Being Skinny Versus Lean & Fit

Many people look at the scale or their clothing size and think that makes them healthy.  The scale might tell someone whether or not he or she is in the healthy weight range for his or her height. But it won't do anything for cellulite or body fat.

Someone might be 'thin' but not be in shape. Cellulite is a result of body fat and fat cells underneath the skin's surface. It might be easy for someone to be thin as a result of eating very little. But that won't be healthy in the long run.

Ways to more accurately measure your health and fitness level is by using the body fat percentage. Body fat percentage is the amount of fat a person has versus lean muscle. Body fat can be measured by skin fold tests and more commonly by a scale or handheld device that measures the amount of time it takes for a signal to go through the body. The amount of fat changes the speed of this signal.

Body fat should be under 22% to be considered fit and healthy (for a woman). When the body fat percentage is lower, a person can weight the same as another person of the same height, but actually wear a smaller size clothing.

A pound of muscle is actually about 1/3 the size of a pound of fat. That is why looking at the scale is also misleading.  A person wanting to look better should try to decrease his or her body fat by engaging in strength training. By building lean muscle, the body will burn fat and will be more healthy versus just being skinny.

Being skinny might also not be healthy. If a skinny person eats poorly there is a chance he or she is missing essential nutrients and even could be at risk for high cholesterol and blood pressure.

It is better to be lean and healthy versus skinny so its best not to just rely on the scale as a means to measure good health.