Diabetes Talking » Diabetes » Body Types
Body Types
Question:
I’ve battled overweight all my life, with the added disadvantage of being an "apple" shape. This shape is usually associated with men, being upper body centered, and has the effect on an overweight woman of de-feminizing her body with the more masculine distribution of weight. My two sisters and mother are "pear" shaped, slim down to the waist, so even if they are 15-20 lbs. overweight, they still look thin. I, on the other hand, need to be practically underweight to look good (i.e., no bulges, etc.) Upper body weight gain is hard to camouflage. I gain in the chin, upper arms, breasts and stomach. My legs remain thin and muscular. Besides the cosmetic aspect of it, weight centered around the vital organs is not as healthy to be carrying around as say, saddlebags (especially as I inherited the apple body type from my father’s side of the family, which carries diabetes). Five years ago I lost 65 lbs. and was actually thin for the first time in my adult life (was a thin kid; started gaining in adolescence), but have since gained back 35 lbs. After losing all the weight I had to have my gallbladder out (when I went for pre-admission testing, the nurse said, "So which is it, you just lost a lot of weight or had a baby?") There’s nothing we can do to "rearrange" the distribution of weight to our liking, but working with weights at least helps to firm up (to a degree – stretched skin can only be remedied with surgery, after the build-up of muscle underneath has reached its apex). The apple shape seems to gain muscle relatively easily – I only lifted weights 10 minutes a night, every night and I quickly gained "cut" arms (which I still see hidden under the layers of fat I’ve regained). Anyway, I was just wondering if other women out there have experienced frustration as I have with the apple shape. Before you buy.
Response:
I am an hour glass with 45 minutes on the bottom. LOL – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve battled overweight all my life, with the added disadvantage of being an "apple" shape. This shape is usually associated with men, being upper body centered, and has the effect on an overweight woman of de-feminizing her body with the more masculine distribution of weight. My two sisters and mother are "pear" shaped, slim down to the waist, so even if they are 15-20 lbs. overweight, they still look thin. I, on the other hand, need to be practically underweight to look good (i.e., no bulges, etc.) Upper body weight gain is hard to camouflage. I gain in the chin, upper arms, breasts and stomach. My legs remain thin and muscular. Besides the cosmetic aspect of it, weight centered around the vital organs is not as healthy to be carrying around as say, saddlebags (especially as I inherited the apple body type from my father’s side of the family, which carries diabetes). Five years ago I lost 65 lbs. and was actually thin for the first time in my adult life (was a thin kid; started gaining in adolescence), but have since gained back 35 lbs. After losing all the weight I had to have my gallbladder out (when I went for pre-admission testing, the nurse said, "So which is it, you just lost a lot of weight or had a baby?") There’s nothing we can do to "rearrange" the distribution of weight to our liking, but working with weights at least helps to firm up (to a degree – stretched skin can only be remedied with surgery, after the build-up of muscle underneath has reached its apex). The apple shape seems to gain muscle relatively easily – I only lifted weights 10 minutes a night, every night and I quickly gained "cut" arms (which I still see hidden under the layers of fat I’ve regained). Anyway, I was just wondering if other women out there have experienced frustration as I have with the apple shape. Before you buy.
– ****** Diva
Response:
I have not had your particular frustration, but I am certainly one of many women that are NOT built like Barbie. I sympathize deeply- I am battling some saggy skin on my upper arms. Lat pulldowns are helping to retone, but it is a slow process. Skin is actually more elastic than we realize, but it takes time to get firmed up. Good luck to you! 204/163/155
Response:
I have never lost weight in my chest on any diet I’ve been on – until now. <sigh My hips and chest both seem to be disappearing! <sniffle Cheers, Nina 34DDD/34DD/please god, I can’t lose them now! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 40 double D as in Diva! I am an hour glass with 45 minutes on the bottom. LOL HA! I’ve never heard that one! Will have to tell my pear mother and sisters. I’d switch with you anyday – to be able to fit into a bra that’s smaller than a DD (was even that at 125 lbs!) and not have an ironing board butt! Before you buy. — ****** Diva
– 100% Angst. http://www.theslack.com
Response:
40 double D as in Diva! I am an hour glass with 45 minutes on the bottom. LOL HA! I’ve never heard that one! Will have to tell my pear mother and sisters. I’d switch with you anyday – to be able to fit into a bra that’s smaller than a DD (was even that at 125 lbs!) and not have an ironing board butt! Before you buy.
