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Analysis: No Oxymoron, Fat & Fit

Updated: Nov 20, 2024

Can you be fat and fit?


This is not an oxymoron. Yes, you can be fat and fit. Some years ago I attended a health seminar.  The principal speaker was a gray-haired family physician and a super athlete, that is, he was a national 100 meter champion for his age group.



He asked the question: can you be fat and fit?  But no one among the hundreds in the audience ventured a guess.


After a long and embarrassing silence, he answered the conundrum.


“Yes, you can.  But will you?” Explaining, he went on to  say that not everyone can be super thin.  However, all is not lost. If we eat right and do at least light but daily exercises, we can be fat and fit.

Yes, it's possible to be overweight and still be fit. Body mass index (BMI) is a common measurement of body fat based on height and weight, but it doesn't consider lean muscle mass or body composition. For example, people who are very muscular may have a BMI that classifies them as overweight or obese. How misleading.


Don’t be overwhelmed or discouraged by arbitrary classifications.


More good news.


A recent study shows that many in their 80s and 90s are slightly overweight, but active with strong social links and are still healthy despite their advanced age and weight.


There is not only hope; but there is a way to achieve vibrant health for big folks too.



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