Health researcher, body composition is a major area for me. Some individuals may have higher bone density and bone mass but in the overwhelming majority of cases, it will not account for much in someone being categorized as overweight or obese.

Muscle can be infiltrated by fat. We see that in middle aged adults and older adults who are not physically active, like a marbled steak. Equipment like dual x-ray, CT, and MRI can account for this.

Most people who are overweight or obese are truly carrying more fat than they need, and it is often times unhealthy. People shouldn’t he shamed about this, but thanks to Harvard researchers and media it is. The extra fat itself isn’t what is harmful, it is the negative metabolic consequences of that fat in influencing your blood sugar, cholesterol, inflammation, etc. Our work has shown that sometimes being a little overweight but physically active is sometimes beneficial. Think mild-moderate dad bod who is active. They’re fat but have good quality muscle and bone, their metabolism is in good shape, and the extra fat is cushion against falls and broken bones which is of high concern in the old, and the fat is a reserve in case they get cancer and undergo treatment.