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June 13, 2025

Android Fat vs. Gynecoid Fat: Why Your Fat Distribution Matters More Than You Think

Your body fat location says more than the number on the scale. Discover how android and gynecoid fat differ, why DEXA scans matter, and how to take control of your health.

Android Fat vs. Gynecoid Fat: Why Your Fat Distribution Matters More Than You Think

Android Fat vs. Gynecoid Fat: What It Means, Why It Matters, and How to Measure It

When it comes to body fat, most people focus on how much they have—but where it’s stored is just as important, if not more so. The distinction between android fat (central fat) and gynecoid fat (lower body fat) can be the key to understanding your true health risks.

While your bathroom scale might tell you how much you weigh, it says nothing about how your fat is distributed. That’s where the DEXA scan comes in—a precise, non-invasive method to assess body composition and regional fat storage.

At Revolution Health, we believe every patient should understand their own fat distribution to tailor more effective treatments for weight loss, hormone optimization, metabolic health, and longevity.

Understanding Body Fat Types: More Than Just a Number

Total Body Fat vs. Regional Fat Distribution

Most people are familiar with the concept of “body fat percentage,” but fat is not distributed evenly throughout the body. Men and women store fat differently, and these patterns significantly influence health risks.

The two major fat storage patterns are:

  • Android fat – Stored around the abdomen, chest, and upper back.

  • Gynecoid fat – Stored in the hips, thighs, and buttocks.

These patterns aren't just cosmetic—they’re clinically significant.

What Is Android Fat?

Android fat refers to fat stored in the abdominal region—both visceral fat (surrounding internal organs) and subcutaneous abdominal fat (under the skin).

Characteristics:

  • Common in males, but also increases in postmenopausal females.

  • Associated with an “apple-shaped” body.

  • Visceral fat contributes significantly to metabolic dysfunction.

Health Risks:

This type of fat is biologically active, meaning it releases inflammatory cytokines, free fatty acids, and hormones that disrupt metabolic function.

What Is Gynecoid Fat?

Gynecoid fat is predominantly subcutaneous and stored in the hips, thighs, and buttocks. It is considered less metabolically active than android fat.

Characteristics:

  • Common in premenopausal females.

  • Associated with a “pear-shaped” body.

  • Generally considered protective rather than harmful.

Health Implications:

  • Less associated with cardiovascular risk.

  • May offer metabolic protection.

  • Often estrogen-sensitive, influenced by female sex hormones.

Gynecoid fat is less inflammatory, and in many cases, it functions as a safe depot for fat storage, especially during reproductive years.

The Android-to-Gynecoid Ratio (A/G Ratio)

This is one of the most powerful metrics we use in body composition analysis. The android-to-gynecoid (A/G) fat ratio quantifies how fat is distributed between these two regions.

High A/G Ratio (>1.0 in men, >0.85 in women):

  • Indicates a predominance of abdominal (android) fat.

  • Associated with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.

Low A/G Ratio:

  • Indicates greater gynecoid fat distribution.

  • Associated with lower risk of cardiometabolic disease.

Tracking your A/G ratio over time provides insights into how your body is responding to treatment, lifestyle changes, and aging.

Why We Use DEXA to Measure Fat Distribution

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is not just for measuring bone density—it’s the gold standard for regional body composition analysis.

DEXA Scan Benefits:

  • Measures total body fat, visceral fat, lean mass, and bone density

  • Accurately breaks down fat into android and gynecoid regions

  • Non-invasive, fast, and low radiation exposure

  • Tracks changes over time with high precision

Unlike BMI or weight scales, DEXA provides actionable data. Two individuals may weigh the same and have the same body fat percentage, yet one has a high android fat concentration while the other stores more in the hips and thighs. Their health risks—and treatment plans—should be entirely different.

Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?

At Revolution Health, we recommend DEXA scans for:

  • Anyone interested in precision weight loss

  • Patients on hormone therapy (especially testosterone or estrogen)

  • Individuals with diabetes, PCOS, or insulin resistance

  • Athletes and fitness enthusiasts

  • Those with a family history of cardiovascular disease

  • Anyone over age 40 seeking to optimize metabolic health

Why Android Fat Increases with Age and Hormonal Shifts

Men:

  • As testosterone declines with age, men lose lean mass and accumulate visceral fat.

  • Increased aromatization of testosterone to estrogen contributes to central fat gain.

Women:

  • During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels drop.

  • The protective effect of estrogen on gluteofemoral fat storage diminishes.

  • Android fat increases, raising the risk of metabolic diseases.

This shift can be measured and tracked with DEXA and used to guide hormone optimization strategies.

Individualized Treatment Plans Based on Fat Distribution

1. For High Android Fat:

2. For High Gynecoid Fat:

  • Estrogen dominance may be contributing—consider testing and treating if appropriate.

  • Support estrogen metabolism with:

  • Emphasize lower body resistance training (glutes, hamstrings)

  • Assess thyroid function and reverse T3

  • Less urgency compared to android fat but still worth monitoring

Android Fat and Cardiometabolic Syndrome

Central obesity is a core component of metabolic syndrome, defined by:

These patients often benefit from:

Case Example: Two Patients, Same Weight, Different Risk

Patient A:

  • 42 years old, 185 pounds

  • Body fat: 26%

  • DEXA: High android fat, visceral adipose tissue elevated, A/G ratio 1.1

  • Labs: High insulin, borderline triglycerides

  • Treatment: Retatrutide, MOTS-c, metformin, Mediterranean diet, Zone 2 training

Patient B:

  • 42 years old, 185 pounds

  • Body fat: 26%

  • DEXA: High gynecoid fat, A/G ratio 0.6

  • Labs: Normal insulin, normal lipids

  • Treatment: Estrogen metabolism support, strength training, less aggressive intervention

Takeaway: Same weight and body fat, but completely different metabolic profiles and treatment needs.

Why You Should Know Your Lung Age, Bone Density, and Fat Distribution

Just like lung age offers insight into pulmonary function, and bone density predicts fracture risk, your fat distribution paints a clear picture of your metabolic future.

By knowing your android and gynecoid fat percentages, you’re no longer guessing. You’re practicing proactive, data-driven health.

Schedule Your DEXA Scan at Revolution Health

At Revolution Health, we go beyond the surface. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, optimize hormones, prevent disease, or improve athletic performance, a DEXA scan is the most important first step.

We believe every patient should know their fat distribution—not just their weight.

Take Action Today

Understanding where your fat is stored helps you:

  • Prevent disease

  • Optimize performance

  • Tailor treatments

  • Track real progress

If you haven’t had a DEXA scan yet, now is the time.

👉 Schedule your DEXA scan with Revolution Health today

Get the data you need. Get the results you deserve.

References

  1. Fox CS, et al. "Abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue compartments: Association with metabolic risk factors in the Framingham Heart Study." Circulation. 2007.

  2. Kuk JL, et al. "Visceral fat is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in men." Obesity. 2006.

  3. Manolopoulos KN, et al. "Gluteofemoral body fat as a determinant of metabolic health." Int J Obes (Lond). 2010.

  4. Tchernof A, Després JP. "Pathophysiology of human visceral obesity: an update." Physiol Rev. 2013.

  5. Heymsfield SB, et al. "Why obesity impacts body composition measurement: How DEXA works." Obesity Reviews. 2015.

  6. Kohrt WM. "Aging and body composition changes in women and men." J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1995.