Android fat distribution

Android fat distribution describes the distribution of human adipose tissue mainly around the trunk and upper body, in areas such as the abdomen, chest, shoulder and nape of neck. This pattern may lead to an "apple-shaped" or central obesity, and is more common in males than in females.

The android or male pattern of fat distribution has been associated with a higher incidence of coronary artery disease. Studies have also related central abdominal obesity (indicated via increased waist-hip ratio) with increases in peripheral fasting insulin levels. It has also been associated with a change in pressor response in circulation. In response to stress in a subject with central obesity the cardiac output dependent pressor response is shifted towards a generalised rise in peripheral resistance with an associated decrease in cardiac output.

Central obesity is measured as increase in waist circumference or waist-hip ratio. Increase in waist circumference > 102 cm in males and > 88 cm in females. However increase in abdominal circumference may be due to increase in subcutaneous or visceral fat, and it is the visceral fat which increases risk of coronary diseases. The visceral fat can be estimated with the help of MRI and CT scan. In Asians and Asian Indians there is increased visceral fat for same waist circumference as compared to Americans and Africans.

Android fat distribution is contrasted with gynoid fat distribution, fat around the hips and bottom, causing a "pear-shape". In other cases, an ovoid shape forms which does not differentiate between men and women.