This body shape can raise your risk for colorectal cancer

Where you store your body fat can affect your chances of getting deadly diseases including cancer and

heart disease

. Studies show that certain body types could attract more serious health concerns than others. Research demonstrates that if you have an

apple-shaped body

which means a wider midsection and broader waist, it could put you at risk of serious health concerns including colorectal cancer, compared to pear-shaped people, who store their excess fat in the hips, buttocks and thighs.

Why people with apple-shaped bodies are at risk of colorectal cancer

A wider midsection indicates build-up of dangerous belly fat or visceral fat which wraps around your internal organs like liver, kidney or even heart. This isn’t the usual fat that is just under the skin, this hidden layer can wreak havoc on your heart and put you at risk of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea, among other issues.

What if you are apple-shaped yet have a perfect BMI

In that case also, you face similar risks as an apple shape indicates presence of visceral fat and even a healthy BMI cannot save you from harmful chronic diseases like heart issue and

type 2 diabetes

.
An apple-shaped body is more common in men and is associated with a higher concentration of visceral fat and an increased risk of heart disease. Pear-shaped obesity is more common in females and is considered metabolically healthy due to a higher concentration of subcutaneous adipose tissue.
A study found that people with an apple shape had a significantly higher risk of death from all causes than those with pear-shaped bodies.

Apple shape and colon cancer risk

In a study published in Science Advances, it was found that people who were “generally obese” or have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 faced a 10% higher risk of developing colon cancer compared to those of a healthy weight.
However, it also demonstrated that people who weren’t obese but carried extra weight around their midsection or had an apple-shaped body were 12% more likely to develop colon cancer than people with smaller waists.

Heart disease risk among apple-shaped people

According to a review published in the British Journal of Nutrition, it was found that a wider midsection is directly tied to a higher risk of heart disease. For every 3.9-inch rise in waist circumference, the risk of heart disease goes up by 3% for women and 4% for men.
Men have a higher probability of being apple-shaped, but women’s bodies may become apple-shaped as they age. This happens post menopause where such people are at a higher risk of heart and blood vessel problems even with normal and healthy BMI.
A wider midsection is also associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes as per several studies.

Health risks of an apple-shaped body

Increased risk of heart disease: Having excess fat around the abdomen is strongly linked to higher cholesterol levels, elevated blood pressure, and a greater likelihood of heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
Higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes: Fat stored in the abdominal region contributes to insulin resistance, making it more difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Greater risk of colorectal cancer: Research has shown that individuals with an apple-shaped body, characterized by fat concentrated around the waist, have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer due to chronic inflammation caused by visceral fat.
Fatty liver disease: Abdominal fat increases the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition where fat builds up in the liver, potentially leading to liver damage or cirrhosis if untreated.
Hormonal imbalances and metabolic syndrome: Visceral fat can disrupt the production and balance of hormones like cortisol and insulin, contributing to metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels, which significantly increase the risk of serious health issues.