Obesity in all its forms is a harmful state for the body to be in. Many cardiovascular and other diseases are directly caused by people being overweight, or because these people have too much fat stored in their bodies. However, a popular theory is that even people who are obese can be clinically fit.
Previous research has shown that many obese individuals do not have elevated blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol even though they are overweight. This has led many people to believe that obesity does not necessarily mean that the person is unfit, thus giving rise to the term "fat but fit." However, a new study proves that "fat but fit" is a myth and that obese people are always less fit than those who maintain their ideal body weight.
What did the study reveal
The study has essentially proven that Excess Weight in obese people is connected to an increased risk of heart disease, even for overweight individuals who do not currently show any signs of abnormal metabolic activity. Researchers say that even though the blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels may not be high in these people, the risk of developing heart disease is nonetheless increased in them.
The study discovered that the excess fat storage in the body in obese people can increase Coronary Heart Disease risk by 28 percent, even in those who show a normal metabolism The scientists believe that overweight individuals are always at a higher risk, regardless of other factors and therefore they must try to lose the extra pounds and get back into shape.
How was the study conducted?
Researchers considered data revealed by the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. They specifically focused on finding a link between excess weight and development of coronary heart diseases. After a 12-year follow up, they found that 7,637 people suffered from one form or another of coronary heart disease, which also led to the death of some subjects.
The researchers considered 10,000 more participants for the study and divided them into three groups. People with a Body Mass Index or BMI higher than 30 were categorized as obese, while those with a BMI between 25 and 30 were considered overweight. Lastly, those with BMI ranging from 18.5 to 25 were categorized as having a normal weight.
Nearly 63 percent of the control group was comprised of women and the average age of the participants was 53.6 years. The average BMI of the participants was 26.1. The researchers then compared the results of the healthy overweight people and unhealthy overweight individuals. Both groups showed an increased risk of coronary diseases.
