Gaby
Authors of a new study are urging people with obesity who appear otherwise healthy to lose excess weight. Despite appearing healthy and fit, those who are overweight face a significantly higher risk of strokes and heart disease, particularly ischemic heart disease and heart failure. Over time, they may also develop problems with their kidneys and liver.
More than a quarter of middle-aged women in the UK, Sweden, Norway, and Germany who have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 but report no health problems fall into the category of “metabolically healthy obesity.” In contrast, only about 10 percent of men are classified this way. But both groups meet the clinical definition of obesity.
This information was shared by a team led by Professor Matthias Blüher, an endocrinologist at Leipzig University and the Helmholtz Center in Munich, Germany.
That excludes people with Type 2 diabetes, elevated blood sugar, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
The highest proportion of people with metabolically healthy obesity is in France and other Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Israel. Professor Blüher said dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and ethnic and genetic differences help explain why rates vary between countries, the Daily Mail reported.
Some populations around the world, despite having high levels of body fat, may be better protected against related diseases. The study’s lead researcher said this may include some Caucasian populations.
Professor Blüher also noted that healthy obesity is often observed in premenopausal women.
