Can You Be Fat and Healthy? (According to Experts)

Being fat yet fit is a definite possibility -  it’s even possible to be obese but still considered fit by normal health standards.

To determine an individual’s fitness level, we need to look at a person’s Body Mass Index (BMI).

This index measures a person’s body fat against their height and weight, and if the individual falls within a certain range, they are considered ‘fit.’

BMI is calculated as BMI = kg/m^2, where kg is a person’s weight in kilograms, and m is a person’s height in meters.

You are what you eat, making a person's diet one of the biggest factors determining their health and fitness levels.

A person’s diet is the main difference between a body built for the Olympics or riddled with chronic diseases.

Foods high in carbohydrates and sugar contribute to an increased risk of a heart attack, heart disease, and elevated blood sugar, which can cause havoc within your body system.

To live a healthy lifestyle, you’ll want to adopt a balanced diet that’s rich in nutrients and good fats.

Another factor that affects your fitness is whether or not you exercise regularly.

Based on studies by Cooper Institute, researchers found that “regular exercise can help improve mental health… symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, as well as overcoming addictions and controlling weight [1].” - Laura DeFina, Chief Science Officer

Additionally, individuals partaking in regular physical activity that elevates heart rate can more easily shed excess weight, which helps overall with losing weight and preventing risk factors associated with overweight people.

All the exercise and healthy eating in the world won’t do you any good if you partake in bad lifestyle habits.

Activities like smoking, drinking, and drugs not only put you at higher risk of illness, they’ll also mitigate any if all the benefits associated with a healthy life.

Additionally, research has shown that smoking contributes to high cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health problems [2].

If you’re looking to achieve a healthy weight category, you’ll also need to consider what kind of lifestyle habits to drop to reap long-term health benefits.

Your body composition is made up of the total percentage of fat, water, minerals, and proteins that you store.

Besides calculating BMI, a person’s bodily composition is another alternative to determining if they are overweight or in shape.

Depending on the ratio of each of these traits, it provides a better understanding of where an individual stands in terms of their fitness.

For example, a person with high percentages of fat, protein, and minerals may be considered healthy, as their protein-mineral to fat ratios are evenly balanced out.

You just can’t run from genetics. Depending on your ancestral background, you may be susceptible to certain diseases and illnesses passed down from generation to generation [3].

Additionally, the people you surround yourself with (aka - family members) can also influence your behavioral traits. Individuals that come from overweight or obese family background are far more likely to also be overweight, based on behavioral patterns that have been ingrained in them since birth [4].

It means if you want to break the generational curse and get in shape, you’ll need to distance yourself from the influences of those around you.

Feeling stressed? That just might be another indicator that’s holding you back from achieving the weight loss results you’re after.

Studies have shown a strong association between chronic stress and obesity [5].

When we’re stressed, our cortisol levels rise, making us seek out foods that are high in fats and sugar.

It results in a craving for junk foods, which can lead to a few extra pounds on our waist - and eventually obesity over the long run.