Updated The arguments in this thread seem to be missing some connective tissue. I’m skeptical of the implication that metabolic fitness means much in this context. Barbara Abrams seems to be reading the evidence in the most precise light: that normal metabolic markers, “would suggest no increased risk of heart disease.” (Emphasis added.) Even if … Continue reading »
Fatness and lack of fitness are easily misconstrued
It’s really all about fitness!! Fatness and lack of fitness are easily misconstrued. It is possible to be heavy, strong and healthy. And, it is possible to be unhealthy, underweight and weak. As we and others have shown, with proper exercise and sound nutrition it is possible to make major changes in fitness parameters and … Continue reading »
Our entire nation needs to become “metabolically fit”
Although there is an enormous body of epidemiological studies that link obesity with poor health, a 2009 review by Wildman* concluded that a third of obese people have normal levels of metabolic markers that would suggest no increased risk of heart disease. This field of study is in its infancy, and we don’t know why, … Continue reading »
There is strong research showing fat people can be healthy and fit
Data from a cross-sectional sample of 5,440 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey, found that half of overweight adults and almost one-third of obese adults were metabolically healthy. Of course, that means that half of overweight and two thirds of obese adults were not healthy. What does this tell us? It tells us that health is possible for both obese and overweight adults, and that being fat does not automatically doom one to a shortened lifespan and increase risk of chronic disease.