Health Science

The Surprising Benefits of Excess Weight

Find out about the surprising benefits of excess weight, including reduced risk of osteoporosis, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease, and improved wound healing and mental health by georgialamb
Estimated reading time: 3 min 24 sec
The Surprising Benefits of Excess Weight Photo by Andres Ayrton on Pexels

There are many reasons why people try to lose weight, but did you know that being overweight can have some surprising benefits? Here are some of the unexpected advantages of carrying excess weight:.

Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis

A recent study found that overweight women had stronger bones than their slimmer counterparts, making them less likely to suffer from osteoporosis later in life.

This is because the extra weight puts more pressure on the bones, stimulating them to produce more bone cells.

Lower Risk of Dementia

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, overweight and obese people have a lower risk of developing dementia than those who are of a healthy weight.

The researchers suggest that this could be due to the fact that fat cells produce hormones that protect the brain.

Better Survival Rates

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that overweight and mildly obese individuals had better survival rates than those who were of a healthy weight or underweight.

This is thought to be because excess fat stores can provide energy during periods of illness or injury.

Reduced Risk of Fractures

Similar to the reduced risk of osteoporosis, being overweight can also lower the risk of fractures, according to a study published in the journal Obesity Reviews.

The researchers found that having a higher BMI was associated with increased bone density and reduced risk of fracture.

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

While being overweight is commonly associated with an increased risk of heart disease, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that overweight individuals actually had a lower risk of death from heart disease than those who were of a healthy weight. This is because excess weight can sometimes act as a protective mechanism against heart disease.

Better Wound Healing

Another advantage of carrying excess weight is improved wound healing. This is because fat cells produce hormones that help to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

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A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that overweight people had significantly faster wound healing times than those who were of a healthy weight.

Improved Fertility

While obesity is often associated with reduced fertility, there is evidence to suggest that being overweight can actually increase fertility in certain cases.

This is because fat cells produce hormones that can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and increase the chances of ovulation.

Reduced Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

A study published in the journal Movement Disorders found that being overweight or obese was associated with a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

The researchers suggest that this could be due to the fact that fat cells produce a hormone that can protect the brain cells that are affected by Parkinson’s disease.

Improved Mental Health

There is evidence to suggest that being overweight can be beneficial for mental health.

A study published in the journal Obesity Reviews found that overweight individuals had a lower risk of depression and anxiety than those who were of a healthy weight. This is because fat cells produce hormones that can help to regulate mood.

Lower Risk of Mortality in Certain Diseases

Finally, while being overweight is commonly associated with an increased risk of mortality, there are certain diseases where this is not the case.

For example, a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes had a lower risk of mortality than those who were of a healthy weight. Similarly, a study published in the European Heart Journal found that overweight individuals with heart failure had a lower risk of mortality than those who were of a healthy weight.

Conclusion

While losing weight is often seen as the best way to improve health, it is important to remember that being overweight can have some surprising benefits.

Of course, it is still important to aim for a healthy weight and to maintain a healthy lifestyle to minimise the risks associated with excess weight. However, the benefits of carrying extra weight should not be overlooked.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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