RWJ OB/GYN GROUP at Hamilton: Pregnancy and Women's Health

Are you an Apple or a Pear?

And how it could affect your health!

To find out if you're an "apple" or a "pear," you'll need to make two measurements. Measure your waist at its narrowest point, then measure your hips at their widest point.

Then click on the upper dial to indicate your waist measurement, and click on the lower dial to indicate your hip measurement. Click in the MIDDLE of the dial to find out whether your measurements indicate an "apple" shape, or a "pear" shape

OR? if you prefer, type in your waist and hip measurement.

What does being an "apple" or "pear" mean, and why does it matter?

Waist measurement : Hip measurement :
Units :

What does being an "apple" or "pear" mean and why does it matter?

Your health is affected not only by how much body fat you have, but also by where most of the fat is located on your body. People who tend to gain weight mostly in their hips and buttocks have roughly "pear-shaped" figures, while people who tend to gain weight mostly in the abdomen have more of an "apple" shape.

If you are an "apple" rather than a "pear," you are at increased risk for the health problems associated with obesity, such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, and high blood pressure. There is nothing you can do to change your body type - that's something you inherited, and have had since birth - but you can take special care to keep your weight at a healthy level, eat nutritiously, exercise as appropriate, and maintain other healthy lifestyle habits.

As long as you avoid excess weight, being an "apple" vs. a "pear" doesn't put you at special risk - it's just one of those things to keep in mind. And even "pears" should take particular care to keep their weight within normal limits, to avoid the health problems associated with obesity.
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Note: This calculation is intended for adults, not children. Please see the disclaimer below.

Disclaimer: The Fitness Assessment presented here is for your information only, and to encourage the adoption of an appropriate, healthy lifestyle. It is not a substitute for a physical examination and evaluation by a qualified medical doctor. The results of this assessment may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not use this information to make significant changes in your lifestyle without consulting a qualified physician, especially if you have a history of illness or injury, are pregnant, or are subject to any other special medical circumstances. This assessment is not appropriate for use in children, the elderly, the chronically ill, or other special populations. Please consult your personal physician if you have any questions or concerns.

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