Gynoid fat distribution ("pear") is the accumulation of fat mainly in the lower body: on the hips, buttocks and upper legs. It is the mirror opposite of the android type ("apple"), in which fat is deposited on the belly.
Gynoid fat is mostly subcutaneous rather than visceral, so it is metabolically safer and is linked to a lower WHR. The waist-to-hip ratio helps determine the type.
Why the "pear" is safer than the "apple"
The key is where the fat lies. In the gynoid type it is deposited under the skin of the hips and buttocks. Such fat is more inert: it serves as a long-term energy store and interferes with metabolism less than the visceral fat of the belly.
In the android type fat accumulates around the internal organs, sustains inflammation and insulin resistance, so the "apple" raises the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease more strongly. At equal weight, body shape matters more than the number on the scale itself.
The role of estrogens and menopause
Gynoid distribution is largely determined by estrogens: they shift fat deposition from the belly to the hips and buttocks. That is why the "pear" figure is typical of women of reproductive age.
After menopause, when estrogens fall, the distribution often shifts toward the android type — fat starts to accumulate on the belly, and the heart risk grows. This makes controlling the waist especially important with age.
Calculate using this marker
Calculators where Gynoid body type ("pear") is used directly:
Frequently asked questions
Is the gynoid body type healthy?
The "pear" type in itself is linked to a lower metabolic risk than the "apple". But excess fat is harmful with any distribution, so the overall body fat percentage matters too, not only its location.
How can I tell which type I have — "pear" or "apple"?
Go by the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). A low WHR (fat mainly on the hips) is the gynoid type; a high WHR with a large belly is the android type.