When it comes to an overweight person, many automatically assume that they are unhealthy and unfit. While it is true that obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, and certain cancers, weight doesn't solely define fitness.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Nikhil Agnihotri, Senior Consultant, Minimal Access Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, shed light on the same and shared whether a person can be overweight and fit at the same time.
Also Read: Obesity Is More Than Just An Aesthetic Problem, Here's How It Affects You
Health Risks Associated With Obesity
Obesity refers to excessive body fat accumulation with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
Since 1975, the number of obesity cases has tripled worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Reports suggest that more than 100 crore adults were overweight and over 65 crore people were obese in 2016 alone.
Obesity is a significant public health concern, which increases the likelihood of developing various chronic conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis.
Additionally, obesity can contribute to mental health struggles like depression and anxiety.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your weight, as they can guide you towards a healthy weight range and address any underlying health issues.
Can A Person Be Overweight And Fit At The Same Time?
“Traditionally, the relationship between weight and health has been relatively simple; being overweight was often considered unhealthy. However, health experts are now challenging this conventional thinking, suggesting that it's possible to be overweight and still maintain good fitness levels,” said Dr Agnihotri.
According to him, solely relying on BMI, a measure of body fat based on height and weight, can be misleading as BMI doesn't differentiate between muscle mass and fat mass.
BMI Alone Is Not A Determinant Of Health
Explaining BMI, Dr Agnihotri said, “A BMI of less than 18.5 signifies that you fall within the underweight range, while a BMI of 18.5 to less than 25 is considered within the healthy weight range. A BMI of 25.0 to less than 30 falls within the overweight range, and a BMI of 30.0 or higher is classified as obesity. Obesity is further subdivided into classes: Class 1 obesity ranges from a BMI of 30 to less than 35, Class 2 obesity ranges from a BMI of 35 to less than 40, and Class 3 obesity, also known as severe obesity, is characterised by a BMI of 40 or higher.”
As per the doctor, BMI alone is not a definitive determinant of a person's health.
“While BMI is a widely used tool to assess body fat based on height and weight, it has limitations and needs to be interpreted cautiously,” he said, noting that BMI does not take into account factors such as muscle mass, bone density, or distribution of fat, which are important considerations for overall health.
Also Read: How Obesity Can Be Harmful To A Child's Brain Development
Sharing an example, he said, “Individuals with higher muscle mass, such as athletes or bodybuilders, may have a higher BMI due to their increased muscle mass rather than excess fat, yet they may still be in good health. Also, its accuracy can be limited for certain groups, like individuals with high muscle mass, those who are short, or the elderly. For example, someone who is muscular with a lower percentage of body fat might be classified as obese based solely on their BMI due to their heavier weight from muscle mass.”
On the other hand, individuals with a normal BMI may still have an unhealthy level of body fat or other risk factors for health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, he added.
Apart from this, it is also important to take other factors, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, into consideration.
A Final Word
Dr Agnihotri concluded by saying that while BMI offers a valuable starting point, a combination of factors, including waist circumference and other health markers, provides a more accurate picture of health and risk for obesity-related diseases. This suggests that being overweight alone does not determine whether a person is fit or not. One must consider other factors that can impact a person’s health and fitness.