Despite these benefits, a recent systematic review by Fühner et al. (23) found negative secular trends for physical fitness (e.g., CRF, MF), independently of sex (from 1972 to 2015). The “fat but fit” paradox refers to those individuals whom in spite of having obesity show a relatively high physical fitness level (24).
The 'fat but fit/powerful' paradox was confirmed when adiposity was assessed by BMI, waist circumference and body fat percentage, but not by fat index. Low relative muscle power (ie, power normalised to body mass) was an independent predictor of 9-year all-cause mortality among older people.
The fat but fit paradox has suggested that obese individuals with good fitness levels have lower cardiometabolic risk compared to individuals with normal weight but lower fitness levels. This paradigm has not been explored in the context of bone health.
'Fit and fat': short-term
Obesity and fitness can co-exist. “There are people with excess weight who are avid exercisers,” emphasizes Dr.
The “obesity paradox” relates to counter-intuitive findings suggesting that, although people are at greater risk of developing heart problems if they are overweight or obese, once a person has developed a heart condition, those with higher BMIs appeared to do better and were less likely to die than those of normal ...
Previous studies have examined the “fat but fit” paradox, revealing that greater levels of physical fitness may diminish the harmful consequences of excess weight on cardiometabolic risk. Despite the above, specific information about the “fat but fit” paradox in prepuberal population is scarce.
The “paradox” of full-fat dairy foods being associated with lower BMI is a great demonstration of some basic Paleo principles: don't take naturally-occurring fat out of whole foods, and if you absolutely have to, don't replace it with sugar and/or Omega-6 fats.
BMI should be considered along with other factors like blood lipid levels and blood pressure to determine if you're in good health. A high BMI doesn't always mean you're overweight. In fact, those with a very muscular build often have a high BMI, but not a high percentage of body fat.
Remember that belly fat is OK – even necessary – as long as you don't have too much of it. The problem with having too much visceral fat, Hairston says, is that “it doesn't just sit there. It's an active part of your body and makes a lot of toxic substances that promote inflammation and insulin resistance.”
However, BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat and, thus, can be skewed, especially because muscle weighs more than fat. So a very muscular person could be categorized as obese when, in fact, they might be very healthy.
The French paradox is an apparently paradoxical epidemiological observation that French people have a relatively low incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), while having a diet relatively rich in saturated fats, in apparent contradiction to the widely held belief that the high consumption of such fats is a risk ...
Body dysmorphic disorder: When you still feel oversized even after losing weight.
Instead, in what some call the “obesity paradox,” most studies show a U-shaped curve: Those in the “overweight” category (BMI 25–30) surprisingly have the lowest mortality risk. Those in the “obese” category (30–35) have little or no increased risk over the so-called “healthy” category (18.5–25).
However, the “whoosh” itself – the idea of fat cells filling up with water only to release it later – hasn't been conclusively proven. Instead, what's probably happening is a combination of water retention, metabolism adjusting to the diet, and perhaps even changes in muscle glycogen levels.
Aerobic exercise includes any activity that raises your heart rate such as walking, dancing, running or swimming. This can also include doing housework, gardening and playing with your children. Other types of exercise such as strength training, Pilates and yoga can also help you lose belly fat.
The Science of Fat Loss
Think of it like a balloon losing air—it deflates, but doesn't disappear immediately. Over time, your body adjusts, but the jiggly feeling can be a temporary step along the way.
Yes, studies show magnesium supplementation can help reduce belly fat storage. Magnesium modulates cortisol and metabolic pathways involved in fat distribution. Taking 200-400 mg/day of magnesium citrate as part of a healthy diet and exercise regimen may help target a reduction in abdominal fat.
If your BMI is: under 18.5kg/m2 – you are considered underweight and possibly malnourished. 18.5 to 24.9kg/m2 – you are within a healthy weight range for young and middle-aged adults. 25.0 to 29.9kg/m2– you are considered overweight.
While it's a myth that muscle weighs more than fat—after all, a pound is a pound—it is denser, which means it takes up less space in the body. This may explain why you look slimmer but the scale hasn't budged. Water weight could also be a factor, according to strength and conditioning coach Brandon Mentore.
Moffazarian says, based on current data, it looks like full- and non-fat dairy products have an equal impact on weight loss. But in the end, it may turn out that full fat is better.
Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium but is often high in saturated fat and salt. This means eating too much could lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Low-fat dairy products have been associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, while excessive consumption of whole-fat dairy may increase the risk. Like most foods, it is advisable to consume dairy in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.