Final answer:
Abdominal obesity, or 'apple shape,' with a high waist-to-hip ratio, is most associated with increased metabolic disease risk, leading to conditions like metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The body fat distribution pattern most commonly associated with an increased risk of metabolic disease is abdominal obesity, often described as an "apple shape." This condition is characterized by a higher concentration of fat around the abdomen and is measured using the waist-to-hip ratio. A waist-to-hip ratio greater than 0.85 for women or 0.90 for men indicates central obesity, which is closely linked to increased risks of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, the onset of metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and increased blood levels of glucose and triglycerides. Lifestyle changes, specifically in diet and exercise, are the most effective ways to manage body fat accumulation and lower the associated health risks.