– ****** Diva
Response:
I’m an apple, too. Fortunately, I’m fairly tall tho. Unfortunately, I can "hide" up to 25 lbs. b4 I start looking heavy in clothes. It was this misfortune, that put me at my current weight. I’m with you girl. J (as in Jennifer) 230/200/140 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve battled overweight all my life, with the added disadvantage of being an "apple" shape. This shape is usually associated with men, being upper body centered, and has the effect on an overweight woman of de-feminizing her body with the more masculine distribution of weight. My two sisters and mother are "pear" shaped, slim down to the waist, so even if they are 15-20 lbs. overweight, they still look thin. I, on the other hand, need to be practically underweight to look good (i.e., no bulges, etc.) Upper body weight gain is hard to camouflage. I gain in the chin, upper arms, breasts and stomach. My legs remain thin and muscular. Besides the cosmetic aspect of it, weight centered around the vital organs is not as healthy to be carrying around as say, saddlebags (especially as I inherited the apple body type from my father’s side of the family, which carries diabetes). Five years ago I lost 65 lbs. and was actually thin for the first time in my adult life (was a thin kid; started gaining in adolescence), but have since gained back 35 lbs. After losing all the weight I had to have my gallbladder out (when I went for pre-admission testing, the nurse said, "So which is it, you just lost a lot of weight or had a baby?") There’s nothing we can do to "rearrange" the distribution of weight to our liking, but working with weights at least helps to firm up (to a degree – stretched skin can only be remedied with surgery, after the build-up of muscle underneath has reached its apex). The apple shape seems to gain muscle relatively easily – I only lifted weights 10 minutes a night, every night and I quickly gained "cut" arms (which I still see hidden under the layers of fat I’ve regained). Anyway, I was just wondering if other women out there have experienced frustration as I have with the apple shape. Before you buy.
Response:
I have always been a "pear" shape, and though I can’t empathize, I can say that fat, no matter where it is, is impossible to hide all the time. 
I’m quite small from the waist up, but from the waist down I’m a size 12. I have no ankles, big leg veins and cellulite heaven. So I’ll wear a tank top and a long skirt and you can wear a mini and sweatshirt. [I'd give my right hand to be able to wear a mini skirt! 
You're so lucky!] Julie "Always look on the bright side of life… o/~ o/~" Julie Mitchell Cheerio my deario size 13/ loose size 12 / size 8
: I am an hour glass with 45 minutes on the bottom. LOL
: I’ve battled overweight all my life, with the added disadvantage of : being an "apple" shape. This shape is usually associated with men, : being upper body centered, and has the effect on an overweight woman of : de-feminizing her body with the more masculine distribution of weight. : My two sisters and mother are "pear" shaped, slim down to the waist, so : even if they are 15-20 lbs. overweight, they still look thin. I, on the : other hand, need to be practically underweight to look good (i.e., no : bulges, etc.) Upper body weight gain is hard to camouflage. I gain in : the chin, upper arms, breasts and stomach. My legs remain thin and : muscular. Besides the cosmetic aspect of it, weight centered around the : vital organs is not as healthy to be carrying around as say, saddlebags : (especially as I inherited the apple body type from my father’s side of : the family, which carries diabetes). : : Five years ago I lost 65 lbs. and was actually thin for the first time : in my adult life (was a thin kid; started gaining in adolescence), but : have since gained back 35 lbs. After losing all the weight I had to : have my gallbladder out (when I went for pre-admission testing, the : nurse said, "So which is it, you just lost a lot of weight or had a : baby?") : : There’s nothing we can do to "rearrange" the distribution of weight to : our liking, but working with weights at least helps to firm up (to a : degree – stretched skin can only be remedied with surgery, after the : build-up of muscle underneath has reached its apex). The apple shape : seems to gain muscle relatively easily – I only lifted weights 10 : minutes a night, every night and I quickly gained "cut" arms (which I : still see hidden under the layers of fat I’ve regained). : : Anyway, I was just wondering if other women out there have experienced : frustration as I have with the apple shape. : : Before you buy. : — : ****** : Diva
Response:
I am an hour glass with 45 minutes on the bottom. LOL
HA! I’ve never heard that one! Will have to tell my pear mother and sisters. I’d switch with you anyday – to be able to fit into a bra that’s smaller than a DD (was even that at 125 lbs!) and not have an ironing board butt! Before you buy.
Response:
Zaphod & Trillian I am battling some saggy skin on my upper arms. Lat pulldowns are helping to retone, but it is a slow process.
