribution</li></ul>

This further strengthens the notion that it is body composition rather than just weight or height that is important in determining cancer risks.

The apple-shaped body is specifically a concern for heart health. According to a 2021 review of 31 studies, directly correlated with waist size and cardiovascular risk, women have an increased risk, even if they have a normal BMI if they have an apple-shaped body postmenopause. Disrupted lipid levels and causing insulin resistance underscore the belly fat as dangerous.

<h2>What Role Abdominal Fat Plays in Diabetes?</h2>

Excess belly fat is a major contributor to type 2 diabetes, primarily due to its inflammatory properties. A study from Columbia University identified an enzyme, DPP4, produced by the liver, which exacerbates inflammation in abdominal fat. This inflammation makes it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar, increasing the likelihood of insulin resistance.

Your body type is due to genetics, bones, hormones, and lifestyle. Shape-related knowledge can also help assess health risks. The five general body types are as follows:

<strong>Apple:</strong> A wider midsection and fat accumulation in the abdomen.

<strong>Pear: </strong>Much smaller waist with fuller hips, thighs, and buttocks.

<strong>Inverted triangle: </strong>Broader shoulders and chest with a narrower waist.

<strong>Ruler:</strong> a straight, proportionate figure with minimal curves.

<strong>Hourglass:</strong> Balanced chest and hips with a slimmer waist.

For those with apple-shaped bodies, even if your BMI falls within the “normal” range, it’s crucial to monitor health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and fasting glucose.

<h2>Lifestyle Tips For A Healthy Body</h2>

No matter your body type, a healthy lifestyle can mitigate risks. Here are some tips:

<ul><li>Engage in exercises that target abdominal fat, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT).</li><li>Emphasize fiber-rich foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats to manage visceral fat.</li><li>Measure your waist-to-hip ratio regularly to assess risk.</li><li>Periodic health checkups can help detect early signs of conditions like colorectal cancer and heart disease.</li></ul>

You cannot change your genetic predisposition or bone structure, but you can control lifestyle factors that influence health risks. Apple-shaped individuals need to pay more attention to their waistlines since visceral fat has far-reaching consequences. Pear-shaped individuals can benefit from maintaining overall weight and fitness.

<em> <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1764627/" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">Metabolic abnormalities and risk for colorectal cancer in the physicians' health study</a>.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2006</em>

<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2811815" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">Type 2 Diabetes and Colorectal Cancer Risk.</a> JAMA Netw Open. 2023

<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adj1987" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">Tissue-specific genetic variation suggests distinct molecular pathways between body shape phenotypes and colorectal cancer</a>.Sci. Adv. 2024

<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-022-02071-3#citeas" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">Body shape phenotypes of multiple anthropometric traits and cancer risk: a multi-national cohort study. </a>Br J Cancer. 2023

