Lots of good tidbits in this thread. As a chubby male, this is good news. I also happen to “suffer” from hypothyroidism, and the medication actually catalyzed weight loss to the tune of almost 40 lbs.
I believe that the slower our metabolism is pegged, the longer we’ll live is a great theory. It makes biological sense, and maybe it’s an evolutionary trait that is desirable? Think about it... if a society of people are chubby but, as another poster pointed out, consume primarily fat from protein like fish and rice, their overall health is perfect.
Despite a higher-than-normal BMI, I have a lower BP than most men 100 lbs. lighter than me, are more flexible than men 100 lbs. lighter than me, and I have positive markers across the board for heart disease and diabetes. It comes down to genetics and proper teaching of eating habits to our offspring. Our lifestyles affect our waistlines, but that doesn’t mean we have to eat junk all the time.
Our problem isn’t how much we eat, it’s the quality of our food!
“Despite a higher-than-normal BMI, I have a lower BP than most men 100 lbs. lighter than me, are more flexible than men 100 lbs. lighter than me, and I have positive markers across the board for heart disease and diabetes.”
Interesting, my situation, too. My blood sugar is great, my triglycerides good, my blood pressure is normal, my cholesterol is 201 but heavy on the “good” cholesterol, I’m very flexible, my skin is clear, my energy level is very good. I almost never get sick at all. Several kids at home, and if I do catch what is going around, I get about a 10% dose and recover so quickly, usually.
And I eat a doughnut about five times a year! I’ve never eaten a whole pizza, a whole bag of chips, a whole container of ice cream, a whole package of cookies - any of the stereotypical things high BMIs are accused of, and I suppose, are often guilty of.
People are different, bottom line.