Try some tricep approaches such as kickbacks and extensions as well as bicep and shoulder work….lat pulls work the lats more so.My favorites are Arnold presses,hammer curls, tricep overhead extensions(cable) and skullcrushers. I f you use heavy enough weight to failure on these exercises,and give your arms 48 hours rest between workouts I can guarantee you will see results. 0011s
Response:
Thanks for the advice- I have to keep the weights fairly light because of tendonitis. I do curls and shrugs with as much as I can tolerate. I have Arnold’s book and when my work schedule permits, I intend to use the triceps routines. 204/163/155 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Zaphod & Trillian I am battling some saggy skin on my upper arms. Lat pulldowns are helping to retone, but it is a slow process. Try some tricep approaches such as kickbacks and extensions as well as bicep and shoulder work….lat pulls work the lats more so.My favorites are Arnold presses,hammer curls, tricep overhead extensions(cable) and skullcrushers. I f you use heavy enough weight to failure on these exercises,and give your arms 48 hours rest between workouts I can guarantee you will see results. 0011s
Response:
I tried that, but the 32DDD are a smidge too tight. In another few pounds, that’s most likely where I’ll be. Because, y’know, THAT’S an easy size to find! http://safestreet.co.uk/xelle//home.html They’re very cool about shipping overseas. They not only took my check in US dollars, they didn’t even charge me extra for shipping to the USA! Can’t beat that with a stick.
You are a goddess among women. That is a site that I don’t have! Copied and Bookmarked. cheers, Nina — 100% Angst. http://www.theslack.com
Response:
What I wouldn’t give to have an hourglass shape. Unfortunately I have broad shoulders and my waist and hips are about the same size. I didn’t even have a waist when I was a scrawny skinny teen 
I have a terrible time buying clothes. If I get them to fit in the waist they are way too big in the hip area. Beverly
Maybe we should exhange clothes! hee-hee. For me if it fits in the hip, it’s too big at the waist. I’ve just taken to wearing a lot of 50s style tight sweater and skirts, or stretch jeans that conform to your body – much to my father’s chagrin (but to my mom’s delight – how weird is that?) Cheers, Nina — 100% Angst. http://www.theslack.com
Response:
What I wouldn’t give to have an hourglass shape. Unfortunately I have broad shoulders and my waist and hips are about the same size. I didn’t even have a waist when I was a scrawny skinny teen I have a terrible time buying clothes. If I get them to fit in the waist they are way too big in the hip area. Beverly – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, but there are women who are "Barbie-like" and have an hourglass figure. I’m one of them. Let’s face it, no matter what shape you are, there’s always something you want to change! Cheers, Nina 37.5"-26.5"-37.5" — 100% Angst. http://www.theslack.com
Response:
I tried that, but the 32DDD are a smidge too tight. In another few pounds, that’s most likely where I’ll be. Because, y’know, THAT’S an easy size to find!
http://safestreet.co.uk/xelle//home.html They’re very cool about shipping overseas. They not only took my check in US dollars, they didn’t even charge me extra for shipping to the USA! Can’t beat that with a stick. — Melissa 140/110/110 May exercise challenge: Goal! 750 minutes and counting Before you buy.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have never lost weight in my chest on any diet I’ve been on – until now. <sigh My hips and chest both seem to be disappearing! <sniffle Cheers, Nina 34DDD/34DD/please god, I can’t lose them now! Nina, have you considered that you may need a smaller band size? I went from a 34DD to a 32DD. My breasts are smaller in absolute terms, but they’re ’bout the same relative to my ribcage. If I still tried to wear a 34 band, I’d need a smaller cup. But I like my bra bands to fit snugly.
I tried that, but the 32DDD are a smidge too tight. In another few pounds, that’s most likely where I’ll be. Because, y’know, THAT’S an easy size to find! Cheers, Nina — 100% Angst. http://www.theslack.com
Response:
wrote in alt.support.diet: :I am certainly one of many women that are NOT built like Barbie. News flash: There are no real life women who ARE built like Barbie. If there were they would be freaks seriously in need of help.
No, but there are women who are "Barbie-like" and have an hourglass figure. I’m one of them. Let’s face it, no matter what shape you are, there’s always something you want to change! Cheers, Nina 37.5"-26.5"-37.5" — 100% Angst. http://www.theslack.com
Response:
I have never lost weight in my chest on any diet I’ve been on – until now. <sigh My hips and chest both seem to be disappearing! <sniffle Cheers, Nina 34DDD/34DD/please god, I can’t lose them now!
Hi Nina — good to see you’re back. ("Yes, I brought it with me!") For your front, it’s a question of proportion. With a smaller Nina to back them up, D or even C chests should still do you proud. Cheers, Kay 232/145/<140 (lowcarb since 98/12/26) D2K Everest: 4120/11298 feet, Base Camp to Summit
Response:
I have never lost weight in my chest on any diet I’ve been on – until now. <sigh My hips and chest both seem to be disappearing! <sniffle Cheers, Nina 34DDD/34DD/please god, I can’t lose them now!
