Why do we store excess fat near the stomach and buttocks?

[PhysicBeginner]

I'm not sure if this question is suppose to be in this section but I'll ask anyway.
Does anyone know why we store our excess fat mostly near the stomach and buttocks. I heard it has something to do with forces and physics, and it also seems to be an advantage.

 

[Koyuki]

More volume = more shock (force) absorbed? Like when your bee-hind hits an object, it doesn't hurt THAT bad because the more fat there cushions the impact. Your foot hitting the object will hurt more because there's less fat there.

I'm doing this question too...btw, which class are you in?

 

[somasimple]

Hi,

it is simply because there is more lipocytes (cells containing fat) in these areas and lipocytes are well responding to some sexual hormons.