New research suggests that people of a healthy weight but with more fat in their hips, thighs and legs could be at a lower risk of strokes, diabetes and heart attacks.

The findings, which were published in Cell Research journal showed that a lack of fat in the lower body is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

This doesn't apply to overweight or obese people.

Fat levels in the lungs of obese people are already to high and have an increased risk to stroke, diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Experts suggest that it is better to be pear shaped than apple shaped when seeking healthy bodies.

Hips and thighs are a "safer storage" for fat, according to BBC Three.

The weight stored in the lower regions of the body differs from that in the upper body. Fats in the stomach and chest area are more likely to release fatty acids into the blood which can lead to diabetes, and high cholesterol.