Thin but fat: How body fat distribution differs by gender
Increased legs-to-total fat percentage ratio in females with a normal body mass index: A change in lifestyle or the adaptation process of the body
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Scientists studied 844 people from Slovenia. They found that men have more fat in their belly than other parts, while women with normal weight have more fat in their legs compared to their belly. Also, 82.5% of leg fat is explained by total body fat, gender, and age. A lazy lifestyle causes normal-weight people to have too much fat.
Surprising Findings
Normal-weight women have higher leg fat ratios than obese women
Counterintuitive because obesity typically implies more fat everywhere, but this shows fat distribution patterns differ unexpectedly
Practical Takeaways
Reduce sedentary behavior to lower risk of normal-weight obesity
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Scientists studied 844 people from Slovenia. They found that men have more fat in their belly than other parts, while women with normal weight have more fat in their legs compared to their belly. Also, 82.5% of leg fat is explained by total body fat, gender, and age. A lazy lifestyle causes normal-weight people to have too much fat.
Surprising Findings
Normal-weight women have higher leg fat ratios than obese women
Counterintuitive because obesity typically implies more fat everywhere, but this shows fat distribution patterns differ unexpectedly
Practical Takeaways
Reduce sedentary behavior to lower risk of normal-weight obesity
Publication
Journal
Exercise and Quality of Life
Year
2023
Authors
Boštjan Jakše, S. Pinter, Uroš Godnov
Related Content
Claims (6)
Men typically exhibit higher body fat percentage in the abdominal region compared to other body regions.
Women with a healthy weight and normal overall body fat have more fat in their legs relative to their total body fat and trunk fat compared to obese people, but men with healthy weight don't show this pattern.
Total body fat, gender, and age account for most of the differences in leg fat among people.
Looking at fat in the trunk and legs compared to overall body fat is important for understanding body composition, even more than just knowing gender differences.
Doctors need to study why some women with normal weight have uneven fat distribution in their bodies, as it might affect their health.