Nina, have you considered that you may need a smaller band size? I went from a 34DD to a 32DD. My breasts are smaller in absolute terms, but they’re ’bout the same relative to my ribcage. If I still tried to wear a 34 band, I’d need a smaller cup. But I like my bra bands to fit snugly. — Melissa 140/110/110 May exercise challenge: Goal! 750 minutes and counting Before you buy.
Response:
Lulu, I empathize – I am absolute apple. I have struggled and lost some weight, but I am still pudgy in the middle. — Lila – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve battled overweight all my life, with the added disadvantage of being an "apple" shape. This shape is usually associated with men, being upper body centered, and has the effect on an overweight woman of de-feminizing her body with the more masculine distribution of weight. My two sisters and mother are "pear" shaped, slim down to the waist, so even if they are 15-20 lbs. overweight, they still look thin. I, on the other hand, need to be practically underweight to look good (i.e., no bulges, etc.) Upper body weight gain is hard to camouflage. I gain in the chin, upper arms, breasts and stomach. My legs remain thin and muscular. Besides the cosmetic aspect of it, weight centered around the vital organs is not as healthy to be carrying around as say, saddlebags (especially as I inherited the apple body type from my father’s side of the family, which carries diabetes). Five years ago I lost 65 lbs. and was actually thin for the first time in my adult life (was a thin kid; started gaining in adolescence), but have since gained back 35 lbs. After losing all the weight I had to have my gallbladder out (when I went for pre-admission testing, the nurse said, "So which is it, you just lost a lot of weight or had a baby?") There’s nothing we can do to "rearrange" the distribution of weight to our liking, but working with weights at least helps to firm up (to a degree – stretched skin can only be remedied with surgery, after the build-up of muscle underneath has reached its apex). The apple shape seems to gain muscle relatively easily – I only lifted weights 10 minutes a night, every night and I quickly gained "cut" arms (which I still see hidden under the layers of fat I’ve regained). Anyway, I was just wondering if other women out there have experienced frustration as I have with the apple shape. Before you buy.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – wrote in alt.support.diet: :I am certainly one of many women that are NOT built like Barbie. News flash: There are no real life women who ARE built like Barbie. If there were they would be freaks seriously in need of help. No, but there are women who are "Barbie-like" and have an hourglass figure. I’m one of them. Let’s face it, no matter what shape you are, there’s always something you want to change! Cheers, Nina 37.5"-26.5"-37.5" — 100% Angst. http://www.theslack.com
They say the grass is always greener on the other side, but I wouldn’t mind being built like that! My waist is the same as yours, but my bust and hips are smaller. I guess I am close to an hourglass (35.5"-26.5"-36"), but I with I could take an inch or two off my waist and apply it to my bust! What is really annoying is that although I’m not an extreme hourglass, when I shop for clothes, very often if a top or dress fits my bust, then it’s too big at my waist/hips; if a skirt fits my hips, then it’s too big at the waist. . This whole discussion really shows that although you can do a lot with diet and exercise, one of the factors determining your body shape is simple genetics. I would so much like to be super-curvy like Selma Hayek for instance, but it doesn’t seem possible short of plastic surgery, which is not something that I want to do. — alabina 1/96 | 3/96, 11/97, 9/98, 3/99, 10/99 | current | goal 148 / [136-140] / 129.5 / [127-131]
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What I wouldn’t give to have an hourglass shape. Unfortunately I have broad shoulders and my waist and hips are about the same size. I didn’t even have a waist when I was a scrawny skinny teen I have a terrible time buying clothes. If I get them to fit in the waist they are way too big in the hip area. Beverly No, but there are women who are "Barbie-like" and have an hourglass figure. I’m one of them. Let’s face it, no matter what shape you are, there’s always something you want to change! Cheers, Nina 37.5"-26.5"-37.5"
"Body types" is part of a science that was developed at about the same time when earth air fire and water were considered the elements, so there is no reason to believe in its infallibility. It may be a genetic tendency that applies to the course of least resistance, but it can be changed thru will and knowledge. Check your measurements against the ideal balance of the hourglass figure. Rather than seeing things only in terms of reduction, think of building body zones to achieve this balance. If you have a good bust to waist ratio, but your bottom is too small relative to the waist, then consider resistance training to build your lower measurements. Buffing the lower body is easier, for women, than is buffing the upper, so consider yourself lucky in that regard. Beware though of wrong thinking about body weight. As you build up your muscles in the right areas, it will increase your weight, possibly by a surprising amount, since muscle weighs more but looks alot better than body fat. Realize that hourglass shapes tend to look slimmer and trimmer than the other shapes…curves is a good thing. So don’t be distracted by the weight gain. Rather than obsessing with the scale, find some way to calibrate body fat content. Bear in mind that achieving an hourglass shape might add weight, but it will make you look alot thinner and fitter. So the weight is kind of irrelevent. Before you buy.