Tweet
Obesity is widely viewed as the nation’s biggest health problem. But research last week showing that one-third of obese people are “metabolically” healthy suggests that health can’t be judged by fat alone.
Indeed, there’s a growing body of evidence suggesting that many of our attitudes about health and weight are misguided. While excess weight clearly is a risk factor for poor health, it doesn’t appear to be the most important issue. About half of overweight people and one-third of obese people have normal “good” cholesterol, blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. And several studies show physical activity is a far more important predictor of health than body size is.
“We know that obesity by itself is a major coronary risk factor,'’ said Dr. Kenneth Cooper, the fitness expert who launched the aerobics movement. “But you can’t just rely on weight. You’re better off being fat and fit than skinny and unfit.'’
For the Overweight, a New Definition of Health - Well - Tara Parker-Pope - Health - New York Times Blog
Indeed, there’s a growing body of evidence suggesting that many of our attitudes about health and weight are misguided. While excess weight clearly is a risk factor for poor health, it doesn’t appear to be the most important issue. About half of overweight people and one-third of obese people have normal “good” cholesterol, blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. And several studies show physical activity is a far more important predictor of health than body size is.
“We know that obesity by itself is a major coronary risk factor,'’ said Dr. Kenneth Cooper, the fitness expert who launched the aerobics movement. “But you can’t just rely on weight. You’re better off being fat and fit than skinny and unfit.'’
For the Overweight, a New Definition of Health - Well - Tara Parker-Pope - Health - New York Times Blog
Comment