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.
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.
Note:This calculation is intended for adults, not children. Please see the disclaimer below.
Reference: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) report Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults: the Evidence Report. Released June 1998.
The calculator is provided for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and may not represent your true individual medical situation. It does not take all possible factors into account in its assessment of your healthy weight or body type. Do not use this information to make significant changes in your diet, exercise regimen, or other aspects of your lifestyle without consulting your personal physician or other qualified health care provider as recommended by your physician. Please contact your physician if you have any questions or concerns.
Disclaimer: The text presented on these pages is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
