Surprise, Surprise: Not All Fat is Bad

Trying to get in better shape this summer? We all know that the population of America and some other countries are on the verge of extreme obesity. But there may be more to excess fat than you thought.

Health.com compiled a list of five myths about that extra layer of fat:

Myth #1: A High BMI means you need to lose weight

FALSE: body mass index is a great way to determine if you are in shape or not but it does not incorporate bone density, muscle mass or physical fitness

Myth #2: Extra weight is bad news

TRUE and FALSE: If you are preparing for a health paradox then yes, extra weight is bad. But research has found that those carrying a few extra pounds might increase their survival chances after a heart attack or surgery.

Myth #3: Weight loss is good no matter what

FALSE: Yo-yo dieting is extremely bad for your health; especially for your metabolism and heart – it might even cause gallstones. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and stick to it.

Myth #4: Skinny = healthy

FALSE: Remember Shallow Hal? Skinny people may look good on the outside, but their insides could still be all kinds of ugly. A lot of skinny people smoke cigarettes (which suppress an appetite). Skinny people usually carry internal fat (called visceral fat) which pads all their vital organs. These people are at risk for heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and cancer.

“Just because you’re thin doesn’t mean you’re walking away scot-free from disease,” says Keri Gans, a registered dietitian and American Dietetic Association spokesperson, when she measures her clients’ BMI during a consultation.

Myth #5: Fat is fat… which is bad bad bad

FALSE: Not all fat is bad! Ever heard of healthy fat? People who hold excess weight around their midsection are at risk for illness, where the “pear-shaped” person is less so. Belly fat is linked to ED, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

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