6 Health Advantages Of Being Overweight by Melissa Pheterson

Upsize Your Thighs

Weighing in at a few extra pounds can actually bring major health benefits, according to a slew of recent studies. Here are six ways in which some padding can tip the scales in your favor.

Healthier Hearts
Women with larger thighs have a lower risk of heart disease and early death, says a new study in the British Medical Journal. Those with stick-thin legs faced the greatest chance of developing heart disease. Why? Added lower-body muscle mass can promote a better metabolism. Pear-shapes, be proud.

Sounder Minds

A study in 2005 compared outcomes for 78 obese women who either dieted and exercised with the aim of losing weight, or followed a “Health at Every Size” method that didn't involve the scale. The latter group fared better on measures of blood pressure, aerobic fitness and self-esteem—reporting less stress and anxiety than the former group. (Neither cohort lost weight.) “Being on the ‘weight treadmill’ has dangerous psychological effects,” says Paul Campos, author of The Diet Myth. “Instead of being set up for failure, these women were given ways to feel good about themselves.”

Glowing Skin

Recent twin studies have found that the sister with the higher BMI was judged to have a more youthful look. “A gaunt face can definitely add some years, so carrying an extra few pounds can help create a more youthful appearance,” says Amy Hendel, nutrition and fitness expert. “It may also help to fill out a few of those more significant wrinkles that scream out ‘aging!’”

Increased Fertility

Are you thinking of starting—or growing—your family? Underweight women were 72 percent more likely to miscarry, reports a London study. More specifically, women whose BMI were below 18.5 when they conceived had a much higher percentage of miscarrying within three months of pregnancy. However, those few extra pounds on overweight women actually proved to have the opposite effect on their pregnancy.

Stronger Bones

A little meat on your frame can ward off osteoporosis, a condition of fragile bones that’s less likely to occur in overweight women. Weight-bearing bones stay stronger. For added insurance on strong bones, take a walk at the pace you enjoy.

Longer Life

Gaining just a few pounds can add years to your life, says a Kaiser Permanente report. A related federal study shows that overweight people actually outlive the obese, the underweight, and people at normal weight. “A few extra pounds can protect against many conditions that lead to premature death,” says Campos. It’s thought that fat stores can be used to help the body stay strong during illness and recovery.

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what do you think ? =)