Can you change being "naturally" apple/pear shaped or bottom/top heavy?

It's true that our body shape has a lot to do with our eating and exercise habits, but don't forget about genetics too! There are many different body types/shapes, not just pear and apple. Actually, pear and apple are a little old school. More recently, body shapes have been referred to as: hourglass, spoon, ruler and cone (and probably others that I haven't yet hear about). I personally fall into the spoon category, as I'm very small framed on top and therefore have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis in my upper body. I have a lot of flexibility all over and much greater muscle mass in my legs, which is probably why I've always been drawn to dancing and running. Although I can find specific exercises that are good for my body type, I still can't get around genetics. I'm never going to be big on top, no matter how many weights I lift, because of the bone structure and shape I was born with.

This is a great question. I am the bearer of an apple shape body and become aware of the differences a few years ago. Alysiak is right on the money when she says that the apple shape body is at greater risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes and also heart conditions. However, we have a much easier road to losing weight than pear shape bodies. Whenever we are stressed we build high levels of cortisol and this will show around the waist. Apple shape bodies will tend to show this more obviously than the Pear shape bodies. If you are gaining weight around your waste or wish to lose a couple of inches on your waist line try taking Green Tea supplements or drink 8-10 cups of this tea during the day. Green tea is a natural fat burner and it has worked for me all the time. Another supplement that has helped me maintain healthy weight and shape around my waist is Chromium Picolinate. This helps control high glycemic levels and fats.

Before you incorporate any changes to your diet by adding supplements, you may always want to ask your doctor to check your cortisol levels to make sure this extra weight is not related to stress due to high cortisol levels. Good luck!

The body shape we acquire seems to have everything to do with what we eat and our lifestyle, and there's no getting around the need to exercise. So, it will take a combination of adjusting your eating habits and some sort of regular exercise to deal with an apple/pear body shape.

The apple shape is of particular concern because of the risk of Type II Diabetes and heart conditions. Diabetes has become the fastest growing "new" health risk in the U.S. because of our high rate of obesity.

The L.A. Shape Diet

Overview of Dr. Marie Savard's "Apples & Pears: The Body Shape Solution for Weight Loss and Wellness"and quick tips on diet and exercise for the apple-pear shape

Another quick view of apples and pears and dietary approach.

To help determine your body shape and potential health risk, see this chart.