We can calculate everything from the distance of the earth to stars whose existence can only be verified with mathematical equations, to the status of "fat and fit", a term that may be losing its place in the ranks of oxymorons. The classification of fitness status as the result of certain testing methods utilizing mathematical calculations to obtain results can be misleading. As stated in the examples below, two people of similar weight, height, and size can receive the same score from mathematical calculations labeling each as "fat and fit", however, I demonstrate how this diagnosis accurately applies to one, while the other is in imminent danger of developing life-threatening illnesses.
Determining Fitness
Fitness is a measurable component of health assessment procedures and a primary factor to be considered prior to formulation of a supervised exercise program. The required calculations are made utilizing the physical measurements of weight, height, and the amount of muscle tissue vs adipose (fat) tissue. Two of the methods of testing that may be included in comprehensive annual medical exams or employed by therapists and personal trainers are BMI (Body Mass Index) and WHR (Waist to Hip Ratio).
TESTING RESULTS:
Body Mass Index (BMI)
The BMI compares an individual's weight to that of the general population. This test is recognized as the medical standard for calculating obesity status by dividing body weight by height. A score of 18.5 to 25 is considered within the healthy range, a total obtained in excess of 25 up to 29.9 classifies an individual as overweight, and a score of 30 and above indicates obesity.
This method of testing is not foolproof, however, because it does not differentiate between muscle weight and fat weight. For example, it is possible for two people weighing approximately 159 pounds, and each standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, to have BMI calculations performed resulting in identical scores of 25. Although this would indicate both are in good health, one of them is a candidate for major health problems in the future. They may look alike, but the 159-pound individual with the muscular body can accurately be classified as fat and fit, while the other 159-pounder will receive the same score of 25, but this individual is a health disaster waiting to happen because a major portion of the poundage is comprised of excess body fat. Muscle tissue is dense and therefore weighs more than fat. For this reason, BMI results are never relied upon as the single determinant of fitness or obesity, but are used in conjunction with other methods of testing.
Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR)
WHR is a testing method used to determine fitness and weight status by dividing the waist circumference by the hip circumference. A calculation of 0.7 is ideal for women with 0.9 residing in the healthy range for males. When the person being tested has proportional fat distribution, however, this method of measurement for determining fitness or obesity loses its reliability. For example, someone with a waist circumference of 38 inches and hips measuring 48 inches will receive a WHR of 0.79 falsely classifying this overweight individual as fit and healthy.
If the patient is young and active but genetically predisposed to being overweight, it is possible for the results of all other testing methods performed during a complete physical examination such as blood and urine analysis, blood pressure readings, and electrocardiogram (EKG) to be within normal limits. Although the numbers in this case will indicate this individual is currently fit and in good health, in reality, he or she is facing the possibility, as aging occurs, of developing weight-related illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension if weight loss is not recommended and achieved.
Conclusion
Weight lifters, body builders, and wrestlers-as determined by excess body weight, not body composition-are excellent examples of the term "fat and fit." For the rest of us, a tremendous impact upon health and longevity will result from the loss of as little as 10 percent of excess body weight by healthy dieting and an increase in physical activity, or by adopting the habit of regular exercise 20 minutes a day, three days a week, to replace fat with metabolically active muscle tissue. Go for it!