News

Being 'Skinny Fat' Can Actually Be Just As Unhealthy As Being Overweight

by Chris Riotta

We all know those people who eat whatever they want and never gain a single pound.

While they're basking in the glory of their double-XL cheese fries, I'm over here counting the calories in my salad and putting soy milk in my coffee, and I still seem to gain 20 pounds every time I even look at an Oreo.

Well, here's a message for the people who somehow stay stick thin even though their dinners consist of three full meals: Your mirrors are tricking you.

You may not be as healthy as you think.

That's right: TIME reports that weight is just one factor doctors look at in determining the overall health of a person, and sometimes, being skinny doesn't necessarily equate to being healthy.

We all have that one friend who can order takeout every single night of the week and not go to the gym once, yet somehow he or she maintains a perfect physique.

It may not seem to be an issue on the outside, but all that junk food and processed garbage may actually be deteriorating your body from the inside out.

People with normal BMIs who eat unhealthy foods and don't exercise are just as susceptible to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar as anyone else.

Researchers discovered that, while some of their patients seemed healthy based on weight and appearance, their internal organs were actually coated in visceral fat, which can cause heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

So, go ahead. Eat all you want.

I'll just sit over here and use oil and vinegar as a dressing while you down your fifth slice of pizza.

Citations: The Hidden Dangers of u2018Skinny Fatu2019 (TIME )