Recent studies conducted by researchers in Spain found that exercising does not enhance health if you are obese, as individuals with excess weight or obesity have significantly higher risks of developing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
However, experts stated that exercising is beneficial for everyone, including those with obesity, as it reduces their risks of diabetes, chronic high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The more physical activity there is, regardless of your weight or age, the lower the risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes.
Dr. Edward Jakosky, director and founder of Exude Fitness, says that achieving fitness is more than just being an active person. He stated, "To truly be fit, you must follow the five principles of medical fitness, which are [flexibility, cardiovascular training, increased muscle endurance, muscle strength, and consideration of body fat percentage]." Dr. Jakosky explains: "It is not enough to say that you are physically active to mean that you are healthy and fit. If you play golf three times a week or only practice yoga, your fitness program may be incomplete. You must incorporate all five aspects of fitness mentioned above to achieve health and strength."
Additionally, Dr. Jakosky noted that the problem is that most people focus only on the types of exercise they are good at or enjoy, adding: "I call this the Burger King fitness program; you just do it your way. This is one reason why the obesity epidemic has skyrocketed over the past thirty years, as people only do what they like, not what they need to do to achieve and maintain strong health."
According to Forbes, obesity affects about 30% of the population in the United States. What makes this disease dangerous is that it not only increases your weight but also raises the risk of heart disease and diabetes and significantly affects the immune system. The New York Times reports that the immune cells of individuals who are overweight and obese at age 30 resemble those of an 80-year-old adult. Dr. Jakosky adds, "We underestimate the importance of looking and feeling our best for both personal and professional health. Therefore, we do not pay much attention to the proper exercise we need and the healthy foods we should eat daily, instead choosing what we like to eat and do, not what we need to do to make a change."
Therefore, choose a healthy diet and engage in fitness exercises that you can consistently practice today, next month, next year, and for years to come as a continuous life routine.
