Home / Glossary / Android body type ("apple")
Conditions

Android type ("apple")

Fat predominantly on the abdomen

Android type — an "apple" shape, fat on the belly

The android type is a fat distribution with a predominance around the waist and belly (an "apple" shape), as opposed to the "pear" (gynoid type). It is linked to visceral fat and increased cardiometabolic risk.

It is more common in men, but also occurs in women, especially after menopause.

"Apple" versus "pear"

In the android type fat accumulates around the organs (abdominal obesity) — which is metabolically dangerous. In the gynoid type ("pear") fat is deposited on the hips and buttocks; this subcutaneous fat is less harmful. So it is not only weight that matters, but where the fat sits.

How to identify it

The type is assessed by the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference. A high WHR is a sign of android distribution and increased risk.

Reference ranges

Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) — thresholds for increased risk (WHO):

Men≥ 0.90
Women≥ 0.85
Important: The higher the WHR, the more pronounced the android type. The waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference complete the picture.

Calculate using this marker

Calculators where Android body type ("apple") is used directly:

Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) Your fat distribution, body shape, and cardiometabolic risk Open Waist-to-Height Ratio (WtHR) Abdominal fat and cardiometabolic risk from your waist-to-height ratio Open Body Fat Your body fat percentage and the norms for your sex and age Open

Frequently asked questions

Is the "apple" really more dangerous than the "pear"?

Yes. In the android type, visceral fat around the organs predominates, and it is more strongly linked to insulin resistance, diabetes and heart disease. Gynoid (hip) fat is less dangerous in that respect.

Can you change your body shape?

The basic distribution type is largely set by genetics and sex, but with weight loss visceral fat goes first, the waist shrinks, and cardiometabolic risk falls — even if the overall "shape" does not change much.

Related terms

Gynoid body type ("pear") Fat predominantly on the hips and buttocks Abdominal obesity Excess fat in the abdominal area Visceral fat Fat around the internal organs WHR (Waist-to-hip ratio) The ratio of waist to hip circumference Waist circumference A marker of abdominal (visceral) obesity Metabolic syndrome A cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors Insulin resistance Reduced sensitivity of cells to insulin

Sources

  1. WHO — Waist Circumference and Waist–Hip Ratio (report)
  2. MedlinePlus (NIH) — Body Mass Index & Body Fat Distribution
info
This content is educational and does not replace consultation with a physician. Reference ranges may vary depending on the laboratory and method — rely on the ranges stated on your own test report.
← All glossary terms