Generic

YOUR BODY TYPE

The distribution of your fat and your body shape is not determined by your metabolic rate alone. Several experts have determined that weight and body shape depends on a complex interaction between the major glands of the body.
Endocrinologist, Dr. Ian Caterson, says that there are basically two body types, namely "android" and "gynaeoid". Caterson says that the "android woman'' is obese in the upper part of the body with fat accumulating on the abdomen, chest, neck and arms. The android woman tends to produce excessive amounts of male hormones and is often more masculine in appearance. Android or upper body obesity is not desirable as it is associated with a higher incidence of the medical complications of obesity such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes and is the more dangerous type of obesity.
The second body type or ' 'gynaeoid-woman'' has an accumulation of fat in the lower half of the body on the buttocks, pelvis, hips and thighs and, according to Caterson, this type of obesity is determined by female hormones. She becomes the epitome of feminism with voluptuous and cuddly curves. Lower body obesity is safer than upper body obesity as it is associated with a lower incidence of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.
An American weight expert Dr. Elliot Abravanel adds to Caterson's ' 'Android" and "Gynaeoid" types two other body types — the "thyroid" and "pituitary" types. Dr. Abravanel's theories are not widely accepted by the orthodox medical fraternity, but I believe that the four body types he describes have much practical value. In my day-to-day practice of medicine, I can relate to his theory as, generally speaking, my patients fall into one of the four body types he describes.

THE FOUR BODY TYPES
As an exercise, envision yourself as one of the following four types of physique. You can practice fitting your friends and family members into one of these categories.

The Gynaeoid Type
In the gynaeoid type of woman, the sex glands (ovaries) and their secreted female hormones have the most influence on body shape and fat distribution. Excessive weight is distributed in feminine areas such as buttocks, pelvis, hips, thighs and breasts. It is unfortunate that this type of fatty tissue may become uneven and lumpy resulting in cellulite.
The typical gynaeoid woman craves fatty foods and spices which stimulate her ovaries to produce even more oestrogen to exaggerate her body shape.
To correct the metabolic imbalance in the gynaeoid woman, it is necessary to establish a diet that does not stimulate the ovaries, but instead stimulates the thyroid and adrenal glands.
The gynaeoid type of woman may be worried that if she loses her excessive pounds, her sexuality may diminish, but this is not true; the increased energy and wellbeing of a normal body weight can only enhance sexuality.
Gynaeoid women need to stay with their ideal diet for life as of all types of fat; lower body fat is hardest to lose.

The Android Type
The classical android woman is square-shaped with a solid, thick big-boned frame and she is athletic and powerful in appearance. Obesity tends to give her a more masculine appearance. Excessive fat accumulates on the trunk, neck and abdomen causing the stomach to protrude and the waistline to disappear.
If you are an android woman, you will usually be energetic and strong with good staying power when others about you need a coffee break. You have a tendency to overproduce male hormones and may be told you take after your dad.
Android types are definitely not sugarholics or ' 'sweet tooths", but instead crave foods high in cholesterol and salt that stimulate their adrenal glands to pump out more steroid hormones. These steroid hormones increase the appetite and unfortunately promote further accumulation of fat and muscle and more masculine features.
To restore metabolic balance in android types, it is necessary to avoid high cholesterol and salty foods. Dr. Caterson suggests that in android types weight loss can be easier and more effective if the excess of male hormones is corrected first. This can be done with hormone therapy. As the android type loses weight, her production of male hormones will diminish and she will regain a more feminine physique.

The Thyroid Type
The thyroid type resembles the thoroughbred racehorse with long, fine-boned limbs and a slender neck and can be described as lean and rangy. They lack the enduring stamina of the android types and crave stimulants such as caffeine, sugar and cigarettes for a burst of energy.
Because their thyroid gland is the dominant gland, they have a high metabolic rate and generally burn up calories quickly which explains why they need frequent snacks of sugar and caffeine to keep them going.
Thyroid types can be excessive in their habits and may become addicted to sugar, caffeine or diet pills. If they continue with these poor eating and lifestyle patterns, they may cause the thyroid gland to become exhausted and from this point on they start to gain weight. Typically, the weight gain is rapid and fat is deposited upon the abdomen and thighs while the limbs remain relatively slim.
An overweight thyroid type needs to rebalance her metabolism by avoiding sugar soft drinks, sweets, refined carbohydrates and caffeine.

The Pituitary Type
The pituitary type is the epitome of the cuddly baby doll type who has never lost her baby fat. She is round all over with a round shaped face and may have a relatively large head. Her limbs, hands and feet are chubby and she has a layer of fat over her chest, although the breasts may not be unduly large.
The typical pituitary type of woman craves dairy products such as cheeses, yoghurt, cream, ice cream, butter and milk. Dr. Abravanel's theory, although unproven, is that dairy products are stimulants to the pituitary gland because they contain the hormone prolactin. To find the ideal diet to restore metabolic balance and promote weight loss in the pituitary type

EATING GUIDE FOR THE GYNAEOID WOMAN

                                                                                                                                *41\5*