Just because your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels are normal doesn’t mean it's okay to be obese or overweight, reports TIME .

Researchers from Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute in Toronto, Canada found that individuals who weighed beyond their recommended body mass index (BMI) but were metabolically healthy still had a higher risk of dying from heart disease over an average of 10 years compared with those who were of normal weight. They were also found to have a greater chance of dying earlier due to other heart-related conditions.

“Some studies report that if you are obese but metabolically healthy, you are protected in a way. We don't think that is true. And I don't think it will come as much of a surprise,” study lead author Dr. Caroline Kramer says.

Although the effects of obesity vary from one person to another, it’s better to maintain a normal body weight. Regular exercise, proper diet, and ample sleep may help in avoiding the risk of heart problems and early death.

(Screencap from Pitch Perfect courtesy of Universal Pictures)