Does being obese always mean you are unhealthy?

No, according to two new studies that challenge the idea that obesity or being overweight always puts us at greater risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even death, CNN.com reports.

The studies, published Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal and Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, question whether health should be determined by body mass index (BMI) and weight. BMI does not measure body fat but considers weight relative to height.

The studies suggest that other risk factors such as whether a person has obesity-related illnesses like high blood pressure and sleep apnea, or a genetic predisposition to chronic diseases, should be considered when trying to determine who the “healthy obese” are and who is at greater risk even if they weigh a bit less. A person's fitness level should also be considered, scientists say.

"Our study challenges the idea that all obese individuals need to lose weight," Dr. Jennifer Kuk, assistant professor in York University's School of Kinesiology and Health Science in Toronto, tells CNN.com.

Researchers estimate that one in five people who are obese may not suffer medical problems. To read the complete CNN story, Go Here Now.