While common misconception (and prejudice) may be that overweight and obese people do not exercise, a recent study found that they are getting much more we think.
The study, done by Case Western Reserve University’s School of Nursing, found that 29 percent of people 40 years or older with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher had been exercising for six months, 39 percent regularly exercised and 25 percent contemplated exercise. In fact, only 12 percent had “no desire or thoughts of exercise,” reports ScienceDaily.com.
But if this is the case, then why are they obese? Overweight, may have something to do with body type etc., but obesity is such an extreme. The article goes on to explain that 34 percent of the population is obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
I think it’s important to understand that overweight and obese people do exercise and are conscious of fitness, because for one thing that dispels prejudice against them that they are “lazy.” But it also means that maybe exercise isn’t the only, or main factor in obesity.
- Alexandra Gekas, Associate Editor