Obese subjects that are fit (as measured by max VO2) still have cardiovascular risk factors such as increased fasting insulin, C-reactive protein and total cholesterol/HDL. Normal weight subjects at the same fitness levels did not have these risk factors.

Can you be fat and healthy? Well, obesity is positively associated with all of the major degenerative diseases: heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis. You be the judge.

PMID: 17126652