New Studies Suggest That Being Overweight Doesn't Always Mean Unhealthy

New data states that weight is not an always an indicator of your health. This is not an excuse to nor does not mean you can over indulge and binge on junk foods. What studies are showing is that how effectively the body breaks down fat and stores it is the key factor rather than the number shown on the scale.

Research of obesity shows overweight people often break down fat at a higher rate. Those people are classed less healthy than others that store fat more efficiently. When broken down fatty acids released from adipose tissues will go to other areas in the body. Fat will build to harmful levels when this occurs more than necessary. The extra fat then contributes to insulin resistance, which in turn leads to diabetes and heart disease.

Studies shared by Jeffrey Horowitz principal investigator and professor of movement science at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology have helped identify characteristics that may aid in helping obese adults store body fat in a healthier manner that show exercise can aide in the process.

Overweight people can develop insulin resistance which may lead to diabetes and other diseases. Horowitz found that one third of the people in the study did not develop it. The study took samples from the group when tested showed the healthier people broke down fat at a slower rate. They also had fewer proteins used in the breakdown that were involved in storing, obese people had less fibrotic cells. The cells allow tissue to be more flexible, and help lower activation of some inflammatory pathways. The study results can be used to “design therapies and preventions that may improve some obesity related metabolic conditions” say Horowitz.

In another study tissue was gathered from groups of people who had recently exercised. One group regularly while the other did not. A commonality to both was that even a single aerobic session sent signals that caused new blood vessels to grow in the fat tissue. They also noted signs that those who exercise regularly had more blood vessels found in comparison to the others that did not. This is important because blood flow and nutrients are contributing factors to the health of most tissue.

Horowitz states when weight is gained fat cells expand. If blood flow to tissue does not increase as well it may become unhealthy or necrotic. The studies are important because the data may be used to help obese individuals who are at risk for metabolic disease. With regular exercise people can adapt healthier fat storing even when occasionally over indulging. Adding the studies championed the idea clinicians may benefit from reevaluating their perception of fat. “Adipose tissue is scorned because most people see it as causing disease and obesity, but in general adipose tissue doesn’t cause people to gain weight and become obese, it’s just where we store our extra energy when we do overeat… Our studies aren’t suggesting it is healthy to be obese or to overeat — but when we do overeat, it is important to have a safe place to store that extra energy.” He concluded, “When people gain the same amount of body fat, those with adaptations to their fat tissue that can more healthfully accommodate the extra fat may be protected from developing insulin resistance and obesity-related diseases. We have identified some of these adaptations.”