Waisting away?

New research overturns 'fat myths'

Kate Moss, watch out - skinny Minnies like yourself are still at risk of heart attack.

A new study by the University of Michigan overturns the myth that slim people are necessarily healthier than their heavier counterparts.

The study showed that over half of the overweight adults tested had normal levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood fats (also called triglycerides) and blood sugar. Even more surprisingly, the study demonstrated that one-third of obese people also showed healthy levels of these mesures, while one-quarter of adults in the healthy weight range did not.

Judith Wylie-Rosett, who co-authored the study, warned that it should not be used to dismiss the importance of weight altogether. She says that overweight people still face increased risk of heart disease, for instance.

The study also highlighted the need to reassess the way we measure health and weight. Currently, we use the Body Mass Index (BMI) to show how our weight relates to our health. However, critics have attacked the measure, saying that the BMI doesn't show how much fat a person actually carries - just their weight. Instead, scientists argue that measuring the diameter of our waists might be more effective. Studies have shown that people with smaller waists have lower risks of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

PLUS: Could vitamins hold the key to weight loss?