Think Thin Equals Healthy? Not Necessarily

As the rate of obesity continues to rise in many parts of the world, more attention and time is given to weight loss tricks and tips, as well as marketed weight loss products. Diet and health products, including diet foods, diet books, diet pills, and supplements, are big sellers in the United States. You could say that we are experiencing a sort of mass obsession with health and weight loss.

However, before you judge your  health on outward appearance, consider this: thin doesn't always equal healthy. Research has shown that slim people can be "overweight." People who have fat surrounding their internal organs, even if thin on the outside, can be at just as much risk of health problems as people with fat that is very visible on their bodies.

In reality, eating a level of calories low enough to keep you slim will not necessarily protect you from developing internal fat deposits that could harm you in the future. If you are attempting to control your weight through diet alone and are not exercising, you are at a higher risk of being internally overweight. You are especially at risk of developing internal fat if your diet consists of foods high in fat and sugar. If you eat these types of foods often and you're not burning them off through regular exercise, you are at risk of storing this fat and experiencing the same problems as someone who is outwardly overweight. Also, there is an increased risk because the health risks won't be as apparent to you or your healthcare provider as they would be for someone with visible weight gain.

But don't fret too much! Internal fat can be burned off with regular exercise. Also, it is the first type of fat to be burned off through exercise, so even if you don't see results on the scale, you will be experiencing results internally. To curb internal fat through diet, try to eat 4-6 small meals through the day to speed up your metabolism and try to limit your fat and sugar intake. And remember not to judge your health on weight alone. Even someone who's a little bit overweight and exercises regularly can be healthier than a thin person who eats poorly and doesn't exercise.