A study conducted by scientists at Oxford University has revealed that storing fat in your bottom, as opposed to your stomach, leads to lower levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol while increasing the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol that helps protect against arteriosclerosis.
The findings, published in the International Journal of Obesity, indicate that having a more ample derriere may even reduce the risk of diabetes.
Gluteofemoral fat located around the bottom appears to function as a buffer, absorbing inflammatory fats that could potentially harm other areas of the body.
Professor Jimmy Bell, who leads metabolic and molecular imaging at Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust, notes: ‘There are two types of fat: “good” and “bad.”
It’s not beneficial to eliminate too much of this healthier type of fat.
‘The gluteofemoral fat surrounding the backside seems to serve as a protective barrier, soaking up inflammatory fats that could have adverse effects elsewhere.
‘The fat around your backside decomposes more gradually than belly fat, resulting in fewer inflammatory cytokines—substances linked to diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.’
‘Eliminating excessive amounts of this healthier fat form is detrimental.’
Nevertheless, having too much fat around the abdomen can lead to serious health issues, thus it is crucial to reduce it.
by David Livingstone
