According to a recent study carried out by German researchers, having a little fat on the hips would be beneficial for your health, provided you have a normal BMI.
One in 5 people with normal BMI suffer from poor metabolic health
A study, conducted by a team of German researchers at Tubigen University Hospital and the German Diabetes Center, found that people with a normal BMI (body mass index) but a little fat on the hips and thighs were less likely to develop cardiovascular disease and diabetes than those that stored fat elsewhere in their body.
To reach this conclusion, the scientists observed 981 volunteers with a normal BMI, overweight or obese. Their goal was to understand why 1 in 5 people with a normal BMI have poor metabolic health and suffers from at least two risk factors for diabetes and heart disease.
Fat on the hips may limit the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes
According to their work, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, fat in the lower body has a protective effect on the heart and lowers the risk of metabolic disorders. According to Dr. Norbert Stefan, co-author of the study, “ hips and thighs provide safe storage for fat “. Located elsewhere in the body, fat circulates in the blood and reaches the heart and liver in particular, causing high blood pressure or increased blood sugar levels.
This study paves the way for new avenues to help the body store fat better, especially through drugs. Remember thata healthy and balanced diet accompanied by regular sports activity will also help ward off the risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Aurélie Giraud
Read also: Why do we store fat on the hips?
