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Do You have an Apple or Pear Shaped Body? Apple’s May Be More Likely to Binge Eat
Apple or Pear
It is a bit of a gross generality, but women’s body types have been differentiated by an apple or pear comparison. This means that those who have a pear shaped build have a tendency to carry excess weight in their hips, buttocks, and thighs. Whereas those with an apple shape carry excess weight in their abdomen and midsection.
A recent study conducted by researchers from Drexel University found that women with the apple shaped build were more likely to experience periods of out of control eating. Additionally, those with the apple shape reported greater dissatisfaction with their bodies.
Why do apple shaped women feel out of control of their eating more often?
- Possibly the woman’s negative body image and dissatisfaction with her build causes or perpetuates out of control eating.
- Possibly the centralized fat distribution of the woman’s apple body type causes alterations in the body’s hunger and satiation signals, thus leading to overeating or feeling out of control when eating.
None of the 294 women included in the study were diagnosed with an eating disorder…yet. However, given our societal obsession with thinness, it is likely that some of the apple shaped women, who may dislike their body weight distribution and also feel out of control when eating, may develop an eating disorder.
Dieting to Eating Disorder
The apple shaped women who were dissatisfied with their body fat distribution and/or weight could easily lead to restrictive eating behaviors and dieting.
We know that 35% of those who diet eventually progress to pathological dieting. Of those, 20-25% develop partial or complete eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder*.
More investigation needs to transpire, but this research could be a powerful resource in our efforts to understand binge eating disorder (BED).
We already know that there are both physical and psychological contributing factors to BED and research of this nature helps to clarify the challenges that a person suffering from binge eating may be facing.
Behavioral health research leads to greater understanding, compassion, and insight into how to more effectively treat and help individuals who struggle with these issues. It would be wonderful to see research conducted specifically on BED and body shapes.
Sources:
*Shisslak, C.M., Crago, M., & Estes, L.S. (1995). The spectrum of eating disturbances. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 18 (3), 209-219
L. A. Berner, D. Arigo, L. E. Mayer, D. B. Sarwer, M. R. Lowe. Examination of central body fat deposition as a risk factor for loss-of-control eating. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2015; 102 (4): 736 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.115.107128
Drexel University. (2015, November 13). Have an apple-shaped body? You may be more susceptible to binge eating. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 3, 2016 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/11/151113105348.html
About the author:
Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC – Founder & Director
Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC founded Eating Disorder Hope in 2005, driven by a profound desire to help those struggling with anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder. This passion resulted from her battle with, and recovery from, an eating disorder. As president, Jacquelyn manages Ekern Enterprises, Inc. and the Eating Disorder Hope website. In addition, she is a fully licensed therapist with a closed private counseling practice specializing in the treatment of eating disorders.
Jacquelyn has a Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree from The University of Phoenix and a Masters degree in Counseling/Psychology, from Capella University. She has extensive experience in the eating disorder field including advanced education in psychology, participation and contributions to additional eating disorder groups, symposiums, and professional associations. She is a member of the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), Academy of Eating Disorders (AED), the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp).
Jacquelyn enjoys art, working out, walking her golden retriever “Cowgirl”, reading, painting and time with family.
Although Eating Disorder Hope was founded by Jacquelyn Ekern, this organization would not be possible without support from our generous sponsors.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on May 28, 2019
Published March 3, 2016, on EatingDisorderHope.com
Although Eating Disorder Hope was founded by Jacquelyn Ekern, this organization would not be possible without support from our generous sponsors.
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
