Excess weight increases the risk of heart disease even in people who seem otherwise healthy. For years, scientists have been debating whether people who are fat but fit can escape the health problems associated with obesity.
A new analysis of 8 long-term studies shows that after ten years or more, obese people who seem healthy at the outset are at higher risk of heart disease. They are 24 percent more likely to develop heart disease or stroke or die from these conditions. That holds even when blood pressure and blood sugar are within normal limits.
But obese individuals with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides or low HDL cholesterol are about three times more likely to develop cardiovascular conditions than people of normal weight. The investigators conclude that there is no healthy pattern of increased weight.
[Annals of Internal Medicine, online Dec. 3, 2013]
Losing weight can be a struggle, but we have spoken with several experts who offer their evidence-based advice on how to accomplish this worthwhile goal. Whether it is the 2-Day Diet, the low glycemic index diet, or advice on sensible and tasty ways to avoid holiday weight gain, you may find it helpful to listen to one of these hour-long conversations.
