Filed under: Health, Fitness, Healthy Eating
Shaped like a pear? While you’re probably not overjoyed by the fact that you have a bit of extra padding in your tush and thighs, new evidence shows that you should actually be grateful for your build. Research from Oxford University in England states that those who carry a little extra weight in their backside and thighs might be healthier than those who carry their extra weight in their gut.
The reason? Fat carried in your belly is different from the fat you carry in your butt and thighs. Stomach fat is easier to break down than than the other kind of fat, but this process results in a build-up of cytokines, which can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The fat on your backside, on the other hand, actually produces hormones that can protect against these kind of diseases. While you should still make sure you’re maintaining a healthy weight, the researchers also concluded that carrying some fat in this region is very important for your health because it gives the body a place to store essential fatty acids — and if these acids are stored in organs, it can lead to heart disease.
The bottom line? Like J-Lo, don’t be afraid to show off your shapely backside, it tells the world of your potential for a long and healthy life.