Not all types of obesity come with the same health risks. According to the journal Endotext, the number of men and women in the U.S. with obesity is roughly the same, but the way the condition manifests and its long-term health effects can differ based on factors including biological sex. Although people of any sex can have gynoid obesity, it more commonly affects females, according to the journal Nutrients.

This article will cover the causes of gynoid obesity, the effects that gynoid obesity may have on your health, and strategies for managing this condition.

What Is Gynoid Obesity?

Gynoid obesity is a type of obesity defined by fat accumulation in the lower body, especially around the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Gynoid obesity is also called peripheral or “pear-shaped” obesity. According to Nutrients, this condition is more common in females than in males. This is because estrogen, a hormone found in higher amounts in females, is thought to contribute to lower-body fat storage.

According to the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, men are more likely to develop android obesity (also called central obesity). In android obesity, fat accumulates around the upper body and abdomen.

How Is Gynoid Obesity Diagnosed?

In general, obesity is defined as a condition where a person’s body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30. BMI is a number that estimates body fat based on your height and weight. However, BMI is just one tool of many that your doctor might use to assess your health, and it’s known to be a less-than-perfect way of estimating body fat. Your healthcare team may use BMI as a starting point for a series of diagnostic tests.

Your healthcare provider may also make a diagnosis using imaging scans. Performing scans, such as an MRI or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA/DXA), can help diagnose obesity type. These scans visualize where fat is distributed in different parts of your body.

Different countries and health organizations have their own cutoffs for obesity in specific groups of people. Your healthcare team can provide more information on what guidelines they use and why.

What Causes Gynoid Obesity?

Many risk factors contribute to developing gynoid obesity, including the following.

Sex

The sex hormone estrogen promotes the accumulation of fat in the lower body. Women typically have more estrogen in their bodies than men, according to the Journal of Obesity & Weight Loss Therapy.

Hormonal Imbalances

Different types of hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by thyroid issues, can cause obesity. According to Frontiers in Endocrinology, periods of hormonal changes in women, such as pregnancy and menopause, can also affect the risk of developing gynoid obesity.

Genetics

Many genes have been associated with an increased risk of developing obesity in general. Some genes have been specifically associated with storing fat in the lower body and may be related to gynoid obesity.

Lifestyle Factors

A sedentary lifestyle and eating a diet high in sugar, refined carbs, and saturated fat may contribute to developing gynoid obesity.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Gynoid Obesity?

Compared to people with android obesity, those with gynoid obesity have a lower risk of developing metabolic and cardiovascular conditions. These conditions include type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and heart disease.

However, people with gynoid obesity are still more likely than people without it to develop those conditions. Because android and gynoid obesity have different effects, it’s important for your healthcare team to know which type of obesity you have.

Mental Health Effects

Gynoid obesity can impact a person’s mental health and self-esteem. In particular, weight stigma can have a significant impact on your daily life. Weight stigma is defined as negative attitudes toward people perceived as having higher body weight.

As a result of weight stigma, people with obesity might experience prejudiced attitudes in society. Weight stigma can also cause people to have negative thoughts about themselves and low self-esteem. These mental health impacts can make it more difficult to stick to healthy eating and exercise plans.

How Can Gynoid Obesity Be Managed?

If you’ve been diagnosed with gynoid obesity, your healthcare team may recommend changes to your routines or habits that support your overall health. These may include adjustments to eating patterns, activity levels, and other self-care strategies — tailored to what feels realistic and sustainable for you.

Healthy Eating

Research shows that a variety of eating patterns — including Mediterranean, high-protein, vegetarian, and plant-based — can support health goals for people with obesity.

No single approach works best for everyone. Instead of aiming for a one-size-fits-all plan, work with your healthcare team to explore options that match your preferences, needs, and lifestyle. Even small changes can lead to meaningful improvements in energy, mobility, blood sugar, and other aspects of well-being.

Exercise

Engaging in regular physical activity offers significant health benefits for people with gynoid obesity. Movement can help improve heart health, support better sleep, ease joint pain, boost mental health, and enhance day-to-day mobility and energy.

Your healthcare team may suggest increasing the amount of time you’re active each week, based on your current routines and goals. This might include:

• Aerobic activities, such as brisk walking
• Anaerobic activities, such as strength training
• High-intensity activities, such as interval training

Some people with gynoid obesity may notice that lower-body fat is slower to change, or that weight loss isn’t as visible as with other body types. But meaningful health improvements, like a lower risk of cardiovascular disease or better quality of life, can happen even without weight loss

Surgery and Medication

Some people can benefit from medication to help manage gynoid obesity. Medications can also help you make and stick to lifestyle changes. The different categories of medications for obesity include:

• Appetite suppressants that reduce food cravings and make you less hungry
• Drugs that make you feel full faster and for longer
• Drugs that slow digestion or reduce fat absorption

Medication might also be prescribed if your healthcare provider finds that hormonal imbalances are contributing to your gynoid obesity. A healthcare provider might refer you to an endocrinologist, a doctor that specializes in hormones and the endocrine system, if they suspect hormonal imbalances.

Bariatric surgery is an option for some people with gynoid obesity. This type of surgery modifies your digestive system to reduce how many calories are absorbed from food.

Work With Your Doctor on the Right Plan for You

Managing gynoid obesity is not a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s about finding what works best for your body, your health needs, and your lifestyle. By working closely with your doctor, you can develop a plan that aligns with your goals and helps you take sustainable steps toward better health. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns — your care plan should reflect you.

Talk to Others Who Understand

MyObesityTeam is the social network for people with obesity and their loved ones. On MyObesityTeam, more than 57,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with obesity.

Have you been diagnosed with gynoid obesity? Do you have questions about living with this condition? Share your experiences in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on MyObesityTeam.