What the size of your bum means for your lifespan – and risk of killer heart disease
EVER heard the expression ‘thick thighs save lives’?
Well, it turns out a big bum might do the same thing.
“If you have a heavy duty derriere you might live longer, according to science,” TikTok‘s favourite GP Dr Karan Rajan proclaimed.
He pointed to a “weighty body of evidence” showing that fat deposited on your bum and thighs could reduce your risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
While cardiovascular disease refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, metabolic disease refers to health problems that put you at risk of things like diabetes.
In a recent clip uploaded to his TikTok page, Dr Rajan said having fat in your buttocks is associated with better health outcomes than having visceral fat – this is the kind of fat that’s hidden inside your body but can cause health issues.
“This is because visceral fat is deeper and can wrap around organs” like your heart, liver and intestines, the NHS surgeon explained
It’s also more metabolically active and releases cytokines and fatty acids and cause inflammation – the “hallmark” of most chronic conditions, according to Dr Rajan.
By contrast, bum fat mainly sits under the skin.
“Subcutaneous fat in this region can act like a sponge – it can mop up, store and trap harmful fatty particles and stop them going and causing damage to the organs,” the GP said.
This kind of fat is also more stable than visceral fat and less likely to break down and release harmful “inflammatory compounds”, he added.
On top of that, gluteofemoral fat – the padding on your bum – is better at producing hormones such as leptin, which can regulate the appetite and producing anti-inflammatory antioxidant compounds like adiponectin.
This improves insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism and your control of glucose.
“That’s why liposuction and tummy tuck operations may improve your profile aesthetically, but won’t improve your metabolic health,” Dr Rajan added.
Surgeons recently revealed the golden hip-to-waist ratio that makes famous rears so attractive.