Skinny Does Not Always Mean Healthy—Here’s Why: How many times have you heard someone say, "I’m skinny, so I’m healthy"? It’s a common assumption, but here’s the reality: skinny doesn’t always mean healthy.
Let’s break it down. Have you ever heard the term "skinny fat"? This describes someone who may appear to be at a healthy weight based on BMI but actually has a higher percentage of body fat compared to muscle. They look slim, but they’re missing the muscle mass that plays a crucial role in overall health. In this case, the focus needs to be on building muscle and losing fat, which takes time and consistency. Patience is key when it comes to health and fitness—trusting the process is essential. This is especially concerning as we age. If we’re not engaging in resistance training and getting enough protein, we lose muscle mass year after year. By the time we hit our 50s and 60s, we risk developing sarcopenia, which is the loss of both muscle and bone density. Without enough muscle, our bones become more fragile, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. And here’s the thing—cardio and walking alone won’t cut it when it comes to building muscle or improving bone density. Resistance training is the key to strengthening both muscles and bones. That’s why I like using the InBody scale to get a clearer picture of our body composition—muscle vs. fat. It's a better indicator of overall health than just looking at the number on the scale. If you’re "skinny fat," you may already be on the path to sarcopenia. It’s not just about weight—it’s about muscle mass. Protect your body by focusing on strength training, eating the right foods, and making muscle-building a priority as you age.