Can you be 'fat but fit'?
European research has investigated whether you can be 'fat but fit', and whether being overweight or obese yet having certain healthy blood markers affects heart disease risk. The study that was conducted in 10 European countries using health data from more than half a million people found that having healthy blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels whilst being overweight or obese, as opposed to a healthy weight, increases individuals risk of heart disease by 28%. The reasons behind these healthy blood markers in overweight and obese individuals may simply be that they are yet to develop "an unhealthy metabolic profile"1
In light of this new evidence debunking the myth of being 'fat but fit', below is an insight into what exactly cholesterol does and why blood pressure is important, along with some heart healthy lifestyle tips.
The food you eat plays a key role in maintaining your heart health. Consuming a diet high in fruit, vegetables and fibre whilst limiting your intake of salt and fat, especially saturated fat, can help to significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Factors that can increase your risk of developing heart disease include family history, stress, smoking, being overweight, drinking too much alcohol, having an inactive lifestyle, raised blood cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Raised Cholesterol
Cholesterol is essential for making nerves and hormones as well as helping to digest fat. However having raised levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol and low levels of ‘good’ cholesterol in the blood cause a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries – increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Nearly half of all deaths from heart disease in the UK are due to raised ‘bad’ cholesterol levels (more than 5 mmol/litre).