The Fat but Fit Paradox: Should We Reassess Our Thinking?
The connection between obesity and chronic diseases, such as Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), is well-established. However, research suggests that being fit, even while overweight, can reduce some of the negative health effects of obesity. This concept, referred to as the “Fat but Fit” paradox, emerged in the late 1990s and challenges the assumption that maintaining a normal weight alone is enough for good health.
Fitness vs Weight: What Does the Research Say?
While a normal weight is often associated with better health, studies indicate that fitness plays amore critical role. Research shows that normal-weight but unfit individuals face a significantly higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared to those who are both normal-weight and fit. Surprisingly, some evidence suggests that obese but fit individuals may have a lower risk of cardiac events than their normal-weight but unfit counterparts.
This highlights the importance of considering cardiorespiratory fitness, a measure of heart and lung function, alongside traditional metrics such as body mass index (BMI).
Genetics and the Fit but Fat Paradox
Physical and biochemical traits like fat storage and cardiorespiratory fitness are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Research suggests that up to 50% of the heritability of obesity and fitness may be genetic. Understanding how our environment, including nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle, interacts with genetics reveals why universal health interventions often fail.
Emerging evidence shows that moderate to high cardiorespiratory fitness can offset the adverse effects of obesity on other health outcomes.
A Shift in Focus: Fitness and Cardiovascular Health
Although obesity, particularly severe or morbid obesity (BMI >35 kg/m²), is a significant public health challenge, current research highlights the importance of focusing on fitness as well. Nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes remain essential, but increasing cardiorespiratory fitness levels can reduce the health risks associated with obesity.
Why CardiAction Measures SEVR
Research supports the need to assess fitness alongside traditional health metrics. CardiAction’s Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA) parameter, SEVR, measures both aerobic capacity (VO2max) and cardiac efficiency. This provides a vital understanding of cardiovascular health and demonstrates that knowing your SEVR is as important as knowing your BMI when assessing your overall health and well being.
Take Proactive Steps with CardiAction
CardiAction offers innovative tools to help individuals understand and improve their cardiovascular health. Our screening services include measurements like SEVR, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and fitness.
Book your CardiAction screening today to learn how improving your fitness can positively impact your health and wellbeing.
