We’ve all heard the legend: skinny = healthy, and a few extra pounds are a direct ticket to a heart attack. It’s time to bust this myth. In reality, extremes are equally harmful, and sometimes being too skinny can be even more dangerous than being overweight.
When Being “Fuller” Is Okay
A recent study by Danish scientists has challenged common ideas about the “perfect body.” For five years, researchers tracked the health of over 85,000 people. What did they find? Men with a slight excess weight or even in the early stages of obesity live just as long as “perfect” athletes with a normal BMI. Moreover, people who were too thin had a much higher risk of death.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is easy to calculate: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. For example, someone 1.75 m tall and 85 kg in weight has a BMI of 27.75. Still sounds worrying? Don’t panic — numbers don’t always tell the whole story.
Why Being Too Skinny Can Be Dangerous
An extremely thin body isn’t always a sign of strength or discipline. Sometimes the body simply can’t handle the load or signals problems, from hormonal imbalances to serious illnesses like cancer.
But it’s not just about disease: extreme thinness often comes with muscle loss, weakened immunity, and hormonal problems. This is especially true for men — testosterone prefers a body in shape, not one that looks like a teenager at the starting line.
How to Tell if Extra Weight Isn’t Dangerous
If your BMI is between 25 and 30, you’re “moderately overweight.” Scientists call this a “metabolically healthy overweight” phenomenon. The key is lifestyle: you move enough, eat properly, don’t smoke, and sleep well? Then your body is probably balanced.
A BMI of 30 to 35 marks the first stage of obesity. Here, it’s important to listen to yourself and consult a doctor to avoid overloading your heart, kidneys, and joints.
When Things Get Serious
A BMI above 35 is a real SOS from the body. The risk of cardiovascular problems rises, as does the strain on joints and organs. Obesity in stages two and three already represents a serious danger zone.
Conclusion: Extremes Kill
Being too skinny or overweight — extremes are equally dangerous. The optimal scenario for a man is moderate fitness and a healthy lifestyle. No extreme diets, late-night pizzas, or constant fear of the scale. Maintain balance, stay active, eat smart, and love the body you have.
Remember: a healthy man isn’t just a number on the scale, but a strong body, energy, and confidence in himself.
