posted
As far as I'm aware, XX people tend to store fat differently than XYs, and that each unquie system benefits the reproductive system of said body.
Is this fat system for all XX people? Or are XX with high levels of testosterone exempt? Do they really store it in their thighs or buttocks or chests depending on their own individual bodies or just close to the skin all over?
Is this because fat helps with pregnancy, therefore suiting and benefitting the XX body? I know you need fat to menstruate.
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. - Elie Wiesel Posts: 1231 | From: England | Registered: Oct 2010
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posted
Chromosomal sex is only one factor in body fat and fat distribution. Not only does it have a good deal of variance just like other factors, there are a LOT of other factors: genetics, diet, level of activity and kind of activity, general health (including our whole health history), certain health conditions, the works. All of that influences where people hold excess fat in their bodies, as well, and how much they do.
And what anyone "does" with fat doesn't vary based on gender. In general, fat is a source of heat and energy, insulates all of our organs and helps them function and regulates certain fat-soluble vitamins.
As well, there's been some talk lately about people with high testosterone or low testosterone, mostly in evo-psych circles. The thing about that is what they're often missing is that how high or low our levels of androgens are isn't all there is to those hormones. How we metabolize and otherwise process them is often an even bigger part of the picture.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63243 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. - Elie Wiesel Posts: 1231 | From: England | Registered: Oct 2010
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posted
Are you looking for very general statements, or a more in-depth explanation? If you're looking for the latter, to be honest, a genetics textbook is likely to be your best bet. There are many genes on each chromosome, and the way those genes interact with each other and with the environment is pretty complex.
As far as smaller breasts and larger hips go, those are partly genetic but also hugely influenced by all the other factors Heather mentioned. And, hip size isn't just about fat distribution - it's also about bone structure, which also varies hugely and has a lot of influencing factors.
-------------------- "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy Posts: 5308 | From: Canada/Australia | Registered: Sep 2004
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