Research

Mixed

In individuals with Type 2 Diabetes, the 'obesity paradox' exists where the lowest mortality risk is observed in the BMI range of 25–35 kg/m2, but this is largely explained by higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) rather than body weight itself.

Do not fear being overweight if you are fit. In Type 2 Diabetes, the lowest mortality risk is found in those with a BMI of 25-35, but this is because they tend to be more fit. Focus on building fitness. An obese person with high fitness has lower mortality risk than a normal-weight person with low fitness.

GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
Because this 'obesity paradox' has been consistently demonstrated in 7 meta-analyses, the lower mortality risk for individuals with T2D in this BMI range may not be all that paradoxical.
Glenn A. Gaesser · Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine · 2022

Why this rating

Based on 7 meta-analyses and large cohort studies (Henry Ford, Look AHEAD).

Source

Type 2 Diabetes Incidence and Mortality: Associations with Physical Activity, Fitness, Weight Loss, and Weight Cycling

Glenn A. Gaesser · Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine · 2022

narrative_reviewCited 10×
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