The One Myth About Obesity That You Need to Stop Believing

At some point or another, more than half of all Americans have been obese. It’s a health condition which carries with it higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, and sudden death, but it’s far from permanent. Someone can bring their weight back down through diet and exercise, but is it possible to be obese and healthy at the same time? No, according to a new study from the University of Birmingham.

The findings, which were recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, took a look at the vital signs of participants consider both normal weight and obese, but healthy, over the span of five years. The study concluded that even though the obese participants were “metabolically healthy,” they were still putting their health at serious risk.

The specific numbers to note for obese participants included a 49 percent higher chance of developing heart disease and a 96 percent higher risk of suffering from heart failure, compared to their normal weight counterparts.

The research took into account a sizable sample size for the study, 3.5 million British adults in total. The lead author of the study, Dr. Rishi Caleyachetty, spoke to the Independent about the debunked “fat but fit” notion.

“Metabolically healthy obesity is not a harmless condition, and it would be incorrect to think so. It’s actually better not to use this term as it can create a lot of confusion,” said Dr. Caleyachetty.

If you’re looking to lose weight, these proven, science-backed tips are a solid starting point. But the real secret to weight loss might just be in your bathroom.  

from Diet & Weight Loss – Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2ycF0fA