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Staying Healthy
Can you be overweight and still be fit?
Excess weight carries health risks. But how much is too much?
Image: © FredFroese/Getty Images
The idea that someone can be "fat and fit" — that is, overweight but still healthy — has been around for some time. But don't be fooled.
"The latest science is quite clear that excess weight can carry considerable health risks, including a higher risk for heart attack and stroke," says Dr. Jorge Plutzky, director of preventive cardiology at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. "While there is no one-size-fits-all number when it comes to a person's ideal weight, men should not ignore significant weight gain and the implications it has for their future health."
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