News: Not all obese people are unhealthy: study

Just because a person is obese doesn’t mean they are unhealthy’at least according to a new study published in the European Heart Journal. The findings find that a certain number of obese people are metabolically healthy (meaning they don’t suffer from conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes and high cholesterol or blood pressure) and physically fit despite the extra weight they’re carrying. This is the second study to shed light on the "obesity paradox," where being obese offers some advantages despite the increased health risks that come along with it.

"It is well known that obesity is linked to a large number of chronic disease such as cardiovascular problems and cancer," says the study’s lead author, Dr. Francisco Ortega, in a press release. "However, there seems to be a sub-set of obese people who seem to be protected from obesity-related metabolic complications."

Ultimately, the findings of this latest study seem to reinforce the notion that exercise is the best medicine.

“We believe getting more exercise positively influences major body systems and organs and contributes to making someone metabolically healthier, including obese people,” says Dr. Ortega.

What do you think about these findings? Is being physically fit more important than being a healthy weight? Or do you believe the two have to coincide together?

Related:
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‘ News: Is this the secret to staying disease-free for life?
‘ 5 ways Canadians are fighting obesity

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