Pear/apple shaped women: at greater risk for obesity?

Would you describe your body as being a pear or apple in shape? And does this affect your risk of being obese?
The difference between these two fruit shape types lies on which area of the body, fat is distributed. Pear-shaped people tend to have a higher degree of fat on their hips and buttocks, whereas people who are apple-shaped usually have fat concentrated in the stomach region.
Research has shown that people who are apple-shaped are at a greater risk of developing health problems linked to obesity. These problems include coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, gallstones and osteoarthritis, amongst others.
To determine what body shape you are, you would need to know what your waist-to-hip ratio is. Women and men will differ on these measurements as fat distribution is different between the two sexes.

According to medicinenet.com, your waist-to-hip ratio can be calculated as follows:
•    measure your waist at its smallest point, and then measure the hips at the widest point;
•    divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement. Women with waist-to-hip ratios of more than 0,8 and men with waist-to-hip ratios of more than 1,0 are 'apples'.
If you find out that you are apple shaped, take extra caution at following a good diet and exercise plan. Obesity can be prevented if you take care of yourself.

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