05 Sep Metabolic Fitness.
Interesting bit of research out of the US today. The study of 43,000 subjects looked for increased health risks in obese people. Obvious, right?
Actually no! Body size and/or weight issues do not automatically lead to increased cardio-vascular and other health disease. This is where “Metabolic Fitness” comes in. It’s a combination of acceptable blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, in addition to a moderate amount of exercise. Now we could debate what is “acceptable” until the cows come home, and in fairness this isn’t a huge study in terms of numbers, but the conclusions are encouraging. I feel this is a positive finding for both ends of the healthy scale. Fitness and health fanatics can afford to live a little, whilst the obese do not need to suddenly shift at least two stone of weight to make the slightest difference.
People can be obese yet physically healthy and fit and at no greater risk of heart disease or cancer than normal weight people, say researchers.
Amy Thompson, of the British Heart Foundation, said: “In the majority of cases, obesity is an undeniable risk factor for developing coronary heart disease. However, these studies remind us that it is not always your weight that’s important, but where you carry fat and also how it affects your health and fitness.
“It is particularly important to be aware of your weight if you are carrying excess fat around your middle. The fat cells here are really active, producing toxic substances that cause damage which can lead to heart disease.
“But don’t get too caught up on the numbers on the scale. Calculating your body mass index and measuring your waist are great ways to keep on track.”
Now, where have those Maltesers gone…………………..
No Comments