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Storing extra fat around the abdomen has been associated with higher risks for heart disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and other conditions, even if a person's actual weight or body mass index is in a healthy range. Waist to hip ratios help determine excess abdominal fat.
These three body types, pear, squash and apple, describe different waist to hip ratios. The pear shape has the lowest waist to hip ratio and is not associated with increased health risks. The squash shape suggests a moderate amount of intra-abdominal fat in relation to hip size and presents some increased health risks. Of the three, the apple shape has the highest intra-abdominal fat in relation to hip size and indicates significantly increased health risks.
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