Final answer:
Subcutaneous fat is associated with the lower body 'pear' shape and is less harmful, whereas visceral fat corresponds with the 'apple' shape and is a more significant health risk due to its location near vital organs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Subcutaneous fat is the layer of fat found directly under the skin. It's the type of fat that's measured when pinching 'skin and fat' – often around the hips and thighs, thereby contributing to a 'pear' shape, especially common in women. This type of fat is generally less hazardous to health than visceral fat, even though it may be aesthetically less desirable.
Visceral fat, on the other hand, is stored deeper in the abdominal cavity around the internal organs, which can be a health risk. It is typically associated with the 'apple' body shape, where the waistline is noticeably larger than the hips. This type of fat can influence various bodily systems negatively, releasing inflammatory markers and hormones that can contribute to conditions such as metabolic syndrome and other obesity-associated diseases.
To assess these risks, health professionals use measurements like waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio instead of just BMI, which does not account for fat distribution.