This week I have decided to think and post about my body shape since it is a very important factor in my weight loss endeavor. Also, its just to think about and know what my body is and is not.

According to Fitness Magazine (in their November/December 2008 issue):

Pears have larger lower bodies and smaller upper bodies – storing fat on the hips, thighs, and butt.

Yep, that’s me. I definitely look like a pear with legs. There are some really pretty pears out there though:

The biggest challenge for this body type? Losing weight.

Thank you for putting it so clearly Fitness Magazine. My body is working against me. I knew it. Traitor!

‘When we drop pounds, our body burns through the fat around our middle – the kind linked to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer – first. Which is great excpet that pears don’t have a lot of belly flab to begin with. Instead, they’ve got fat on their lower half, which refuses to budge,’ Dr. Savard says.

Well, damn. My little tummy is a good thing, but my stubborn lower half doesn’t seem to be set up for cooperation with weight loss. Mr. Fitness Magazine Doctor chose the phrase “refuses to budge.” Great. Why? Why? Oh they try to explain why…

Some researchers believe that stubborn butt and thigh fat (known as passive fat) is so hard to shed because it was meant to stay put, giving women a ready supply of fuel during childbirth and breast-feeding.

Hey good news! I am fully fueled up for having babies! Great! If only I cared to have one anytime son that would be great news. However, my baby having schedule is telling me I have a few years before I my passive fat (really, it has a name?) comes in handy.

Another possible explanation: cellulite, which generally affects hips and thighs, creates a net of fibrous tissue that makes it difficult for the blood supply to reach fat stores. If blood can’t get in, the fat can’t be broken down and carried out.

I knew I hated my cellulite for more than just its annoyingly ugly appearance. Turns out it is fighting against me! Stopping my passive fat from being broken down! Figures. Is there any good news?

When it comes to their health, however, pears luck out. Passive fat may actually help reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes, some scientists say.

Sweet! I am not sure how much I believe that, but it is a nice possibility. And it is nice to know the fat I am carrying around isn’t the kind that increases my risk for deadly diseases.

Sure it is and will cause me other problems, but it is good to know that its not all bad. Hey at the very least I am super prepared to be a baby machine one day! Good to know!

What body shape are you?