Is Junk In The Trunk Still Healthy?

According to experts, the type of fat found in the thighs and backside may actually help reduce disease, as opposed to the dangerous and life-threatening effects of abdominal fat.

The review also suggests a mechanism for conveying those benefits. According to the experts, the next step is to figure out how our bodies decide where to store fat, say, in the stomach versus the butt.

Don’t take this news the wrong way though. This is only true to a certain degree as obesity increases your chances of developing chronic health conditions. This is because, per studies, researchers found that not all fat is created equal.

Butt Fat vs.

Stomach Fat

According to reports, stomach fat is considered more metabolically active than lower body fat. While that may sound good, as this fat breaks down easily, the result is a release of substances called cytokines, which have been linked to cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and diabetes. In fact, research on mice reported in 2008 revealed that belly fat boosts inflammation and is linked with hardening of the arteries—known to increase the risk of heart attacks.

But scientists think lower body fat, like that around the hips and thighs, produces beneficial hormones that protect against these diseases, though more research is needed to firm up this expectation.

In addition, this lower body fat also traps fatty acids. While this long-term storage can make it tricky to slim down your butt and thighs, it’s healthier for you if some fat stays put.

The most compelling evidence for the link comes from population studies showing the more fat individuals have in the hind area, the less likely they are to develop diabetes and heart disease later in life. Other evidence includes instances of Cushing’s syndrome, in which patients lose their hip and thigh fat while gaining stomach fat. These patients are known to have an increased risk for diabetes and heart disease.

The Role Of Genes And Gender

Scientists aren’t sure how the body decides where to store fat, but it’s partially genetic. That genetic force can be seen in the gender differences in how fat gets stored, with women having much more of the healthy, lower-body fat than men. And females have a much lower risk for heart disease, Manolopoulos said.