Last Updated on May 21, 2023 by Michael Brockbank
In this episode of Fitness in Theory, we talk about the real damages of obesity and how many of them do not show up on a blood test. It goes to show that even if you’re bloodwork indicates your OK, you’re probably not, overall.
We all know that obesity leads to things like high blood pressure and increases the likelihood of a slew of diseases. But what are some of the damages obesity can cause outside of the cardiovascular?
Obesity Affects You from Head to Toe
Currently, I’m working on a blog post related to this topic. As such, I had quite a few science-based resources open when we recorded the show. Keep in mind that I never share just random information without having stats and data to support claims.
Also, keep in mind that much of what we talk about in this podcast are things we’ve gone through ourselves. We’ve both lost 80 pounds thus far and are still plagued by many things despite blood screenings coming back positive.
Take Sam, for example. According to her blood work, she’s healthy…despite weighing more than 370 pounds. Her knees are messed up, she can’t play in the snow without getting whooped, and has a hard time breathing.
Being obese is more than just having to adjust your clothing. It ultimately decreases your life expectancy as well as the quality of your life.
Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be happy in your skin. Always work on having confidence in yourself regardless of your size. But also keep in mind the damages that are caused by being obese.
It’s Not Fatphobic to Work on Your Health
A lot of people seem to think that not wanting to be obese or overweight is fatphobic. No, some of us just don’t want to die 20 to 30 years earlier than we should.
After my heart stopped, I viewed that as a warning shot across my bow.
Health and fitness is more than just looking good in a bikini. It’s about improving your quality of life in a myriad of ways. But if you’re happy, that’s all that really matters in the end.
It’s OK to be happy with a shorter life expectancy. Just don’t think for one second that you’re “healthy at any size.” Because in reality, science would say otherwise.
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