Let’s face it, most of us start an exercise program to lose weight! Yes, there are the few health-conscious people who start exercising for their health and I applaud you. For the rest of you, exercise is a way to attain your weight loss goal. Some have more weight to lose than others. Once you get started on your exercise program, you start to feel better, stronger, and more energetic. You may not have lost weight, but you are already seeing the health benefits.
York University in Toronto conducted a study (BMC Obesity 2017; doi:10.1186/s40608-018-0183-7) which evaluated the cardiovascular health benefits of fitness for people with mild to severe obesity. The results showed that “you can get fit without losing weight and have health benefits.” In the study, patients attended a weight management clinic and researchers evaluated their fasting blood measures and maximal treadmill stress test results. Their data showed that individuals who were more fit were less likely to have high glucose, triglycerides, and blood pressure regardless of their weight when compared to people that were less fit. The study shows that having a high fitness level is still beneficial even if your BMI (Body Mass Index) is 40 or higher.
So, get out there and move and keep moving. Yes, you can be fit and fat!
Holly Kouvo is a certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Specialist, Functional Aging Specialist, speaker and writer.