Being overweight in your teens: Are there any hidden advantages in adulthood compared to someone who was always skinny?

Setting aside the obvious downsides we all know about (like adipose tissue hyperplasia during growth, the psychological toll, etc.), I’m curious about the other side of the coin.
Suppose someone was overweight throughout their teenage years, but turned things around right before hitting 20 (say, around 18 or 19) through a major glow-up and healthy lifestyle change.
Do you think that person has any concrete advantages as an adult compared to someone who has always been naturally thin?

Posted Sep 8, 2026, 11:51 AM UTC

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