A specific pattern of body fat accumulation characterized by preferential storage in the central abdominal and upper body regions, often described as an “apple” shape. This specific distribution is clinically significant because it involves a higher proportion of metabolically active visceral adipose tissue (VAT). VAT is strongly correlated with increased risk for insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. The term contrasts clinically with gynoid fat distribution, where fat is stored primarily in the hips and thighs.
Origin
The term is derived from the Greek word andr- meaning “man” or “male,” reflecting the observation that this pattern is statistically more common in men due to sex hormone differences. While historically associated with males, this distribution becomes highly relevant in postmenopausal women as protective estrogen levels decline. The concept of using body shape as a clinical predictor of metabolic risk gained prominence with epidemiological studies linking waist-to-hip ratio to adverse disease outcomes.
Mechanism
The localization of fat storage is heavily influenced by the distribution of androgen and glucocorticoid receptors, which are more abundant in the abdominal region. Cortisol, a stress hormone, promotes the accumulation of visceral fat through its effects on adipocyte differentiation and lipolysis. Elevated androgen activity, or a relative lack of estrogen, further favors this central adiposity pattern. This pattern of fat storage is associated with greater release of inflammatory adipokines and free fatty acids directly into the portal circulation, significantly impacting liver metabolism.
Perimenopausal hormonal changes alter fat distribution by shifting storage from hips to abdomen, driven by declining estrogen and metabolic recalibrations.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.