Looking "Fit" Doesn't Necessarily Mean Being Healthy

One of the biggest stereotypes in America is that if you are skinny or within weight standards you are healthy. Well I am here to tell you that is not the case. Body weight is not an accurate reading of the overall conditions of your body. When looking at whether a person is totally healthy we look at gender and genetic factors, not just body weight. Just because you do not carry the physical attributes of an unhealthy individual does not deplete you from the harsh world of: high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and several other diseases and disorders.

According to Dr. Jimmy Bell, a professor of molecular imaging at Imperial College, London, "Being thin doesn't automatically mean you're not fat." In summary, people who maintain their weight through diet rather than exercise are likely to have major deposits of internal fat, even if they are otherwise slim.

WOW! So it's true, you don't have to be fat to be fat?

Instilling good health and changing poor ones is what helps with primary prevention. Some things that can help are:

1. Eating breakfast each day

2. Exercising regularly (At least 30 mins cardio)

3. Getting Good Sleep

4. Cutting down on Sodas

5. Limiting excess breads during each meal

6. Even smoking and drinking can add to the stress of poor health

*****These are just suggestions on how to take a FIRST step, no one says to eliminate these things today...one day at a time...seemingly one small change is actually a HUGE change to overall health & fitness, and then you move on to the next goal****

These habits are not just limited to the skinny fat individuals they are great primary prevention tactics for all persons, despite age, gender, and health status. Positive social support from family members, friends, acquaintances, and others are generally exceptional measures to help change behavior habits. By using social support we increase our chances of being successful within our endeavors to live a healthier lifestyle.

However, one thing is for sure, when looking at being fit, dieting is not enough. You can have an appearance of being thin and be as unhealthy as a person 6 times your size. By using good health habits and exercising on a continuous basis we improve the chances of being healthier.