Obese people tend to have abnormal blood sugar and lipid levels and high blood pressure. As a result, they are more prone to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. But scientists have observed that up to 45 percent of obese people have normal blood pressure, blood sugar and lipid levels, so may not be at high risk. Why this group of obese people remains healthy has never been fully understood.

Now, an international team of researchers has identified a series of genes that are linked to elevated fat levels and protection against the negative health effects of obesity. The results are in the journal Nature Metabolism.

Researchers made the discovery by analyzing data from hundreds of thousands of people and assessing their body fat and disease risk markers. They identified 62 genome segments that were significantly associated with higher levels of body fat and a lower risk of cardiometabolic disease. Further analysis showed that these genes have a range of functions in the body, including regulation and development of fat cells, distribution of body fat, and energy regulation and inflammation.

"This study used a data-driven approach that identified novel genes associated with adipose tissue health rather than known obesity genes associated with the central nervous system, which controls satiety and is often associated with unhealthy obesity," the researchers said.

"Understanding which genes protect people from diabetes and cardiovascular disease will ultimately lead to better diagnosis and treatment of obese patients," the researchers said.