FITNESS VS FATNESS
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to achieving health and fitness – there are certain factors that can help or hinder Sacha van Niekerk
WE LIVE in a world where diet culture is all around us. | ANDRES AYRTON Pexels
IS THE number on the scale as important as our relationship with food and exercise? The question is part of a “fitness versus fatness” debate that is ongoing within the realm of health and medical science. To better understand the concept, we first need to decipher the terms used. Registered Dietitian, Sumaiya Essa unpacked the meanings within a health context: “Fitness in relates to cardiovascular fitness which measures the performance of the heart, lungs and muscles of the body in terms of strength and endurance. Fatness – or a better term would be obesity – refers to having fat accumulation in the body overall, possibly using BMI/ body fat percentage to quantify this.” One of the more urgent factors to address when it comes to health is preventing obesity, according to Essa. When it comes to overcoming the issue, however, should exercise and improving fitness be put above eating well and maintaining a healthy weight? Essa commented that aiming to prevent obesity before aiming for ‘fitness’ should be the priority as it would pose greater health risks long term. “Being obese can also potentially affect your levels of fitness since it can hinder endurance and strength.” But, ultimately it is about balance, Essa said, “We must not forget about
