When it comes to fat, location does make a difference

Summary

Carrying around some extra fat on your butt has less impact on your overall health than putting on the pounds around your waist.

Story Published: Jul 10, 2008 at 6:27 AM PST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 9:57 PM PST

When it comes to fat, location does make a difference
Studies show it's healthier to be pear-shaped. Carrying around some extra fat on your butt has less impact on your overall health than putting on the pounds around your waist.

"People who have a lot of what we call abdominal obesity or the beer belly, they seem to be at increased risk for this syndrome called the metabolic syndrome which is abnormal fats in your blood and a higher risk for heart disease and strokes," said Dr. John Swartzberg, editorial director of the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter.

So what do you do? Go on a diet and lose weight!

"It's easier to take off the fat around your waist than it is to take off in other parts of your body," said Swartzberg. "Also if you go on a diet and you lose weight, you're going to lose it preferentially around the abdomen which is good."

Just remember, there's nothing you can do or take to guarantee weight loss in a specific area.

Steer clear of any product that claims it can give you thinner thighs or a smaller tush. That's called spot reduction and it's impossible.

For More Information:

Are you an apple or pear?