‘My husband is fat but says he’s healthy – is that possible?’

Being overweight is losing its stigma but a doctor has warned that there’s a ticking time bomb a lot of bigger people aren’t acknowledging.

Obesity means you’re in the highest risk bracket of numerous debilitating illnesses. Picture: JC Gellidon/Unpslash

Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr Zac Turner talks the dark side of body positivity.

QUESTION:Hi Dr Zac, My husband is fat, but he thinks he’s fighting fit! He’s just turned 40, and I am really worried about his health in the future. He believes he is fine, and despite his ‘manly’ weight, there is nothing wrong with him.

When I try and argue that being overweight is unhealthy, he points to Donald Trump, who claims to be one of the healthiest people alive, even when he is actually obese. How can I tell my husband that you can’t be fat and fit? – Annelise, 37, Queensland

ANSWER: Great question Annelise! This topic has been very controversial in recent years as the body positivity movement has taken strides to normalising different body types. I always encourage patients to love themselves and their weight, but I draw the line when it starts to affect their health. I am even more passionate when a parent’s bad diet choices have a long term negative impact on their children.

It’s upsetting when a parent’s bad diet choices have a long term negative impact on their children, says Dr Zac Turner. Picture: Christopher Williams/Unsplash

The World Health Organisation draws the line for being overweight at a BMI (body mass index) of more than 25. For obesity it is more than 30.

If our BMI falls between the two, it’s more a matter of trying to adopt a wholesome, healthy lifestyle. If it is over the 30 line, we need to lose weight in order to avoid debilitating health issues.

While the BMI isn’t an exact representation of someone’s condition, having an idea of our BMI can help show us what needs to be done. Picture: iStock

While the BMI isn’t an exact representation of someone’s condition, having an idea of our BMI can help show us what needs to be done. Assessing your BMI is the first step, and afterwards you would do more accurate tests such as a skin-fold test, body scan or simply speak to your doctor.

We need to be very careful in promoting the ‘fat but fit’ or ‘healthy obesity’ narratives. Often it’s the younger people who say they fit into these categories, but I expect they won’t be claiming they’re fit 30 years down the line. It’s only a matter of time before obesity related health problems can catch up.

You can be obese and not have diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension or other obesity related illness, but you’d still be in the highest risk bracket, which is especially pertinent now that people are living longer. While lots of people say: “Well you gotta die of something,” I suspect they’re not taking into account the risk of having a stroke and being paralysed for their final years.

Obesity means you’re in the highest risk bracket of numerous debilitating illnesses. Picture: JC Gellidon/Unpslash

On top of the illnesses you face, being overweight or obese will cause mechanical issues. Over time your body will grind to a halt as it deals with all the pressure on the joints from the extra weight. I am continually reminding patients and, in fact, myself about choosing good exercises for our ability and body type.

Let’s take me as an example: as a 195cm male at 25 BMI, I am 97kgs and, as much as I would like to run, this is only going to cause long term arthritis issues, but I can choose other forms of exercise instead.

Maintaining healthy weight isn’t easy, I know that, says Dr Zac. Picture: iStock

May I suggest that you encourage him by embarking on a weightloss journey together with your husband? Picture: iStock

I would highly recommend your husband rethinks his attitude to being overweight. It is a precursor to obesity and he will put himself at increased risk of heart attack, stroke or other chronic diseases.

Maintaining healthy weight isn’t easy, I know that. It is important, however, to ensure you stay healthy for as long as possible into your older years.

Take each day at a time, learn from your mistakes and build on your successes.

May I suggest that you encourage him by embarking on a weightloss journey together with your husband? You could try new foods, extra long walks and gym classes together!

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Dr Zac Turner has a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Sydney. He is both a medical practitioner and a co-owner of telehealth service, Concierge Doctors. He was also a registered nurse and is also a qualified and experienced biomedical scientist along with being a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering.