Health Benefits To Being Slightly Heavy
November 7, 2007 by Claire
Filed under Women's Health
An article at MSNBC made my head spin – Could there be some health benefits to being slightly heavy, i.e. around 25 pounds overweight? Apparently overweight (not obese) folks are more likely to survive illnesses such as pneumonia and emphysema. However, they are still more likely to die from kidney disease and diabetes.
I’m wondering if it’s simply an issue of having extra nutrients to feed on during illness. It’s not exactly clear at this point in time.
I’d say that the health benefits of being a normal, healthy weight outweigh (no pun intended) those of being slightly overweight. Think of all the things you are better able to do at a normal weight – such as climb stairs more easily, walk longer distances, keep up with your kids without getting winded. Being overweight puts a huge strain on your joints, which can lead to arthritis, even at a young age.
Do you think it’s possible to be fit and overweight? Let me know in the comments.
Claire
(Image from jonbarron.org)
I am slightly overweight by only 15 pounds. I can easliy lose it but I feel just fine. I just have a little tummy. The only difference it I have felt is that I can’t push as hard as I used to because of the extra 15 pounds but it hasn’t changed my body that much. I was 165 pounds and 5′ 11”. now I am 180.