The phrase “fat shaming” has been in the news a lot lately. Support groups have popped up to say that overweight individuals can still be healthy and fit even if they don’t look like Sadik Hadzovic or Amanda Latona. It’s great to be happy with yourself, but let’s not assume that all weights are created equal.
A study published in The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Researchfound a strong correlation between well-developed cardiorespiratory fitness and desirable body composition. The study looked at the performance of over 4,200 Brazilian policemen and firefighters on various fitness tests. They found that those officers who were the leanest had the best scores in cardio conditioning, irrespective of age. You might be able to be overweight without being unhealthy, but losing weight will clearly improve your physical performance, intensity, and overall quality of life.
