It is more important to pay attention to how your body holds on to fat that how much you weigh, according to a study published in the European Heart Journal. Being "pear-shaped" - when your legs hold more weight - can reduce your risk of heart disease. Those who tend to gain weight around the midsection have a higher risk of developing the condition. "This study does add to the literature on the role visceral fat [another word for the fat that accumulates around the midsection] distribution in obesity is closely linked with metabolic complications," Robert Graham, M.D., MPH, an integrative medicine specialist, told a news portal. Here are ways you can change body fat distribution to improve your health.

When you consume complex carbs, it slows down the digestion process. This help to make sure your insulin levels don't spike to dangerous levels. When these levels are good, it helps to decrease fat storage around the midsection area. You should add foods like potatoes, oats, and beans to your diet regularly.

Reducing your intake of unhealthy fats, like saturated fats, can significantly improve your health and help you lose weight. However, do not underestimate the power for healthy fats. Monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids are extremely beneficial for our health and help our bodies to function well. Add foods like olive oil, nuts, avocado and fish to your diet.

More and more research in recent years has uncovered just how damaging stress can be on our health - mentally and physically. For one, it can cause cortisol levels to skyrocket. This can cause you to develop belly fat. Find healthy coping mechanisms to reduce your stress levels. Physical activity, meditation or a bit of "me time" can help improve your mood.

Not a fitness freak? No problem. You don't have to be obsessed with working out to reap the rewards. However, making time for brisk walk or jog can help change your body fat distribution significantly. You should do 20 minutes of moderate exercise daily. Make sure you work up a bit of a sweat.