4 Reasons Why "Skinny" Is Misleading

I am so sick of the word, skinny! As a society, we are focused, if not obsessed with skinny. The word, skinny, by definition means: lacking of flesh, thin, according to The Free Dictionary. For some reason, we associate this word with healthy, beautiful and fit. No where in this meaning is anything mentioned about being fit, healthy and strong or in shape. Of course, people who maintain their bodies at a healthy weight tend to be healthier escaping the issues that obesity brings such as diabetes, joint problems and heart issues to name a few. This doesn't mean that you have to be skinny to be healthy or fit. Fit, according to the Free Dictionary means: to be the proper size and shape, physically sound; healthy. We need to move toward a fit culture, one that is physically sound, structurally sound and healthy. Here are five reasons why skinny is misleading.

1. Skinny doesn't mean you'll burn calories. Most people that want to be thin are looking to burn calories and have the ability to maintain a high metabolism. To be skinny is to lack flesh on your bones according to the Free Dictionary. If you lack flesh, then you are probably lacking muscle. Your metabolism is supported largely by the amount of muscle mass on your body. If you're the kind of skinny where muscle mass is minimal, then you're burning quite a bit less than a person who is fit and strong with active muscle tissue.

2. Skinny isn't always strong. You have one body. This body has to carry you around the rest of your life. Are you really worried about being skinny? Focus on being strong and healthy. Daily activities such as walking up and down stairs, putting the groceries away or cleaning the house depend on a body that can move and support these types of activities. As we age, we begin to lose our strength due to muscle loss and bone density loss. Toughen up! Hit those weights, get down and give me 20 and begin the process of getting stronger if you haven't already. What good is being skinny if you can't even perform your own daily household chores?

3. Skinny doesn't necessarily mean healthy. Just because you aren't fat doesn't mean you are healthy. There are plenty of ways to remain skinny without putting one healthy thing in your mouth. In fact, there are many substances out there to help keep you skinny that will do more harm than good. Healthy should equal a sound body and mind, a well functioning body and mind. It's not possible to do that if we are focused solely on being skinny.

4. Skinny doesn't always look beautiful. This may be the biggest issue with our obsession of skinny. We see models, actors, musicians and others in magazines, commercials and movies on a weekly and daily basis. Skinny figures in the spotlight are seen as beautiful. In fact, those that aren't skinny are often ridiculed. To be beautiful, you must be beautiful inside and the outside will come along with it.

The next time you feel like you aren't skinny enough or you need or want to be skinny, re-evaluate where you're at physically. Focus on becoming the most fit and healthy person that you can be. Refer to guidelines such as body fat composition, BMI and measurements to determine whether you are in a fit category instead of focusing on skinny. Be the best that you personally can be to remain healthy and strong.