Are YOU Apple Or Pear Shaped

Are you apple or pear shaped and which is better for your health?

Researcher and physician, Dr. David Flum of the University of Washington had this to say about 'pear and apple' shaped bodies.

Some of the best metrics (emerging from research) are whether your body is pear-shaped or apple-shaped," Flum said. "People with an apple-shaped body type, carrying most of that weight around the middle, are at greater risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Dr Marie Savard agrees about the health dangers of a large waist with Drs Oz, Roizen and Flum.  She has, however, a unique spin and gives positives for both pear and apple shapes which intrigued me as I'm apple shaped and have always worried and worked hard to reduce my tummy fat.  She uses the waist to hip ratio(WHR) as opposed  to dividing your height in half(as Drs Roizen and Oz do) for a healthy waist measurement.

Video Clip:

Dr Savard has a waist to hip ratio calculator on her site so you can have your answer quickly.  Listen to Dr Savard's interview and her suggestions on what do do about your apple or pear shape.

Dr Savard's interview on the CBS Early Show with her suggestions on how to improve your own body health.

Most researchers and all the doctors above agree on two things-exercising and eating 'good food'.  Walk 30 minutes or 10,000 steps a day(including your daily activities) and cut down on those high glycemic carbs. 

Studies show that walking makes your heart and cardiovascular system more fit. Your longevity and your quality of life go up.  That's thin or fat, pear or apple, young or old.

Read Bob Condor's article,  Living Well: Scientists weigh in with new ideas on fatness.

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