Women tend to store fat in the gluteal-femoral region, which includes the hips, thighs, and buttocks. This is known as gynoid fat distribution. This type of fat storage is influenced by hormones, particularly estrogen. While men also store fat in this area, they typically store more fat in the abdominal region (visceral fat).
Here are some additional details:
- Hormonal influence: Estrogen, a female hormone, promotes fat storage in the hips, thighs, and buttocks. This is believed to be an evolutionary adaptation, providing energy reserves for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Menopause: As women transition into menopause, their estrogen levels decline, which can lead to a shift in fat distribution from the hips and thighs to the abdomen.
- Health implications: While gynoid fat is generally considered less harmful than visceral fat, excess fat in any area can contribute to health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
