Even if you don't bulge out in the middle or look like an apple, your health risks match those of people with big bellies. This is a risk factor because unlike fat on your hips, which tends to just sit there, the fat you carry around your middle or on your upper torso is easily converted into energy whenever your body runs short. That process raises cholesterol levels and blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease or stroke. It also causes insulin resistance, a common prelude to diabetes.

What you can do
Your hip-to-waist ratio and waist size can have a dramatic effect on your health, even if your overall weight and BMI (body mass index) are within the healthy ranges. Fortunately, it's easy to improve matters. The best way to get rid of fat around the abdomen is to burn it off with aerobic exercise. Endless stomach crunches won't work; you'll develop good abs, but the local fat stores will sit tight. And although it's important to eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fresh produce, dieting alone will simply reduce the fat stores evenly throughout your body.