fat distribution
Where adipose accumulates
Fat distribution refers to where the body stores adipose tissue.
People carry fat differently—some accumulate it around the midsection apple-shaped distribution, others in the hips and thighs pear-shaped distribution.
Genetics, hormones, age, and sex influence these patterns.
Medical contexts distinguish between subcutaneous fat (under the skin) and visceral fat (around organs), with visceral distribution linked to greater health risks.
- adiposePertaining to stored lipids
- body compositionBodily tissue proportions
- subcutaneousBelow the skin
- visceralArising from deep instinct
- beer bellyProtruding abdomen from alcohol
spare tire · muffin top · cellulite · love handles · thighs · hips · waist · metabolism · hormones · estrogen · testosterone · apple-shaped · pear-shaped · body shape · midsection · lipids · obesity · BMI