Older women who are obese but otherwise “metabolically healthy” — they do not have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol — are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than healthy women who are not obese, according to a new study.
The study also found that the risk of cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease, stroke and other conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, is much higher in older women who are metabolically unhealthy, regardless of their weight.
These findings cast doubt on the controversial concept of “healthy obesity” — the idea that it’s possible to be fit and healthy even if you’re obese.
