Difference Between Android and Gynoid Obesity

Obesity is a common health condition and its prevalence spares no one. The age of onset is decreasing in today’s times and it is soon becoming the leading cause for concern in children, teens, adults, older population, etc. Obesity and fat can have different ways of presenting themselves in the bodies of males and females. We often wonder why a woman’s body is shaped differently as compared to a man’s and a major reason could be due to the overall fat deposition in the body. 

Understanding the types of obesity that are common for your body type would play a role in dealing with its effects. Having deep knowledge of what might cause obesity in the female and male bodies will also be vital in removing the fats and moving towards a healthier body and BMI

Proper medical terms are used to classify and categorize the types of obesity prevalent in males and females. Even though obesity can be of various types, the most prominent one in females is gynoid obesity which is mainly characterized by the unusual fat accumulation in certain specific parts of the body. Contrarily, one of the most common types of obesity that are found primarily in males is android obesity. Fat deposition in this type is commonly around the center of the body – the stomach. 

Several parameters can be used to compare these types of obesity that find a way to present themselves in adult males and females. 

What is Android obesity?

Obesity in the male (android type) presents itself dominantly around the visceral and upper and middle back or the thoracic regions of the body. The fat is deposited around the central trunk region (mid-section and stomach) and can also include the chest and arms. Android obesity, since it sees fat in the chest and arm region of the body, can also be linked to insulin resistance. This could mean that the body may not be able to transport and use the extra sugar and glucose molecules present for energy. Since the glucose is not used, it floats in the blood leaving the body susceptible to diabetes. 

Android type of fat is also commonly associated with other medical conditions like heart diseases, hormonal imbalances, sleep apnea, etc. A strong reason for the association of different medical conditions with this type of fat is the high correlation of android fat with a high amount of visceral fat. The more visceral fat, the higher the release of proteins and certain hormones that trigger inflammation in the body. This inflammation can damage arteries and can also invade our organs and affect the vital processes that they carry out each minute. 

What is Gynoid obesity?

Gynoid obesity, on the other hand, is more commonly found in females. It can be characterized as a higher amount of fat accumulation around the hips, breasts, and thighs. A person who is obese (gynoid type) has a pear-shaped body. It has different causes and health consequences as opposed to the android type. Females are more susceptible to developing this type of obesity due to the natural gynoid fat that exists in their bodies which aims to provide nourishment to the offspring. Gynoid fat can also be termed reproductive fat. Essentially, it is also considered an attractive feature or an aphrodisiac for many males as it denotes the woman’s potential for reproduction. 

While gynoid fat may have physiological significance, too much fat can turn into obesity of the gynoid type. One can also find this type of obesity in males, however, it is very rare. Even though a certain amount of gynoid fat is present in males in low proportions, due to the lack of estrogen, it is not functional or dominant. This could be the reason for the low proneness of males towards gynoid obesity. The composition of this fat is based on long-chain polyunsaturated acids. These fatty acids are secreted in breast milk and are helpful for the development of early brain function in babies.

Android vs Gynoid obesity

The comparison between android and gynoid obesity can be based on a few parameters. 

Meaning

Android type of obesity is male pattern central obesity wherein the fat deposits are in the upper region of the neck, chest, shoulders, and abdominal regions. This is primarily evident in the male body with a rate of approximately 48.6% fat distribution.

Gynoid type of obesity, also known as female pattern fats or reproductive fats, occurs around the regions of the breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks. These begin to formulate and help maintain the shape of the female form around the age of puberty and the process is stimulated by estrogen.

Appearance 

Android obesity looks ‘apple shaped’ as the fats are in the central regions of the male body

The gynoid type is ‘pear-shaped’ in the female body owing to the regions of fat deposition

Cause

Android fats are caused due to genetic factors. Genes have a success rate of about 50% and develop when the male body undergoes any hormonal imbalance.

Gynoid fats are present and are functional due to estrogen. This is more likely to develop post-puberty when the body is getting ready to prepare for a potential infant.

Distribution

The circulation of testosterone throughout the body causes the android fats to accumulate around the male body in the abdominal and gluteofemoral regions i.e. the upper thigh and buttock region.

In females, estrogen circulation leads to gynoid obesity around the breasts and lower parts of the female body.

Health risks

Android fats and obesity are more prone to lead to the development of cardiovascular conditions – coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, diabetes, etc.

A higher concentration of gynoid fats can cause breast cancer in females.

Treatment

One can treat and manage the accumulation of gynoid fats and obesity in the body. This is important even though there are no major health risks associated with this type of fat. Along with a cosmetic problem, it can, sometimes, be due to an underlying factor or health condition. Proper diagnosis and treatment should then be taken. 

• Reduce weight with the help of exercise and workouts
• Low-calorie food intake to avoid more weight gain
• Any hormonal imbalances need to be taken care of with proper treatment and supplements if needed.

Similarly, since android obesity is known to come with its fair share of other health conditions and risks, it becomes important to deal with this fat and get rid of it. Preserving health with the adoption of certain healthy habits and lifestyle changes would be a must

• Changing the diet to include more fiber-rich foods and eliminating processed or sugary foods would be key
• Physical activities and the inclusion of cardio exercises can help with losing abdominal fat
• Surgery can be considered in case the fat deposition is extensive.

Bottomline 

Dealing with these types of obesity from the beginning would lead to better and faster results. Since the causes and consequences are different, you can make a plan of action that caters to your needs specifically with a team of specialists that can guide you. Ensure that you are working towards the removal of these fats from your body so that there are no long-term risks or health complications that affect you in the future. Stay healthy by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Also know about blood sugar level normal.

FAQs

Is Android or Gynoid fat better?

Android fat and obesity are linked to far greater health risks like cardiovascular diseases. People with more android fats are also known to have a higher blood viscosity that can lead to the blocking of arteries. Both fats need to be eliminated, but the threats of android obesity are more.

What is the Android gynoid ratio?

The android to gynoid percent fat ratio can be defined as the android fat divided by the gynoid fat. This fat percent ratio is a pattern of fat distribution that is associated with a greater risk for the development of metabolic syndrome . Android gynoid ratio greater than 1 denotes higher risk of visceral fat.

Why do girls store fat in their thighs?

Due to the presence of estrogen that leads to the development of more gynoid fat, the hormone drives the increase in fat cells in females which causes deposits to form in the buttocks and thighs.

What is apple-shaped obesity?

Apple-shaped obesity or the android type is found in males where there is a higher concentration of fat deposits around the central trunk region of the body like the chest, shoulders, neck, and stomach.