Louisa's Weight Loss Blog

Women who have fat on their hips, thighs and bottom are healthier than women who carry weight on their stomach and chest.

"Muffin tops" are hard to get rid of... but do you want to if it's healthy?

Why is this?

According to the BBC website, “Hip fat mops up harmful fatty acids and contains an anti-inflammatory agent that stops arteries clogging”

There has even been suggestions that scientists may look into helping women INCREASE their hip fat. By redistributing fat to the hips and behind, the hope is that cardiovascular and metabolic diseases e.g. diabetes could be prevented.

For those who have tried for years to get rid of unsightly hip fat, it turns out that it is meant to be hard to shift the small pockets of fat. The slower burning hip fat makes more of the hormone adiponectin that protects the arteries and promotes better blood sugar control and fat burning.

Researchers also noted that burning fat too quickly releases cytokines that trigger inflammation in the body. That is certainly food for thought but should not put dieters off reaching their healthy goals.

For those who are more interested in their health than how they look, this is certainly an interesting development. However, for those who are unconcerned about diabetes as they have few risk factors blighting their life style, I do not see hip fat suddenly becoming acceptable in fashion circles. I for one, will try and stick to longer tops!

I think that this news is further proof that we should aim to be slim and not thin.