Key points from article :
It is possible to be “fat but fit” and people should concentrate on exercise rather than dieting for a longer life.
Studies suggested that exercise was better for a longer life than just losing weight.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity significantly attenuate/eliminate the increased mortality risk associated with obesity.
Adopting a weight-neutral approach does not mean that weight loss should be discouraged.
But shifting the focus away from weight loss, and instead focusing on increasing physical activity to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, may be prudent for treating obesity-related conditions.
Low physical activity was associated with 19% lower risk of dying from any cause.
Sustained high physical activity was associated with a 36% lower risk of death.
Weight loss was associated with a 30% increased risk of death.
“Fat can be fit, and that fit and healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes," - Glenn Gaesser, co-author.
Study by ASU and UVA published in the journal iScience.
