This is a touchy subject but I’m going to dive in. I often hear people say, “You can be healthy and overweight.” By the same token, I have taken care of many thin folks over the years with end stage heart disease and other lifestyle related chronic illness, so it appears it may not be all about our weight. This is on my mind since I read this passage in Dr Michael Greger’s book, How Not to Die:

“Because those eating high-fat diets are absorbing so much fat into their bloodstreams from their digestive tract, the level of free fat in their blood is as high as someone who’s grossly obese. Similarly, being obese can be like gorging on bacon or butter all day even if you are actually eating healthfully. That’s because an obese person’s body may be constantly spilling fat into the bloodstream, regardless of what goes into the mouth. No matter what the source of fat in your blood, as fat levels rise, your ability to clear sugar from the blood drops due to insulin resistance–the cause of type 2 diabetes.”

I found this fascinating and came across an article from Harvard University that talks about the concept of the metabolically healthy obese, however, it does note the condition is uncommon and that we can’t discount the risks of joint damage, Sleep apnea and the risk for several cancers that come with obesity even in those who may meet the criteria for being metabolically healthy and obese.

The easiest way I know to lose weight and reduce your risk for chronic illness that is sustainable, delicious, and fun is a plant-based lifestyle!

Remember to have fun with your food and enjoy!