Fat fights fitness, researchers say

Are you overweight, but still engage in regular exercise?

Even though you’re physically active, those extra pounds might still be detrimental to your heart health, according to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. The study analyzed data from more than half a million adults who were sorted into groups by body weight. Forty-two percent of participants were normal weight, while 41 percent were overweight and 18 percent were obese. Researchers found that for all groups, exercise reduced the risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. In other words, no matter your weight, exercise is a good idea.

But those protective effects dwindled for overweight and obese individuals, regardless of how much exercise they engaged in.

The bottom line: Exercise is a great idea for anyone of any body size, but if you’re carrying some extra weight, talk to your doctor about a weight loss plan. Your heart will thank you.