A new study has shown that many overweight and obese people are metabolically healthy, while large numbers of slim people have health problems typically associated with obesity. A study of some 5000 American adults showed that over 50% of overweight individuals (and 35% of obese individuals) were actually metabolically healthy, based upon measurements of blood pressure, “good” cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar and an inflammatory marker called c-reactive protein. 24% of thin, or normal weight adults posted unhealthy levels for at least two of these risk factors.
It has long been held that it is healthier to be overweight and fit than sedentary and lean. And though many doctors still want to harp on the "you have to get your BMI down" bandwagon, there are many more every year that are coming to accept that people come in many different shapes and sizes - and that your hip-to-waist ratio doesn't always determine your physical health.
So, when I start to get that very annoying "you need to loose weight for your health" statement, I can ask those skinnie minis if their blood sugar and cholesterol is as good as mine - it might just not be! Then I'll drag their butts up to Mica Mountain with a 35 lb pack and see how their health compares!
Pam Nelson - a big, fit personal trainer
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