Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

December 3, 2008 2:34:06 AM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Big Butts Are Healthy, Study Finds

Posted May 7, 08 6:52 AM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – The kind of fat found in the hips and buttocks may actually help fight diabetes, a result that surprised Harvard doctors performing the research that produced the finding. Although belly fat is known to raise the risk of diabetes, subcutaneous fat injected into the abdomens of mice actually increased their sensitivity to insulin and even helped them lose weight, Reuters reports.

"We actually found it had a beneficial effect, and it was especially true when you put it inside the abdomen," the study's lead doctor said, referring to the subcutaneous fat. "It's an important result because not only does it say that not all fat is bad, but I think it points to a special aspect of fat where we need to do more research."

Source Reuters

1 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • For Healthier Teens, Keep the TV in the Den

    Apr 7, 08 12:55 PM CDT
    For Healthier Teens, Keep the TV in the Den Older teens feeling too fit, well nourished, and smart can turn all that around with one simple move: install a TV in the bedroom. Kids 15 to 18 with a boob tube in the boudoir were twice as likely to watch 5 or more hours a day than those who had to get their MTV in the family room, Reuters reports—no surprise there, but their diet and exercise habits were also suspect. More »

The kind of fat that accumulates around the hips and hindquarters may help to ward off diabetes, and even counter the negative effects of abdominal fat.   (Flickr)
It is well known by now that abdominal fat confers a higher risk of diabetes, but was surprising that subcutaneous fat injected into the abdomen had a beneficial effect.   (Flickr)
Belly fat can contribute to diabetes, but obese people who also have lots of fat on their bottoms and hips might actually be somewhat protected from the disease.   (Flickr)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Sir Mixalot - Baby Got Back:A funny song of him   (themetalkiller)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 3)

Tags

public health • diabetes • scientific study • health study • belly fat • fat cells


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Science & Health Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »