The term "fat but fit" is used to describe people who are overweight or obese but don't have any of the symptoms of metabolic syndrome. They look chubby but function normally and have no signs of poor health.
Normal blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels were no assurance of good heart health among obese people.
The researchers studied health data on more than half a million people in 10 European countries, including the UK.
After a follow-up period of more than 12 years, 7,637 of the people in the study had developed heart disease. Compared with people at a healthy weight, those who were overweight or obese had up to a 28% higher risk of developing heart disease.
Weight appeared to be a risk factor.
The study in the European Heart Journal, is further evidence against the idea people can be "fat but fit".
Experts say the results mark the importance of striving for a healthy weight even if you have no other cardiovascular risk factors.
In short, there is no excuse to being overweight or obese. Begin a lifestyle change with healthy and mindful eating and exercise at least 5 times a week for 30- 45 mins.
Keeping BMI within 25 [ 23 for Indians] is one marker.
Snacking is a danger zone and even people who eat healthy meals may fall into the trap of eating fast foods or junk at snack time or between meals.
Carry a healthy snack item so the temptation to get a vending machine alternate is reduced.
- Deepa K
[ Chief Dietician]