The Advantages of being Overweight
Carrying around excess weight can be bad for us, but recent research is starting to show that being a little overweight won’t actually kill us. In fact, people who are slightly overweight can experience some health benefits that their skinnier counterparts may not. It must be emphasised that this is about being a little overweight ie 5 kilograms. With anything more than this then the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages.
According to doctors, it’s better to be slightly overweight and fit than to be thin and idle. That’s because people who exercise – regardless of their body size – dramatically reduce their mortality risk. Sure, it’s better to be fit and lean, but as long as you’re working out and eating a nutritious diet, your heart and body will benefit.
There are a growing number of people who are embracing the extra pounds they carry. It’s a trend some experts are starting to support: Each of us can be happy, fit and well within a broad range of weights. What’s more, if you learn to embrace your body shape and size, research shows, you’ll be less stressed about losing those last few kilograms and will learn to enjoy life more – something that’s exceptionally important to our mental health and well-being, say scientists.
There is an indisputable link between obesity and health complications: People who carry around dozens of extra kilograms, and who remain inactive and eat poorly may die younger than their leaner counterparts. But a recent study found that 51 percent of overweight adults who remained health-conscious had mostly normal levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and triglycerides. What’s more, they found that a few extra kilograms don’t increase someone’s risk of dying of heart disease or stroke – that is, of course, if the person takes care of her or himself with exercise.
Many fashion companies are making efforts to accommodate women who may not be a size 2. Researchers say this kind of change is a good thing. If you feel good about how you look on the outside, the theory goes, you’re more likely to take care of how you feel on the inside – and you’re also more likely to engage in health-conscious activities.
