Chapter 3: Weight Management 57 The location of body fat also seems to play an important role in health and disease risk. Individuals who carry more fat around their waist are at a greater health and disease risk than individuals who carry it elsewhere in the body. Generally speaking, males accumulate more fat around their waist thus giving them an apple-shaped (aka android) appearance. Conversely, females generally accumulate more fat around their hips and buttocks thus giving them a pear-shaped (aka gynoid) appearance. Figure 3.9 depicts the two primary body fat distribution patterns. Figure 3.9. Android and Gynoid Fat Distribution Patterns Techniques for Assessing Body Composition Circumference Measurements (aka Girth Measurements). Circumference measurements are measurements taken at specific anatomical sites that can be used to assess body size. Although circumference measurements by themselves, tell us very little about actual body composition, this can be an effective means of assessing progress toward meeting body composition goals. For example, increases in upper arm girth can be testament of muscle hypertrophy as a result of regular strength training. Similarly, a decrease in waist girth can be testament of fat loss as a result of regular exercise and healthy dietary practices. Figure 3.10 depicts some of the positive changes that can occur in body composition as
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