#45 Can I Be Fat and Healthy?

There is a common misconception that how we look determines how healthy we are. This couldn't be further from the truth.

The truth is tha people come in all shapes and sizes and our physical appearance doesn't always correlate with how healthy we are on the inside. You see, the belief that thin = healthy and fat = unhealthy is a dangerous myth that can lead to harmful stigmatization of overweight individuals.

Through the years one of the most offensive and unhelpful things I have helped clients navigate through is the unsupportive and less kind comments from friend / family members, is the “ you are not losing any weight, haven’t you been going to the gym?” or the super skinny girl that get asked “why are you going to the gym, you have an amazing body”

On today’s episode I want to open up the conversation about health at all different sizes, and talk about how these comments can actually be harmful to the person’s health journey.

The science bit:

Research has proven that it is possible to be overweight and still maintain a good health. According to studies, people who are considered overweight can have a healthy fitness level with a healthy metabolism, good amount of lean mass, good cardio vascular endurance and no other health issues. The study also found that being overweight didn't increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, or cancer when compared to those who were of normal weight. This means that these people who have a few extra KG of “isolation” are NO MORE likely to die prematurely than those who are of normal weight with similar fitness levels .

This is partially explained by the fact that health is a combination of factors where body fat % only is one of those mentioned factors, The WHO constitution states: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." and above average fat depots are not defined in and on its own as a disese or infirmity and cant be judged as such from appearance only.

What can we use instead?

If we can not use the size of a body to determine health, one of the other important factor that we can consider is physical fitness levels. By mesuring ourselves through the lense of how long and how intense can I work out without feeling like / completely crashing and burning. This tells you more about the internal state of your muscles, metabolic systems and cardio vascular system than your body weight.

Besides from that, exercise has been shown to have numerous health benefits, regardless of a person's weight. Regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. It can also improve mental health, increase energy levels, and promote better sleep. Leading us to the concluding that if an individual regular exercise can still help them to maintain good health even when the goal is not to LOSE WEIGHT.

NOTE THIS:

Not all overweight individuals are unhealthy, just as not all thin individuals are healthy.

It's possible to be thin and have a high percentage of body fat, (sometimes called skinny fat) and it is possible to be overweight and still have a healthy body composition.

Health is more than just a number on a scale or a size on a clothing tag. It's about taking care of our bodies, both physically and mentally.

It's important to focus on taking care of our bodies and minds, rather than getting caught up in societal expectations and harmful stereotypes. And next time you witness someone making statements about your health or someone that you care about, step up and point this out. Or just share this podcast with them and ask them to listen.

Last but not least:

As always, I would be more than happy to assist you in your fitness & wellness goals, no matter the size, shape or goal!

The easiest way to get started is by dropping me a DM, then I can share with you the on-ramping questionare and link so you can get book a FREE 20-minute EXPLORE SESSION so we can talk about what we can do to go forward with your desire for a healthier, better life.

Always,

Coach Eik