Belly Shapes and Hidden Health Clues

In contrast, the "pear" shape, where fat tends to accumulate more around the hips, thighs, and buttocks, is generally considered less metabolically dangerous than the apple shape. While any excess weight can contribute to health issues, subcutaneous fat (fat just under the skin) in the lower body is thought to be less inflammatory than visceral fat. However, this doesn't mean it's entirely benign, as significant fat in this region can still put strain on joints and contribute to overall obesity-related complications.