Debunking the "Fit But Fat Myth"

Not only is it very unhealthy to be overweight (a BMI of 25 to 30) or obese (BMI of 30 and higher), but I would argue that it is better to be a few pounds underweight than a few pounds overweight. Any extreme is bad, but people seem to have an unhealthy focus on a "little bit too thin," think that "fit but fat" is OK, or don't really understand what "overweight" really means. Fully one third of Americans were obese in 2008.

If you're not sure what your BMI is, check out this BMI TABLE.

Below I list some of the key arguments for a lean body. Is it hard to get there and maintain? Oh, yes. I work for it every day, sometimes exercising more than two hours per day and almost always watching my diet carefully. Thinness does not run in my genetic family.

1) Even a tiny bit of flab raises heart failure risk.

2) Calorie deprivation is actually associated with a longer life, even being dubbed as the magic elixir to live to 150. There is no study in the world that suggests being even slightly overweight will extend your life.

3) Being overweight significantly increases your risk of cancer, especially colon and breast cancer. More here and here.

4) Being overweight also interferes with your body's natural immune system. According to studies at the National Cancer Institute, being overweight can affect a person’s immune system and subsequent ability to fight off infection and disease. In children, this may lead to more frequent colds or other illnesses.

5) Multiple studies show obese ICU patients have a mortality rate that is 3.9 times greater than a normal weight group.

6) Obesity was associated with a six-fold increase in mortality following severe blunt trauma.

6) Being overweight increases your risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Losing even 7-10 pounds can help.

7) Reduces quality of life. You are missing out on the best life has to offer. Face it, if you are overweight, you don't feel good much of the time. You suffer from low energy. Going out and horsing around with your mate, your kids or your grandkids is probably not as fun as it could be. Moreover, you probably don't feel great about how you look. And of course, if you don't feel good about your body... you might be missing out on one or two other great benefits of feeling fit!

I could list more, but I hope I have convinced you. There simply is no argument for being overweight. Get out there. Get fit. Start now!