An Olympic Sensation, Overweight Athletes Aren't Immune to Health Problems
Champions of strength and winning personalities, overweight athletes are one of the hallmarks of the Rio Olympics. But, as much their accomplishments are notorious, their extra weigh presents a health risk, for rupturing ligaments and for an increased risk of heart attack.
The benefits of being an athlete don't completely overcome the disadvantages of excessive weight. An overweight individual, even one who is physically active, has a shorter lifespan than a person with a normal body mass index.
Among the "chubby" ones at this edition of the Games are: Rafael Silva, 'Baby', winner of a bronze medal, 29 years old and 170 kg; powerlifter Fernando Reis (fifth place at Rio-2016), 26 years old and 155 kg; and Angolan handball goal keeper Teresa Almeida, 'Bá', 28 years old and 98 kg.
"We know that obesity by itself is a factor in the development of at least two diseases: hypertension and diabetes", says Nabil Ghorayeb, a Physician specialist in sports cardiology.
"Folks have to also realize that for these high-performing athletes, sports in and of themselves, aren't healthy. I'm not just talking about the heavy-weights. Having repeated injuries or chronic pain is part of the life that they choose to follow", says Thiago Ferreira, the Physician that consults with powerlifter Fernando Reis.
In the case of athletes who are trying to build strength, like Ferreira or 'Baby', it's ideal for the athlete to always increase lean body mass.
The problem occurs when he wants to muscle up a lot: a collateral effect shows up - fat accumulation (which carries the risk of disease), explains Gisele Lemos, Nutritionist for Baby and the Brazilian Judo Confederation.
To maximize the increase in muscle mass, in addition to an intense training schedule, it's necessary to have planned nutrition, explains Gisele. Baby, who consumes between 5,000 and 7,000 calories (kcal) per day, has a diet that is supplemented by extra doses of protein.
"People think that since they are competing in a category without a weight limit that the athletes can eat whatever they want, without any discipline or concern. This isn't true. If they were to eat only chocolate and fried food they would accumulate fat which doesn't improve performance", she confirms.
It's not uncommon for heavy athletes to fracture their ankles, knees, elbows, arms, or pelvis. And this without considering that repeated injuries can lead to chronic pain.
"And the athletes continue training and competing anyway", says Ferreira. Specialists remind us, that even so, there is a protective effect caused by physical exercise. So it's better to be chubby and active than to sit on the couch watching TV all day long.
Translated by LLOYD HARDER