It’s no secret that being obese and not exercising can put you at high risk for developing heart disease. But is it possible to be overweight and still have good general health?

Heather Brown is an Exercise Specialist with the Cape Coral Wellness Center. She says, “You can be overweight and be healthy and I’d rather have somebody be overweight and be healthy as opposed to somebody who is skinny and has bad eating habits. You can still be skinny and have bad coronary artery disease and you don’t even really know about it.”

A recent study of 39,000 women found those who had a normal weight and exercised regularly also had the lowest chance of developing heart disease. Heather says to be your healthiest you should revert back to one simple rule. “Everything in moderation make sure that you do exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes would be great if not more, more is better.”

That rule even applies if you’re overweight. The same study found that obese women who exercised had lower health risks than those who did not. “A lot of people are frustrated because I’m overweight but at least I’m exercising and the weight is just not coming off it probably is what they’re eating or they probably have a thyroid problem that they don’t know about so that’s one thing to talk to your doctor about.”

Another good option may be to sign up for a health and wellness based workout program. Heather says, “We have personal trainers and people on staff that all have degrees, four year degrees or equivalent to that and they know more about the human body and food and exercise than just a regular gym.”

Diet and exercise still go hand in hand when it comes to preventing heart disease. The study mentioned here showed physical activity is unlikely to fully reverse the risk unless it’s coupled with weight loss. Other risks include smoking and a family history.