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Authors of a new study are urging individuals of this type to shed excess weight. Despite appearing healthy and fit, those who are overweight face a significantly higher risk of strokes and heart diseases, particularly ischemic heart disease and heart failure. Over time, they may also encounter issues with their kidneys and liver.
More than a quarter of middle-aged women in the UK, Sweden, Norway, and Germany, who have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 but do not report health problems, fall into the category of “healthy but overweight.” In contrast, only about 10 percent of men can be classified this way. Nevertheless, both groups are considered to be suffering from obesity.
This information was shared by a team led by Professor Matthias Blüher, an endocrinologist from Leipzig University and the Helmholtz Center in Munich, Germany.
Type 2 diabetes or elevated blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, or cholesterol.
Interestingly, the highest number of people with metabolically healthy obesity resides in France and other Mediterranean countries, such as Italy and Israel. Professor Blüher explained the varying percentages of the population with healthy obesity in different countries are influenced by dietary habits and other lifestyle factors, including ethnic and genetic differences, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Some populations around the world, despite having a high amount of body fat, may be better protected against associated diseases. This includes Caucasian populations, according to the study’s lead researcher.
Professor Blüher also noted that healthy obesity is often observed in premenopausal women.
