Research
Hormonal
Peripheral adiposity (large hip and thigh circumference) is associated with a better metabolic profile, including better glucose tolerance and reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes, compared to central/visceral adiposity.
If you store fat in your hips and thighs, you may have a lower risk of metabolic diseases compared to those who store fat in their abdomen. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is still important for overall well-being.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Conversely, peripheral adiposity, characterized by large hips and thighs circumferences, has been associated with a better metabolic profile.
Why this rating
The paper cites multiple observational studies supporting the protective role of peripheral fat.
Source
Obesity, insulin resistance and comorbidities ? Mechanisms of association
Ana Valeria Castro et al. · Arquivos Brasileiros de Endocrinologia & Metabologia · 2014
DOI 10.1590/0004-2730000003223
narrative_reviewCited 253×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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