But pear-shapes have their own concerns. Because of their larger hips, they often struggle to diet and many teen pears develop eating disorders. Pear-shaped women are more likely to develop osteoporosis after menopause. Worst of all, pear shaped-women can also add extra pounds around their middles and become an apple/pear.

Stress tends to add pounds around the middle because the stressed body tends to store fat near the liver. Stress-related weight creates a vicious cycle as metabolism drops and stomach acid increases, allowing your body to absorb more calories. Stress can also increase your appetite and you know the result of that. Any health regime should include stress reduction as well as a healthy diet and exercise.

If you're not sure of your body type, it's easy to determine. Measure your waist circumference (if you're not sure where it is, try one inch above your navel). Then measure the circumference around the largest part of your lower bottom. Divide the first number by the second. This will give you your waist to hip ratio. If the number is .80 or less, you are a pear. If it is greater than .80, you're an apple.

Medical experts have concluded that waist size and waist to hip ratio may be much more important in determining heart health risk than body weight. A normal weight person with a big waist may be much more at risk than an overweight person with a small waist.