Fat but Fit?

A study published recently in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise looked at overweight and obese men and their LDL (or "bad") cholesterol. LDL cholesterol when oxidized (ox-LDL) is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis ("clogged arteries"). Being overweight or obese is associated with higher levels of ox-LDL. This study found that overweight or obese men who had either good cardiorespiratory fitness and/or muscular fitness reduced the amount of ox-LDL and thus improved their risk profile. I think we'll begin to see more studies looking at how overweight or obese individuals can still reduce their risk factors for various chronic illnesses by being fit. Earlier studies on obesity did not tease out the fat but fit people.