Feeling a bit guilty about over-eating during these holidays? Here's a study that might make you feel just a tad bit better about those extra pounds. (Just a tad.)
Auer and colleagues reviewed coronary angiograms of over 1000 patients and correlated them with body fat percentage. After statistical analysis, they found that body fat was not associated with the presence (or absence) or severity (size of coronary lesions) of atherosclerosis in men or women. Furthermore, the results did not differ based on age.
What's the takeaway point? Simple: go ahead and have that second serving of ham and eat that extra slice of cake!
[disclaimer: This study has not necessarily been reproduced, and is not intended to give free license to gorge after the holidays are done. It is fully expected that starting on January 2 you will immediately forget all of the above and renew your commitment to a healthy lifestyle consisting of a bland diet and P90X or Insanity workouts on a daily basis. But until then, forget the guilt!]
References
Auer J, et al. Obesity, body fat, and coronary atherosclerosis. Int J Cardiol 2005
