Some obese people can be just as fit as those of a normal weight and carry no greater risk of developing heart disease or cancer, studies suggest.

Research published in the European Heart Journal Wednesday proposes that a subset of metabolically healthy obese individuals can be physically fit and that increased weight doesn’t seem to have a completely negative effect on their health.

Metabolically healthy individuals do not have problems such as insulin resistance, diabetes or high blood pressure and cholesterol.

"It is well known that obesity is linked to a large number of chronic disease such as cardiovascular problems and cancer, said lead author of the study, Dr. Francisco Ortega, in a press release.

“However, there appears to be a sub-set of obese people who seem to be protected from obesity-related metabolic complications."

Oretga said that these people may have greater cardio-respiratory fitness, which was measured by how well their hearts and lungs performed.

“But, until now, it was not known the extent to which these metabolically healthy but obese people are at lower risk of diseases or premature death,” he said.

The research for one of the studies looked at data from over 43,000 Americans from the Aerobics Centre Longitudinal Study between 1979 and 2003.

Researchers found that being overweight did not have to pose an added health risk, but rather that obese individuals who were metabolically healthy were more fit from getting more exercise, suggesting that the correlation of health to fitness was greater than health to only weight.

“We believe getting more exercise positively influences major body systems and organs and contributes to making someone metabolically healthier, including obese people,” he said.

The study showed that healthy obese people have the same overall prognosis as those in a normal weight range and lower body mass index (BMI).

Obesity paradox
Another study, using data from more than 64,000 patients on the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty registry, examined the relationship between obesity and mortality with people suffering with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs).

The study further proved the “obesity paradox,” which suggest that for obese people (with a BMI of less than 40) who also suffer with chronic illness, losing weight is always bad.

The researchers found that underweight heart patients had double the risk of dying than those of normal weight and that overweight and obese patients carried the lowest risk.

RELATED: Best foods for flatter abs:

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• Salmon

  <a href="https://twitter.com/bodybybasch" target="_hplink">Debra Basch,</a> director of nutrition and personal trainer for body fitness club <a href="http://embodyfitnessclubs.com/Default.aspx" target="_hplink"> eMbody Fitness in Toronto</a> says salmon is high in Omega-3 and helps fight inflammation.

• Watermelon

  According to a study by the University of Kentucky, watermelon was <a href="http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/8-health-benefits-of-watermelon.html" target="_hplink">found to prevent artery clogging and reduce fat build up. </a>

• Greek Yogurt

  If you're a dairy lover Basch recommends staying away from sweetened dairy products and adding low fat Greek yogurt to your diet for digestion.

• Flaxseed

  Flax is full of fibre and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Basch suggests a grounded up version as a power snack.

• And These Seeds

  Chia seeds and hemp seeds are also high in fibre.

• Olive Oil

  Replace your cooking oils and fatty dressings for olive oil. Basch says this oil is packed with monounsaturated fatty acids for easy digestion.

• Edamame

  Edamame is full of vitamin C and A and can make your body feel full faster. These beans also fuels your body with healthy fats.

• Green Tea

  Green teas can not only <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/07/26/foods-for-cramps-10-foods_n_1701837.html" target="_hplink">sooth cramping and bloating</a>, but teas in general are full of antioxidants.

• Walnuts

  Another healthy fat, Basch says walnuts can also easily fill your stomach up so you can avoid overeating.

• Broccoli

  Even though broccoli may make you feel a little gassy at first, Basch says this vegetable is full of fibre and easily fills you up.

• Eggs

  Having an egg or two before your workout can also help with flattening your stomach. Eggs are filled with lutein vitamins and other amino acids.

• Raspberries

  Any berry for that matter is filled with fibre that helps with proper digestion.

• Bananas

  People are often told to stay away from bananas because of sugar intake, but Basch says bananas (an average sized one) is full of fibre and antioxidants.

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