Final answer:
Option (c), A pear-shaped person accumulates body fat in the hips and thighs. The waist-to-hip ratio is a better indicator of health risks associated with fat distribution than BMI.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a pear-shaped person, body fat tends to accumulate mainly in the hips and thighs. This is in contrast to an apple-shaped person, where fat accumulates around the abdomen. This type of fat distribution is often seen as less risky compared to central obesity, where fat stored in the abdomen poses greater health risks, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Measuring the waist-to-hip ratio is a common method to assess the risk associated with fat distribution; a higher ratio indicates a greater risk of health issues related to obesity.
It's important to note that while BMI is a general indicator of body fat, it does not account for the distribution of fat in the body. Therefore, for assessing health risks, waist-to-hip ratio can be a better measure. Additionally, visceral fat, or fat deposited in the abdominal cavity, is known to release hormones and inflammatory factors that contribute to disease risk, hence the relevance of measuring fat distribution.