ABSTRACT
The obesity epidemic continues to grow and counseling on appropriate lifestyle changes is more important than ever. In an age of misinformation, topics such as the “obesity paradox” and “metabolically healthy obese” can be interpreted to show that excess body weight may not be harmful. The obesity epidemic and its associated chronic diseases are increasing due to the availability of high-calorie foods and a sedentary environment at home and at work. The presence of metabolic syndrome is often used to differentiate obesity into those with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and MAO. Although the fitness hypothesis does explain some of the findings of the “fat-but-fit” phenomenon, variable metabolic effects from both fat distribution and fat composition lend credence to a benign adipose phenotype. There is a growing body of evidence of survival benefits associated with obesity in populations with chronic disease—a phenomenon termed the Obesity paradox.
