In this modern age of slender beauty, obesity is like an invisible obstacle on the road to health and beauty, which is insurmountable. Scientific studies have found that not all obesity is harmful to health. Especially when we enter the threshold of 60 years old, some parts of the body become "fat", which may be a sign of longevity. What's going on here?
First of all, obesity does not mean unhealthy. Conventional thinking often links obesity to health hazards such as hypertension and diabetes as potential pathogenic factors. Medical research has revealed that the link between obesity and health is far more complex than simple cause and effect. In fact, the categories of obesity and the impact of their distribution on health are of non-negligible importance.
When we say that somewhere is healthier to be "fat", we are referring to some specific parts of the body like the buttocks, thighs, etc. Fats in these areas are often referred to as "good fats" or "protective fats" because of their ability to store energy, regulate hormone levels, and protect internal organs from damage to some extent. In contrast, belly fat, especially visceral fat, is considered "bad fat" or "dangerous fat" because they are closely associated with the risk of developing a variety of chronic diseases.
What is the mysterious link between hip and leg fat gain and longevity after the age of 60? The mystery behind it is composed of a series of intricate biological reactions and processes. In short, as time goes by, the body's metabolism slows down, muscle loss day by day, and fat may quietly accumulate. The accumulation of this fat is not evenly diffused and is uneven. Increased fat cells in areas such as the buttocks and legs may provide beneficial support for the body's metabolic balance and hormone stability. The fat in these areas acts as a natural cushion that helps reduce the damage caused by accidents such as falls.
To understand this phenomenon more intuitively, we can analogy it to the shock absorber of a car. During the journey, the vehicle's shock absorption system silently dissolves the bumps on the road and protects the passengers' quiet and comfortable journey. Similarly, fat in the buttocks and thighs can be seen as a "shock absorber" inside the human body, helping us cope with various shocks and challenges in life.
Aunt Zhang, a gardener who once cultivated the education garden, is now entering the 65th year of retirement. She has a well-proportioned figure, especially at the hips. Although the people around her persuaded her to lose weight, Aunt Zhang insisted that her physical condition was very good and there was no need to deliberately pursue slimness. In fact, Aunt Zhang's physical condition is indeed much better than that of her peers, she is full of energy, light walking, and rarely gets sick. This is a vivid illustration of the relationship between buttock fat gain and longevity.
Of course, we can't ignore the impact of individual differences and overall health on longevity. Everyone's physical condition is unique, so not all people with plump buttocks can enjoy the benefits of longevity. However, looking at the overall trend, there is indeed a certain association between the appropriate increase in fat in the buttocks or thighs after the age of 60 and longevity.
For example, a team of researchers from a prestigious medical school followed thousands of older people and found that people with more hip fat generally had a higher quality of life and lived longer in later life. The results of this study provide us with strong scientific support.
Fat should also be "fat" in the right place. After the age of 60, a proper increase in fat in the buttocks or thighs may be a sign of longevity. Of course, this does not mean that we can ignore other aspects of health management. Maintaining a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and a good mindset are still the keys to maintaining a healthy and long life.
I'm Dr. Na, welcome everyone to like and follow, and say your views in the comment area, let's chat