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Article Source: NPRHealth experts now think it's altogether possible to be overweight — but still fit.
They say measuring only an individual's BMI, which is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight, can be misleading. Muscle weighs more than fat, for one thing. Extremely muscular individuals could actually have BMIs that classify them as overweight or even obese. Increasingly, health experts say a better measure of overall health includes not only BMI but a test of "fitness," too.
As a result of her research, she says "fitness" now trumps "fatness." She says those who are fit are people who could walk 30 to 60 minutes without having to stop; who could climb two flights of stairs without becoming winded; or who could do some mild to moderate aerobic activity — a brisk walk or short jog, for example.
Such routine exercise strengthens heart and lung function, bones and muscles, as well as how the body processes oxygen. The greater the efficiency of these functions, the greater one's fitness.
#1 - Mon Jul 5, 2010 4:41 AM EDTFully agree. I´ve seen and lived with many people that are Over their BMI but can run faster, and out perform many younger folks aged 18-24. Many factors come into play not just Ht/Wt and the persons sex/age.
#2 - Mon Jul 5, 2010 4:52 AM EDTAnd health experts like Bairey-Merz suggest doctors pay as much attention to "fitness" as they do to "fatness."
Finally,someone who is looking at the bigger picture!
#3 - Mon Jul 5, 2010 12:25 PM EDTthere is that.. I'm moderately over-weight and I found much to my amusement that I can out-perform many socalled fit people in many activities.. docs should be taking every thing into consideration not bmi which may be misleading.
They say measuring only an individual's BMI, which is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight, can be misleading. Muscle weighs more than fat, for one thing. Extremely muscular individuals could actually have BMIs that classify them as overweight or even obese.
take a look around at most of the older guys working the docs or on construction sites. they mite have a bit of a paunch but they could kick the butts of any young buck there.
I've always said that people who discriminate against and hate on people who are over weight do so mainly cuz its socially acceptable to express that hate rite now.. these are the same people who in the 50s would have been or were openly racist cuz back then it was more socially acceptable to be like that. haters will always be haters they just look for easy targets when most times its themselves they really hate..
#4 - Mon Jul 5, 2010 12:50 PM EDTtake a look around at most of the older guys working the docs or on construction sites. they mite have a bit of a paunch but they could kick the butts of any young buck there.
Yes, you are right about that...
I feel like the title is misleading because having excess fat is not good and is not the same as being over-weight. The over-weight individuals they seem to be discussing are over-weight due to more muscle mass and not people with a lot of fat. Of course, I could just be misunderstanding the use of the word fat, although I still dislike the fact the title seems to encourage people to be "fat/unhealthy," which isn't the point of the article.
I've been over-weight with my bmi in the normal range my whole life due to being an athlete and despite the title I completely agree with this article. I am also thankful my doctor knew this while I was growing up or I would have had some serious body issues.
#5 - Tue Jul 6, 2010 7:15 PM EDTYou're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |
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