There are a lot of myths about weight and fitness. I will try to answer a few.
1. Can I be fat and fit? Some disagree with on this but the answer is No! You may be fat and feel good. You may be fat and have good aerobic conditioning. You may be fat and strong. But
having strength or aerobic conditioning is not the same as being fit. The fact that you exercise regularly doesn't mean you are fit. Having a good exercise plan will keep you less unfit but being fit means you are physically in a condition that optimizes your health. Whatever your aerobic or strength abilities may be, if you are fat, if you are more than 20% over your optimum age-related body fat percentage, you are at increased risk for weight related health issues.
Whether or not you are fat is a different issue from weight. You may be at a healthy body weight and still be fat. Fat or not fat has to do with the percentage of your weight that is not lean mass. I have done body fat assessments on those who by weight and appearance seemed fit, only to discover their body fat percentage was more than 20% above the healthy range.
2. Can I be overweight and fit? Yes! Maybe! It depends on whether or not the excess weight is muscle or fat. Many bodybuilders and other athletes with only 6-8% body fat or less are considerably over their chart recommended weight but they are very fit . Here is a good rule of thumb: If you are no more than 20% over your ideal weight and you are getting moderate to vigorous exercise at least 5 days a week and have no weight related medical issues, (hyperlipidemia, hypertension, elevated cholesterol etc.) you are probably OK.
If your body fat is more than 20% above the healthy range, heed the studies that indicate that no amount of physical activity seems adequate to compensate for the negative effects of carrying excess fat.
3. If I exercise regularly, should I be concerned about age-related weight gain? First, let's get this clear: There is no such thing as age-related weight gain. I know, I know, it is a term often used but the fact is that it is misleading. Weight gain is calorie related; not age-related. The reason you gain weight as you age is that your metabolism slows but you food consumption doesn't slow to the pace of your metabolism. Secondly, as your weight goes up, so does your risk for a myriad of weight related chronic diseases. Thirdly, so, yes! You should be concerned about so-called age-related weight gain. But before you go on a panic weight loss program, concentrate first on putting a halt to the weight gain. Putting a halt to weight gain doesn't have to be painful. There are hundreds of free recipes tasty, easily prepared dishes.
1. Can I be fat and fit? Some disagree with on this but the answer is No! You may be fat and feel good. You may be fat and have good aerobic conditioning. You may be fat and strong. But
having strength or aerobic conditioning is not the same as being fit. The fact that you exercise regularly doesn't mean you are fit. Having a good exercise plan will keep you less unfit but being fit means you are physically in a condition that optimizes your health. Whatever your aerobic or strength abilities may be, if you are fat, if you are more than 20% over your optimum age-related body fat percentage, you are at increased risk for weight related health issues.
Whether or not you are fat is a different issue from weight. You may be at a healthy body weight and still be fat. Fat or not fat has to do with the percentage of your weight that is not lean mass. I have done body fat assessments on those who by weight and appearance seemed fit, only to discover their body fat percentage was more than 20% above the healthy range.
2. Can I be overweight and fit? Yes! Maybe! It depends on whether or not the excess weight is muscle or fat. Many bodybuilders and other athletes with only 6-8% body fat or less are considerably over their chart recommended weight but they are very fit . Here is a good rule of thumb: If you are no more than 20% over your ideal weight and you are getting moderate to vigorous exercise at least 5 days a week and have no weight related medical issues, (hyperlipidemia, hypertension, elevated cholesterol etc.) you are probably OK.
If your body fat is more than 20% above the healthy range, heed the studies that indicate that no amount of physical activity seems adequate to compensate for the negative effects of carrying excess fat.
3. If I exercise regularly, should I be concerned about age-related weight gain? First, let's get this clear: There is no such thing as age-related weight gain. I know, I know, it is a term often used but the fact is that it is misleading. Weight gain is calorie related; not age-related. The reason you gain weight as you age is that your metabolism slows but you food consumption doesn't slow to the pace of your metabolism. Secondly, as your weight goes up, so does your risk for a myriad of weight related chronic diseases. Thirdly, so, yes! You should be concerned about so-called age-related weight gain. But before you go on a panic weight loss program, concentrate first on putting a halt to the weight gain. Putting a halt to weight gain doesn't have to be painful. There are hundreds of free recipes tasty, easily prepared dishes.
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