Bellies come in various shapes and sizes, but have you ever wondered if one is worse than the other when it comes to overall health? In a conversation with Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, lead consultant & HOD – Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, we found out what each belly shape denotes.
“People’s belly shapes can vary quite a bit, and many times they are a reflection of genetics combined with a person’s lifestyle and overall body shape,” she said.
What are the most common belly shapes found in people?
Apple-Shaped: This is the shape in which one carries maximum weight around their midsection, making their belly larger as compared to other body parts. It indicates a high level of visceral fat and may be associated with hormonal imbalances such as elevated cortisol due to stress, poor dietary choices, and a sedentary way of living.
Pear-Shaped: This body type gathers more fat in the hips, thighs, and buttocks as compared to the mid-section. Hence, their belly might be pretty flat or small as compared to their lower body.
It usually goes along with subcutaneous fat, which is the result of higher amount of estrogen levels and genetic predisposition. It is still considered better than the kind of health risk associated with visceral fat sported by apple-shaped people.
Hourglass-Shaped: There is a proportionate distribution of the body weight. People with this body type have a smaller mid-section, with hips and bust in proportion to the body weight. In this shape, the belly is defined very visibly and would seem to be flat or elliptically rounded.
It usually reflects proportional weight distribution and a relatively proportionate diet-exercise routine.
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Rectangular-Shaped: Those who hold a more rectangular belly shape usually carry their weight quite evenly around the torso and show less definition at the waistline. This indicates overall weight gain and can be due to a gain in muscle mass, or a well-proportioned body.
Rounded or Pot-Belly: This is described by an overall rounder belly sticking out more. This could result from an accumulation of fat by gaining weight, through water retention, or due to genetic predisposition.
Over caloric intake that will make the weight go up, digestive issues, or maybe just metabolic differences due to aging.
People’s belly shapes can vary quite a bit, and many times they are a reflection of genetics combined with a person’s lifestyle and overall body shape. (Source: Freepik)
Which is the worst kind of belly shape induced by weight gain?
According to Dr Rajamanya, apple-shaped weight gain poses the greatest health threat.
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“This type of weight gain is usually associated with visceral fat, which wraps around the body’s internal organs and is closely associated with higher risk factors and serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome,” she explained.
According to her, visceral fat can cause regular inflammation and insulin resistance, and therefore is much more dangerous when compared to any other forms of fat distribution. She advised that it can be usually taken care of by changing diet, exercise, and stress management techniques to avoid those significant health risks.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
