So, according to a new study, if you’re “fit fat” there is no real increase risk of dying than if you’re in super great shape.
Confused as to what “fit fat” means??
We were too! Here’s what it means:
Men who were physically active, but had trouble losing weight, are actually helping their hearts regardless — which makes for a lower risk of premature death! They even studied almost 15,000 men over 6 years, so this is no small study!
“Given the great difficulties of losing weight and maintaining a reduced weight over the long term, this study underscores the benefits of maintaining and improving fitness to reduce mortality risk independent of weight change. You can worry less about your weight as long as you continue to maintain or increase your fitness levels.”
This does NOT mean you can go out and just eat whatever you want, though. A healthy diet is still best.
“In conclusion, maintaining or improving fitness is associated with a lower risk of premature deaths from all-causes and cardiovascular disease in men. Increased attention needs to be placed on strategies to maintain or improve fitness.”
And, the researchers caution that those tested were just generally overweight, not obese or extremely unfit individuals.
So. Stay active, and don’t let the stress of your weight destroy you — you could be healthy just the way you are! But get out there!
[Image via AP Images.]