The Fit-Fat Paradigm and the Real Benefit of Exercise
You are better off being FIT and FAT than thin and unfit.
But wait, I thought being thin meant I was fit!? And I thought the whole focus of working out was to get thin!
“Fit” has two components.
Fit = Aerobically fit as measured by our VO2 max.
Fit = Strong as measured by…. Well, how much weight we can lift on a variety of different exercises.
The scientific research is overwhelmingly clear that we are better off having a good VO2 max (being aerobically fit) and being overweight than being thin and having a poor VO2 max. Stated otherwise, aerobic fitness provides significant protection from all-cause mortality.
The scientific research is also overwhelmingly clear that we are better off being strong and overweight than thin and weak. Stated otherwise, being strong provides significant protection from all-cause mortality.
I’m certain that most people don’t know this. Most people link our weight or level of body fat directly to our health. Ask most people about their health status and they seemingly always lead with, “I really need to lose about 15 pounds.” In reality, they really need to get strong and drive their VO2 max.
Take home message: Strength train and do some intense cardio to get FIT and receive the health-protective benefits of exercise. But don’t expect exercise to assist in significant weight loss (as exercise, any kind of exercise, is only moderately effective for weight loss).
