Thursday, August 24, 2006

Hmm do we really need a study to tell us this?

As reported in the New York Times...being fat means you live shorter! (GASP! haha)

"A second study by researchers at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, and Johns Hopkins University looked at 1.2 million Koreans ages 30 to 95 and followed them for 12 years. The researchers looked at 82,372 deaths and correlated them with the body mass index. They found, too, that risk of death and cancer increased in people who were overweight, but not obese."

My comments:

Its good that they are looking at large populations of asians. Asians (for a given Body Mass Index) are fatter than their caucasian or black counterparts. While this is kind of sad (It means that we tend to store more fat) at least its accurate so that the asians who have a "normal" BMI dont get complacent. (BTW BMI is incredibly inaccurate for muscular people but its an O.K. general tool).

Many asians think they are alright but just one look shows that they are what I call "skinny fat". This applies even more so to asian women who often want to be thin at any cost... ugh! thin with 40% fat = infertile and unhealthy... ladies be careful!

But its still no excuse of course. Correct eating and trainin can go very far in health, performance and yes... appearance too. the example i always like to use for ladies is Michelle Kwan. World Champ Ice skater. These atheltes are powerful! (you cant pop off the ice like that without great strength in the hips!) Here are some pics and a vid of her in action... powerful and elegant... absloutely magnificent!




What about the men? I am a fan of Zhang GuoZheng World record holder in weightlifting in the 69 kg class... yes boys... hes 69kg and he lifts a world record 197kg overhead in the clean and jerk. Here he is in action. Yes thats 220kg squatted all the way down for a double by a 72kg (at that time) man. Feeling weak? haha. Me too! Sure his knees could track better on the way up but still! impressive:)