Study Reveals Being ‘Fat but Fit’ May Have Health Advantages
A significant new study has found that being “fat but fit” may be less dangerous than previously believed. Researchers at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark tracked over 85,000 adults and discovered that individuals categorized as underweight were nearly three times more likely to die during the study period than those at the high end of the normal body mass index (BMI) range.
The findings, presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Vienna, challenge long-held assumptions regarding BMI and health. While traditionally, a higher BMI has been viewed as a primary risk factor for health issues, this research suggests that carrying a few extra pounds might not be as detrimental as once thought.
Key Insights on Weight and Longevity
Lead researcher Dr. Sigrid Bjerge Gribsholt emphasized the dual challenges posed by both underweight and obesity. Those classified as underweight face risks associated with malnutrition and weakened immunity. In contrast, obesity can disrupt metabolism and lead to serious conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Gribsholt stated, “Both underweight and obesity are major global health challenges.”
Participants who fell within the “healthy” BMI range but were on the lower end also showed a heightened risk of early death. This emphasizes that being underweight may pose greater dangers than being slightly overweight.
The study highlighted the role of body fat distribution and underlying health conditions in assessing overall health. For instance, Professor Jens Meldgaard Bruun, another researcher involved in the study, explained that visceral fat—fat stored deep within the abdomen—can adversely affect metabolic health. He noted, “An individual with a BMI of 35 and apple-shaped fat distribution may have health issues like type 2 diabetes, while another individual with the same BMI may be free of these problems.”
Reevaluating Health Guidelines
The implications of this research suggest a need to personalize obesity treatment, taking into account individual health factors rather than solely focusing on weight. Dr. Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula, an epidemiologist at North Dakota State University, noted that these findings align with other studies but challenge existing medical guidelines that assume health risks increase steadily with BMI.
Bhagavathula pointed out that higher death rates among those with lower BMIs may stem from undiagnosed conditions, such as cancer or heart failure, that lead to weight loss. He stated, “Diseases like cancer or heart failure cause weight loss first, which makes low weight seem more dangerous than it actually is.”
Obesity often precedes serious health problems, according to the World Health Organization. This research indicates that mild excess weight could provide a “protective effect” during illness, particularly in older adults, where age-related muscle loss increases vulnerability to falls and infections.
The study advocates for a broader perspective on health, suggesting that BMI should be considered alongside other indicators such as waist-to-height ratios, muscle mass, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Current health messaging frequently prioritizes weight loss, which can inadvertently create stigma and unnecessary medical interventions for individuals who are overweight but maintain normal bodily functions.
In conclusion, the findings from Aarhus University Hospital underline the complexity of the relationship between weight, health, and longevity, urging a shift towards a holistic approach that emphasizes nutrition and physical activity over strict BMI classifications.
