I have to strenuously disagree on many levels. Our society us quite used to glorifying such people and the general perception that that post is perpetuating is a falsehood in the extreme.
Such people are not in fact in good condition nor generally in good health. The myth is also perpetuated by many trainers, coaches and other such people. It is simply wrong. There are even doctors who become famous for participating in such madness. I can think of one in particular that is in general highly revered but is in fact a quack that violates any and all standards of care. The typical modern professional football player is destroying his body for money, drugs, sex, notoriety, etc.
Glorifying such a thing and even going to the extent of identifying it as being in any way healthy is a symptom of what is wrong with modern Western society I think and demonstrates how distorted people's perceptions about health really are.
As for the OP, it was perhaps an indelicate way of introducing the topic of discussion, but I am glad he would decide to pursue a healthier lifestyle.
Thank you, Chopdoc. Cute little uses for a man boob hardly compensates for the health risks of obesity: diabetes, high cholesterol and triglycerides, fat pockets between the organs that potentially interfere with their functioning, the load on the joints, the higher risk of heart disease and stroke, etc. Being unusually quick or whatever for your body fat level doesn't nullify these risks.
Some common excuses, and some responses:
excuse - I like good food.
response. - We all do. Well seasoned healthy food is just as tasty.
excuse - There's a lot of muscle under this fat; I can bench X lbs.
response - But you still have too much body fat, and therefore the risks above.
excuse - It runs in my family.
response - Genetics might affect your metabolism, but lifestyle would go a long way toward controlling that. Endomorph doesn't mean obese.
excuse - My doctor says this is normal for me.
response - Find a better doctor.
excuse - You could get killed walking across the street tomorrow, so you might as well enjoy life.
response - When you cross the street, you look first to make sure you aren't stepping into harm's way. Accidents happen, but that doesn't mean that you should stop taking reasonable precautions.
I don't say this to trash people. When I see obese people who can barely walk, I sincerely worry about them. It's their choice to neglect themselves if that's what they really want, but I don't believe it is what they really want. Unfortunately, by the time the alarm rings it's usually too late.
