In recent years, researchers have noted the existence of a phenomenon known as “healthy obesity.” This term refers to individuals who have a high body mass index (BMI) but do not exhibit typical markers of metabolic dysfunction, such as high blood pressure or elevated levels of cholesterol and glucose. While these individuals may not be at immediate risk for cardiovascular disease, there is growing concern about the long-term health consequences of carrying excess weight.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess body fat, which can lead to a range of health complications, including cardiovascular disease.

BMI is a widely used measure of obesity that is calculated by dividing a person’s weight (in kilograms) by their height (in meters squared). A BMI of 30 or higher is considered to be obese.

What is “Healthy Obesity?”

While obesity is typically associated with various metabolic complications, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, some individuals who are obese do not exhibit these conditions.

These individuals are referred to as having “healthy obesity.”.

One study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that nearly 30% of adults who are classified as obese according to their BMI did not have any metabolic abnormalities.

These individuals had similar or even better metabolic health profiles than individuals who were of normal weight.

What Are the Risks of Being ‘Healthy Obese?’

Although these individuals may not have any immediate health concerns, being ‘healthy obese’ does not mean that they are immune to the long-term effects of carrying excess weight.

Studies have indicated that these individuals may still be at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, even if they do not have any metabolic abnormalities.

One study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, but without any metabolic abnormalities, had a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases than individuals with a normal BMI. The increased risk was particularly pronounced in people who were ‘healthy obese’ for a prolonged period of time.

What Are the Potential Reasons for Increased Risk in ‘Healthy Obese’ Individuals?

It is not entirely clear why some individuals who are obese do not have any metabolic abnormalities.

Some researchers believe that these individuals may have a higher level of physical fitness or may have more metabolically “fit” fat cells, which release fewer harmful substances into the bloodstream.

However, it is also possible that these individuals have simply not developed metabolic problems yet, and that they will do so later in life.

Obese individuals who are ‘healthy obese’ may simply be in a “honeymoon” phase, during which their metabolism is still able to compensate for their increased weight.

What Are the Best Ways to Stay Healthy?

The best way to reduce the risks associated with obesity is to maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Even if someone appears to be ‘healthy obese,’ it is important to reduce their body weight to a healthy range to avoid any future complications.

In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, other important lifestyle factors include avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.

These actions can all help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, regardless of whether someone is considered ‘healthy obese’ or not.

Conclusion

While the concept of ‘healthy obesity’ may seem contradictory, there is growing evidence that some individuals can be obese without exhibiting any metabolic abnormalities.

However, being ‘healthy obese’ does not mean that someone is immune to the long-term risks of carrying excess weight. While these risks may be lower than those of someone who is obese with metabolic abnormalities, they are still significant, and can include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.