Study found even with normal blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, the obese had more artery plaque.

An obese person who has normal blood pressure, normal cholesterol and normal blood sugar levels is still at risk for heart disease.

In the study of more than 14,000 men and women, aged 30 to 59, those who were obese had more plaque buildup in their arteries, putting them at greater risk for heart disease and stroke than people of normal weight, the researchers found.
People have been trying to work out whether there is a group of people that are obese and healthy.

If an obese person has normal blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, those measures are likely to change over time and become abnormal, putting the patient at risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

We have an enormous challenge at a public health and individual level in dealing with obesity related disorders. Being obese doesn't just affect the heart.
Being obese means you're more likely to have joint disease, psychiatric disorders and cancers.

The next couple of decades, obesity and its consequences will be driving health care costs.

The researchers looked for buildup of calcium plaque in the heart's arteries, which is an early sign of heart disease.
Calcium plaque is linked to atherosclerosis, which is a stiffening and hardening of the arteries.

The investigators found that the obese people had a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis of the heart arteries than the people of normal weight. If atherosclerosis is not managed, it can lead to heart attack and sudden cardiac death, among other heart conditions, the researchers noted.

Obese individuals who are considered 'healthy' because they don't currently have heart disease risk factors should not be assumed healthy.
Our research shows that the presence of obesity is enough to increase a person's risk of future heart disease and that the disease may already be starting to form in their body.
It's important that these people learn this while they still have time to change their diet and exercise habits to prevent a future cardiovascular event.

There has long been debate about the relative importance to health of fitness versus fatness.
The argument has been made that if one is fit, fatness may not be a significant health concern.

While fat and fit is better than fat and unfit, this study adds to a growing body of evidence that challenges that assertion. "Excess body fat can increase inflammation, one of the key factors contributing to heart disease, and other chronic diseases as well.

The good news about fitness and fatness is that the same strategies that help people stay fit are the ones that help them lose weight.
Eating well and being active remain the best medicine for both losing excess weight, and staying healthy.