Do All People With Obesity Have Increased Risk of Disease?

Our cells use the food we eat to produce the energy needed to do work. This amazing process is called metabolism and it is necessary for survival. If we eat more than we need, we will gain weight and may become obese. Obesity affects how cells and organs perform work and also increases the risk of metabolic diseases, which include type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Metabolic diseases are the most common diseases of our time. National and global health authorities are working hard to prevent and treat obesity and obesity-related diseases. However, some people with obesity appear to have normal metabolism. Why do some obese people develop metabolic diseases while others do not? In this article, we discuss how metabolism may differ in people with obesity. We also describe some key reasons why some people with obesity may be healthier than others.