Health Conditions A-Z

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body type

body shape and health

health risks apple shape

visceral fat dangers

heart disease risk body shape

diabetes and obesity

colorectal cancer risks

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There's more to a person's health than how much weight is on them — it matters where the body carries that extra load. Researchers have found out that the spread of body fat influences the probability of having particular diseases; ranging from heart disorders to cancers. Understanding these interrelations helps set the route towards targeted strategies on health.Body types are usually divided into shapes, with the most widely discussed perhaps being "apple" and "pear." People who have a wider waist and more weight around the middle tend to be considered apple-shaped. Pear shapes accumulate their excess fat in the hips, thighs, and buttocks, while the waist is not as wide.An apple-shaped body is not only cosmetic but may be an indicator of visceral fat, a condition in which the body accumulates fat around its organs, leading to several severe health problems. This fat is more metabolically active than subcutaneous fat and has a strong correlation with various severe health conditions. Each 3.9-inches increase in waistline was related to a 3 percent increased risk of heart disease among women and 4 percent increased risk in men, according to studies which illustrate dangers of excess abdominal fat. A research by investigators at Columbia University in 2018 demonstrated inflammation in abdominal fat increases the propensity for insulin resistance, which greatly contributes to developing type 2 diabetes. Yet another related serious condition, cancer of the colon/rectum that has very poor survival rates world over, can be significantly well associated with a central obese state, given persistent evidence in relation to its causality. This supports the role played by the state of fat patterning in decision-making towards risking health.Does Pear-Shaped Body Type Have a Health Advantage?Pear-shaped individuals tend to store fat subcutaneously — just beneath the skin. While not without risks, this type of fat is less metabolically active and doesn't wrap around vital organs. As a result, pear-shaped bodies are less likely to face severe health issues compared to their apple-shaped counterparts.Visceral vs. Subcutaneous Fat: Why Location MattersUnderstanding fat distribution goes beyond body shape. Fat stored in the body comes in two forms:Subcutaneous fat: Found under the skin, often in the thighs and hips, it is generally less harmful.Visceral fat: Deeper fat stored around organs, it contributes to health issues like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndromes.A study in Science Advances showed that even for people who are not overweight, having a high level of visceral fat increases the chances of developing serious conditions such as colorectal cancer and heart disease. This underlines the importance of fat distribution over total body weight.Also Read: Why Your Waistline Tells More About Your Body Composition Than BMI- Ways To Trim Down FatRisk of CancerEmerging research is revealing that, when coupled with central obesity, greater height might further increase the risks of several types of cancers. A study by an international body, where 300,000 participants across multiple ancestries participated, revealed that central obesity with higher stature elevates risks of colorectal cancer. Therefore, this also means health risks are not generally distributed and that the same health risks depend on a combination of factors.Primary risk factors of colorectal cancer:Being overweight or BMI greater than 25High waist-to-hip ratioCentral fat accumulationGenetic predispositions linked to height and fat distributionThis further strengthens the notion that it is body composition rather than just weight or height that is important in determining cancer risks.Cardiovascular Disease RiskThe apple-shaped body is specifically a concern for heart health. According to a 2021 review of 31 studies, directly correlated with waist size and cardiovascular risk, women have an increased risk, even if they have a normal BMI if they have an apple-shaped body postmenopause. Disrupted lipid levels and causing insulin resistance underscore the belly fat as dangerous.What Role Abdominal Fat Plays in Diabetes?Excess belly fat is a major contributor to type 2 diabetes, primarily due to its inflammatory properties. A study from Columbia University identified an enzyme, DPP4, produced by the liver, which exacerbates inflammation in abdominal fat. This inflammation makes it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar, increasing the likelihood of insulin resistance.How to Identify Your Body TypeYour body type is due to genetics, bones, hormones, and lifestyle. Shape-related knowledge can also help assess health risks. The five general body types are as follows:Apple: A wider midsection and fat accumulation in the abdomen.Pear: Much smaller waist with fuller hips, thighs, and buttocks.Inverted triangle: Broader shoulders and chest with a narrower waist.Ruler: a straight, proportionate figure with minimal curves.Hourglass: Balanced chest and hips with a slimmer waist.For those with apple-shaped bodies, even if your BMI falls within the “normal” range, it’s crucial to monitor health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and fasting glucose.Lifestyle Tips For A Healthy BodyNo matter your body type, a healthy lifestyle can mitigate risks. Here are some tips:Engage in exercises that target abdominal fat, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT).Emphasize fiber-rich foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats to manage visceral fat.Measure your waist-to-hip ratio regularly to assess risk.Periodic health checkups can help detect early signs of conditions like colorectal cancer and heart disease.You cannot change your genetic predisposition or bone structure, but you can control lifestyle factors that influence health risks. Apple-shaped individuals need to pay more attention to their waistlines since visceral fat has far-reaching consequences. Pear-shaped individuals can benefit from maintaining overall weight and fitness. Metabolic abnormalities and risk for colorectal cancer in the physicians' health study.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2006Type 2 Diabetes and Colorectal Cancer Risk. JAMA Netw Open. 2023Tissue-specific genetic variation suggests distinct molecular pathways between body shape phenotypes and colorectal cancer.Sci. Adv. 2024Body shape phenotypes of multiple anthropometric traits and cancer risk: a multi-national cohort study. Br J Cancer. 2023