“Skinny” but Unhealthy: The Truth is on the Inside
Lindsay Bridges
| 2 min read
Everyone has a friend that can eat whatever they want, whenever they want, and never gain a pound. There’s also that friend who weighs more than others but is in great shape. So, is it healthy to be large and fit, or skinny but unhealthy?
Which is better for you?
It’s common knowledge that people who are obese start to experience many health-related issues such as heart problems, high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes because of their weight. But, is it possible to still be healthy even if you are obese?
A study conducted from 1979-2003, interviewed 43,265 individuals. The participants were asked about their past and current medical history. Based on the answers to these questions the doctors decided if the participants were ‘metabolically fit’, meaning that aside from their weight, they have normal blood pressure, normal cholesterol levels, and did not suffer from diabetes. The results were shocking. The obese participants that were ‘metabolically fit’ had no higher risk of death than the normal weight ‘metabolically fit’ participants. However, these findings do not condone obesity, and there are still other risk factors associated with obesity,like being more prone to chronic diseases.
What about being unhealthy but still skinny? Who wouldn’t want to be thin and still be able to eat whatever they want? It’s the best of both worlds, right? Wrong. Being unhealthy on the inside is just as dangerous as looking unhealthy on the outside. It’s more difficult for people to understand because we can’t see what’s happening on the inside of our bodies. Fat starts to envelop itself around vital organs, which becomes a large problem, since people can’t physically see this, they are tricked into a false sense of security that they’re healthy.
No matter what your body type is, it’s important to get the adequate amount of exercise to stay healthy so you can avoid long term health problems. Exercising doesn’t have to be difficult. Try a new hip hop dance or zumba class, take a walk outside in the beautiful weather, or even take the stairs at work, instead of using the elevator. There are many different ways to get your daily exercise in, so have a little fun, try something new and stay active!
Photo Credit: Phoney Nickle
