I know, I know, the world tells us to freak out over being “fat” or overweight.

But there are a few benefits to carrying an extra few pounds. I got the news straight from The 17 Day Diet book by Dr. Mike Moreno.

Here we go:

Stronger bones.

A little meat can ward off osteoporosis.

Healthier Hearts and Lower Rise of Diabetes.

Women with larger thighs have lower risk of heart disease. Moreno quotes a British Medical Journal. “Those with stick-thin legs face the greatest chance of developing heart disease.”

Who knew? Thunder thighs are actually healthy.

Moreno also writes that lower body muscle mass can promote better metabolism and that subcutaneous fat around the hips and thighs actually lowers the risk of diabetes.

So instead of being overweight though, we can lift weights, right? But if you bear the pear body type, be proud.

Glowing Skin

Women who weight a bit more have a more youthful look. A gaunt face adds years. A few extra pounds helps to create a more youthful look.

I’d noticed this on my own, especially Hollywood types. They are so lean their faces look wrinkled.

Increased Fertility

Back to the London study which found underweight women were more likely to miscarry.

But women with a few extra pounds prove to miscarry less.

Faster Metabolism

Overweight people actually have higher metabolism because their bodies require more energy.

But don’t get over confident of this fact. What you eat and how much you exercise is still a major factor in keeping weight off and maintaining your health.

Best Reason of All

Overweight people lose weight and get in shape faster once they start a diet and exercising program.

There you go. The benefits of a few extra pounds.

I like the “youthful glow” best.

We lose elasticity as we grow older and the less “fat” we have in our face, the more drained and lined we look.

But above all, let’s strive to be balanced and healthy.