Reuters reports that researchers have found that a type of fat found in hips and bottoms offers some protection against diabetes. The fat collects under the skin and helps improve the sensitivity to insulin, which regulates blood sugar. When tested in mice, researchers found that their metabolism improved leading to weight loss, improved blood sugar and insulin levels. The researchers are now trying to find out the substance within the fat is that is giving this benefit so that it can be used in medicines.

In reading comments on the news at various places, the general opinion has been that having a big bottom/hips is good and this finding proves it. Unfortunately, that is not what this study found. Excess fat is not only stored in a bottom/hips, it is stored elsewhere in the body as well. Thus, this excess fat can lead to many health problems including heart disease and diabetes. One should remember that for a given height, maintaining a weight within a normal range with adequate amount of fat is far better than having a big bottom/hips or being supermodel thin.

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