Good article, Kristi! I do think it’s possible to be slightly overweight and still healthy – some people are just naturally bigger. But I think these “overweight” people probably tend to be more concerned about their health in general. I am naturally thin, but I am hardly “in shape” enough to run a 5K without feeling like I’m going to vomit at the end. What irks me is the overweight person who says, “I’m okay with my size,” but does nothing to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The number of overweight children in my kids’ school is absolutely disgusting, but you see parents coddling them about their size, saying it’s okay to be overweight as long as you feel good about yourself. Being apathetic about the extra weight is when I think it can be dangerous and unhealthy.

Kristi,
I love this article. The whole country is far too focused on body image to the detriment, specifically of women. We are all built differently and fortunately are not the Stepford Wives. A few pounds and love handles do not a bad image make. I have never let the “size” of a piece of clothing deter me. If it fits and looks good I buy it. I’m guessing if I checked out the items in my closet the sizes would run the gambit of a roulette wheel…who cares. Several years back when I retired I had a physical for an insurance policy. I probably wasn’t my “lightest” weight. Surprisingly I was approved for a “preferential” rate because I belonged to a gym, swing dance group and exercised regularly, walking. In other words, I was ACTIVE. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Good eating habits aside, a couple slices of pizza won’t kill you. All things in moderation….and keep moving!
The more you do, the more you CAN do. Kudos to your Aunt.

This topic is the bane of my existence. According to the “numbers”, my weight and BMI are towards the higher end of each “normal range” scale and it drives me nuts because while I know I’m making good life choices by eating healthy, running and doing pilates, the numbers make me feel like I’m not. My body is one that likes to hold onto weight..despite my best efforts. Since November 2006, I’ve lost almost 40 pounds (holy cow!) but it has been filled with many a setback and lots of frustration. I take solace in the fact that I can run a 5k without wanting to vomit (to steal a line from Melissa), I’m training for a 10k and that while I might not be in the size that I want (based on my own self-image, not necesarily that of the fashion industry) that I am working my way there.

So, based on my own experience, I do think that it is possible to be overweight and be healthy with the understanding that weight is such a weird thing. Super muscular people weigh more (and maybe are on the overweight spectrum because of that) but they clearly aren’t unhealthy. But, I’d be worried if the statement that “You can be overweight and still be healthy” showed up on the evening news or something because I DO think that people would hear that and think that they were just fine without delving deeper into the topic to get an accurate picture of their health. Kind of like how there is a quick fix to everything in our disposable society, I could see this as yet another “pass” for people looking for an easy way out of getting into shape.

I think you can be overweight and healthy, but that doesn’t mean we should be.

I actually was on the low end, but still in the obese BMI when I ran my first 1/2 marathon, and yes I did run the whole thing at an 11 minute pace. I know I would have run much faster if I was at a healthy weight, something I am working on.

Certainly you can be overweight and healthy or at least healthier than some thin people. I am thin (thank you Weight Watchers 33 lbs in 2003 )…. BUT I could not ever run more than 1/2 a mile (I am a decent swimmer) but my muscles are definitely not where they should be, slack, is the word I would use. But I have a good friend who is overweight and is a runner and cyclist and has rock hard legs, she is definitely healthier than I am. I think there is a whole culture around food and size and guilt and as Americans we fall prey to looking at the wrong angle. I think it is best to keep your body in good working order, even if you are carrying around some extra weight.

@Melissa-Great point. Childhood obesity is a growing problem, and not just because children are carrying around extra pounds. They also are prone to some pretty serious diseases, and this is a point some parents of overweight kids might forget.

@Juanita-Agreed. Women are bombarded with messages about the way they should look, and the image of the “perfect” woman is unattainable for the greater majority. This leads to self-esteem issues, and the unending pursuit of “fixes” to try and match this ideal as much as possible. A dangerous cycle to be sure.

And yes, I do believe that “overweight” and “healthy” are not mutually exclusive terms. As you said, “keep moving” and you’re on the right track!

@Amy-Everyone has a different body and while it is certainly frustrating not to see the numbers move on the scale, you are doing everything right! You are eating well and exercising, and in training for a 10K. You’ve lost 40 pounds (an incredible accomplishment), and I’m certain that if you stay with what you’re doing, you will lose more down the line, if that’s your goal. That said, I think you look fantastic now.

@Rachel-Congrats on running the half-marathon. Your story has proved my point that you can carry a few extra points and still be athletic. Good luck on your next half and your weight loss goals. Running often should certainly help you accomplish both!

@Kellie. Agreed, for sure. Carrying around extra weight is okay, as long as you’re staying active and eating well. I agree with Melissa that it’s difficult to hear an overweight person say, “I’m okay with my size” and then eat horribly and not exercise. That’s an unhealthy lifestyle, and one that will certainly lead to long-term problems in the future.