‘I still have parathas every day’: Model Himanshi Khurana urges a focus on being healthy and not thin; here’s how to differentiate

How are these two concepts different? Indianexpress.com spoke to an expert for clarity.

Veena V, Chief Clinical Dietician, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru said that when we talk about healthy or not thin it’s important to understand that health is much more than appearance or weight. “Health comes in all shapes and sizes so being skinny doesn’t necessarily mean a person is healthy. Weight and body size are very imperfect measures of health. Only the person’s body composition can tell if the person is healthy or not, which includes their muscle mass, skeletal mass, percentage of water level and metabolic rate, everything is very important.” She added that every person’s genetics and lifestyle are different, hence a lot of people who have larger bodies are also very healthy.

Generally, people consider themselves healthy based on BMI measures, but that is not always an accurate measurement of body fat and should not be used as the sole determinant of overall health. Veena emphasised that our healthy eating style, balanced diet, good energy levels, and overall physical well-being are very important when considering whether a person is healthy or not. Moreover, we need to look at their muscle tone, nutrition, organ function, and metabolism.

How can you tell you are thin or healthy? (Source: Freepik)

When can being thin become unhealthy?

Veena said that being thin can become unhealthy when it’s a result of poor nutrition, excessive exercise, or conditions like eating disorders.

“A person who is underweight may have a greater risk of certain health conditions like malnutrition, hair fall issues, osteoporosis, decreased muscle strength, changes in muscle tone, and lower immunity and shorter lifespans due to early death, often caused by starvation, poor nutrition, or increased stress-related issues. As a result, they often suffer from various gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS, IBD, and acute gastroenteritis, among others,” she explained.

According to Veena, thin people should strive for balance, which means maintaining a healthy body composition and the right amount of muscle. They need to concentrate on their body fat percentage. Instead of focusing only on being thin, it’s more important to prioritize good nutrition, strength, and endurance for long-term health.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.