Fit Obese People May Have Similar Health Profile to Non-Obese People

Previous studies suggest that obesity is associated with higher cardiovascular risks. However, a recent study suggests that people with obesity who are fit may have a similar health profile to people who weigh much less than they do.

Participants in the study included 853 people who were participating in weight management clinics. Participants were categorized as fit and unfit based on age- and sex-categories and body mass index (BMI) class (mild: ? 34.9 kg/m2, moderate: 35–39.9 kg/m2 or severe obesity: ??40 kg/m2). All of the participants completed a physical exam that included fasting blood measures and a maximal treadmill stress test.

Forty-one percent of participants with mild obesity had high fitness levels and 11% of participants with moderate to severe obesity levels also had high fitness levels.  The researchers found that the participants with severe obesity were more likely to have high blood pressure, glucose, and triglycerides if they were in the lowest 20% of fitness levels. However, if they were in the higher 80%, they were not more likely to have those same issues.

Researchers from York University’s Faculty of Health conducted the study. It was published on January 31, 2018, in BMC Obesity.

Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health. Previous clinical studies suggest that even moderate exercise may help with blood sugar control, reduce body weight, improve heart health, improve respiratory health and reduce your risk of dying prematurely.