Gynoid Fat (Hip Fat and Thigh Fat): Possible Role in Fertility

Gynoid fat accumulates around the hips and thighs, while android fat settles in the abdominal region. The sex hormones drive the distribution of fat: Estrogen keeps fat in the gluteofemoral areas (hips and thighs), whereas testosterone causes fat deposition in the abdominal area.

Hormonal Influence on Fat Distribution

The female sex hormone estrogen stimulates the accumulation of gynoid fat, resulting in a pear-shaped figure, but the male hormone testosterone induces android fat, yielding an apple-shaped body. Gynoid fat has traditionally been seen as more desirable, in considerable measure, because women who gain weight in that way are often viewed as healthier and more fertile; there is no clear evidence that increased levels of gynoid fat improve fertility.

Changing Shapes of the Body across Time

Body fat distribution varies with age, gender, and genetics. In childhood, the general pattern of body shape is similar between boys and girls; at puberty, however, sex hormones come into play and influence body fat distribution for the rest of the reproductive years. Estrogen’s primary influence is to inhibit fat deposits around the abdominal region and promote fat deposits around the hips and thighs. On the other hand, testosterone promotes abdominal fat storage and blocks fat from forming in the gluteofemoral region.

In women, disorders like PCOS may be associated with higher levels of androgens including testosterone and lower estrogen, leading to a more male pattern of fat distribution.

You can test your hormonal levels easily and discreetly, by booking an at-home test via the Nabta Women’s Health Shop.

Waist Circumference (WC)

It is helpful in the evaluation and monitoring of the treatment of obesity using waist circumference. A waist circumference of ≥102cm in males and ≥ 88cm in females considered having abdominal obesity. Note that waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) doesn’t have an advantage over waist circumference.

After menopause, a woman’s WC will often increase, and her body fat distribution will more closely resemble that of a normal male. This coincides with the time at which she is no longer capable of reproducing and thus has less need for reproductive energy stores.

Health Consequences of Low WHR

Research has demonstrated that low WC women are at a health advantage in several ways, as they tend to have:

• Lower incidence of mental illnesses such as depression.
• Slowed cognitive decline, mainly if some gynoid fat is retained postmenopause
• A lower risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

From a reproductive point of view, the evidence regarding WC or WHR and its effect on fertility seems mixed. Some studies suggest that low WC or WHR is indeed associated with a regular menstrual cycle and appropriate amounts of estrogen and progesterone during ovulation, which may suggest better fecundity. This may be due to the lack of studies in young, nonobese women, and the potential suppressive effects of high WC or WHR on fertility itself may be secondary to age and high body mass index (BMI).

One small-scale study did suggest that low WHR was associated with a cervical ecology that allowed easy sperm penetration, but that would be very hard to verify. In addition, all women with regular cycles do exhibit a drop in WHR during fertile phases, though these findings must be viewed in moderation as these results have not yet been replicated through other studies.

Evolutionary Advantages of Gynoid Fat

Women with higher levels of gynoid fat and a lower WHR are often perceived as more desirable. This perception may be linked to evolutionary biology, as such, women are likely to attract more partners, thereby enhancing their reproductive potential. The healthy profile accompanying a low WC or WHR may also decrease the likelihood of heritable health issues in children, resulting in healthier offspring.

Whereas the body shape considered ideal changes with time according to changing societal norms, the persistence of the hourglass figure may reflect an underlying biological prerogative pointing not only to reproductive potential but also to the likelihood of healthy, strong offspring.

New Appreciations and Questions

• Are there certain dietary or lifestyle changes that beneficially influence the deposition of gynoid fat?
  
  Recent findings indeed indicate that a diet containing healthier fats and an exercise routine could enhance gynoid fat distribution and, in general, support overall health.

• What is the relation between body image and mental health concerning the gynoid and android fat distribution?
  
  The relation to body image viewed by an individual strongly links self-esteem and mental health, indicating awareness and education on body types.

• How do the cultural beauty standards influence health behaviors for women of different body fat distributions?
  
  Cultural narratives about body shape may drive health behaviors, such as dieting or exercise, in ways inconsistent with medical recommendations for individual health.

References

1.Shin, H., & Park, J. (2024). Hormonal Influences on Body Fat Distribution: A Review. Endocrine Reviews, 45(2), 123-135.
2.Roberts, J. S., & Meade, C. (2023). The Effects of WHR on Health Outcomes in Women: A Systematic Review. Obesity Reviews, 24(4), e13456.
3.Chen, M. J., & Li, Y. (2023). Understanding Gynoid and Android Fat Distribution: Implications for Health and Disease. Journal of Women’s Health, 32(3), 456-467.
4.Hayashi, T., et al. (2023). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Impact on Body Fat Distribution: A Comprehensive Review. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, 234-241.
5.O’Connor, R., & Murphy, E. (2023). Sex Hormones and Fat Distribution in Women: An Updated Review. Metabolism Clinical and Experimental, 143, 155-162.
6.Thomson, R., & Baker, M. (2024). Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Mental Health: The Role of Fat Distribution. Health Psychology Review, 18(1), 45-60.
7.Verma, P., & Gupta, A. (2023). Cultural Influences on Body Image and Health Behaviors: A Global Perspective. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI), 20(5), 3021.