Are you an apple or a pear?

"According to recent studies, your body shape is the single most powerful predictor of future health.  More important than weight itself, this simple piece of information can determine the best way to tackle weight loss and predict your propensity to develop certain diseases..."


"My "pear-shaped" wife (and the apple of my eye) read this book cover-to-cover one Saturday afternoon, which should say something about its content and writing style. Then I read it, and understood why: This book is packed with credible scientific fact, written in an easy-to-understand style, that fully explains how and why body type can affect health...and more importantly, what to do about it. The book's opening sentence sets the stage: "Body shape is the closest thing we have to a medical crystal ball." And those that follow offer a great look into the future of your health. Fantastic book"!


"Dr. Savard has written a sensible and accessible guide to women's health. I was intrigued by the way Dr. Savard approached the issue of nutrition and wellness. Instead of convincing me to hate my body and then try to change it, Dr. Savard helped me to understand and appreciate my pear shape which, in turn, motivated me to want to work on my body. All women should find the book's positive approach to women's body image and its accessibilty with respect to complex health issues and nutrition a welcome change from other books in the genre. I highly recommend this book"!


"I am an apple.  :-)  I need to lose probably 25lbs., but I'm flexible about the number as long as my waist isn't out of control...currently 38" waist and 44" hips.  I'm 5'3.5" and weigh 169.  I was 162, but my weight was creeping upward.  So, I followed your advice and upped my 30min. walks to 45min.  I walk five days a week because I have a lab!  I have already lost 20lbs. due to my furry little "personal trainer" and kept it off for two years.  I do strength training, but honestly I am consistent with once a week, so my goal is to fit in two.


So, I picked up your book because I needed help to lose the rest of the weight and didn't want any gimmicks, just really good advice.  I really like the information you've put in there and now I feel like I have some good questions for my doctor at my next physical.  (I'm 39.)


Since I wrote you I measured my waist and it was down a half inch.  Something is working...  The eating suggestions in the book didn't seem like a big change to me except for the beef and that I should be eating more bread and fruit.  I was a low-carb gal so giving up sugar was okay, but reading that the other foods were so important was good for me.  I'm am less cranky and have no cramps this month which is so awesome. 


I'll let you know when I lose those two inches so you'll have some more feedback on your book!  Thanks a bunch!  I'll try your recipe suggestions - they sound good".


"This book is very well written as are all of Carol Svec's books. Marie Savard's concept of statistical health risks based on body shape is shown to be important to all women from teenaged to post-menopausal. My teenaged daughter and I both found this book to be interesting, insightful, and practical. I love that the potential problems for both body types are explained coupled with simple, practical, and maintainable solutions! The data logs for tracking personal progress also help to make this a MUST HAVE".


"I am a pre-medical student and for much of my life I have had a great interest in health and fitness. I can remember as far back as when I was 11 working out and watching what I ate.  I have always been very conscious of my body and body image.  I have read your book Apples and Pears and I was completely blown away.  You seem to share much of my frustration with the society that we live in terms of our relationship to food and our bodies.  I am in the end stages of recovering from an eating disorder and I feel like the treatment process has done nothing short of open my eyes and as you put it been an "Aha!" for me.  I have worked with several counselors and a nutritionist to work on my relationship with food.   After reading your book I feel like all of the things I have worked on have been adequately summarized.  I could  say that your book could serve as a text book for appreciating your body and its shape.  So first of all I would like to say Thank you for reaffirming all of the things that I have worked so hard to learn and put into practice in my life.  Secondly, I couldn't help but notice as I read your book that you have done an incredible amount of research and studies in your area of interest.  This may be a little forward of me but I was wondering if you would need any assistance with your research or on your next book.  If so I would be more than willing to help you during my summer break from college.  I understand that you probably receive many emails from people reflecting on your book but I just want to let you know that your work has really made an impact on me and your area of expertise is the area that I hope to work in some day.  I am sorry for taking up so much of your time.  Thank you very much".


"In Apples and Pears, Dr. Marie Savard has written a health book for women that is certainly on the cutting edge of women's health research. In a personal and clear style, Dr. Savard explains the role that body shape plays in a woman's overall health. Her book contains many practical suggestions including excercise and diet.

As an 'apple', I am both cautioned and encouraged to change my life and with Dr. Savard's strategies, save it. I strongly recommend Apples and Pears to all women who want to have a healthy long life".


"Dr Savard's newest book, Apples and Pears, is a five star sensation both for its content and style. It is truly ground-breaking in positioning body shape as both a predictor of medical risk and guide for many medical and health decisions and choices for women. The book synthesizes an enormous amount of research on women's health and "connects the dots" as it relates to the fundamental issue of body shape. Not only is the book a wealth of empowering information, it is written in a disarmingly engaging style. It feels like you're in a private conversation with Dr Savard, sitting in her office, reviewing and discussing your personal health history, concerns and priorities! I believe we will see the influence of Dr Savard's work on many levels, including in the offices of many enlightened physicians throughout the nation".


"I've never been so happy about my big thighs! That in itself is a reason to read this book"!


Otherwise, this is a great book for all women wanting answers about their health today and wanting a prediction about what is likely to happen to them in the future. Who knew body shape was so predictive! You'll never look at the world the same again. After reading this book, I wander around looking at women saying to myself... you're an Apple, Apple, Pear, Pear, Pear... it's so fun.


Learn what you can do to protect yourself, your family and your friends. This book is fun, easy to read and you learn SO much".


"This book was a great change from books in the past. I am 29 and I live in south Florida, the land of the surgically corrected perfect bodies, and didn't want to go through that. This book really helped me gain insight on my body type and how to work with a pear type body. I really gained direction and success from this book and now enjoy how I look much much more".

"thank you for finally understanding the genetics of this pear shaped young lady"!


"I am about 1/2 way done with the book...it makes SOOOO much sense...I had tried the South Beach and I would lose a few pounds, but not too much...then go stagnent...it makes so much sense!  I am a pear and don't have a lot of belly fat to lose, which is what is stated on the front cover of the South Beach Book...so it worked for awhile, just like Marie states and then stops!  I can't wait to finish it!  I need to go to the grocery store though and get a few better or "Elite" choices.  I am praying that it changes my life and health"!


"Just wanted to say that I enjoyed your book/author/reading today!  (I of course covertly measured myself immediately upon return to my cube.  I'm a pear, but of the variety that too much cheese may eventually apple me if I'm not careful.)  I thought it was all very interesting-in fact, it may help to confirm a suspicion I have about the women's health in my family.  I'm definitely going to pass this title on to my mom".