Genetically Fit, or Just Luck?

One of the most degrading comments one can give a fit person is, “You are so lucky, you don’t have to worry about your weight.”

Not only is that a myth, it can be perceived as an insult. Although I am certain no harm is ever intended when these comments are made—it may be necessary to clear up this preconceived notion that fit people either have really good genes or the best luck.

Does it just take luck to be fit? Is there such a thing as a genetically fit person?

Is it luck when you wake up early to get in a run before work, as if a leprechaun awoke you and sprinkled energy over your tired body?

Is it luck when you pass up the mound-o-chocolate at family night supper as if only you got the whisper from the angel of will power?

Is there such a thing as genetic fitness? Genetically speaking, my family of Italian and Cuban descendants enjoys rich foods and is prone to have large rear ends. I have had family members that battled obesity, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and heart disease.

Seriously, if luck was all it took, and I only needed to depend on my genes to be fit, I would have started eating more and exercising less a long time ago. The truth is most people I know exercise so that they can enjoy eating without guilt.

Even those I know who exercise regularly still have to eat right and in moderation. I don’t know many people that were born with a metabolism that allows binging on whatever, whenever.

If it is luck you believe in, perhaps luck may have it that someone said something or modeled a behavior that caused a lifestyle change in that fit person. If you are certain genetically fit people exist, maybe that person inherited the strong will gene and decided to do it better than the previous generation.

But most likely, if you see someone that looks healthy and fit, it is because they take care of themselves.

So, next time you consider flattery to someone in the form of, “You are so lucky;” just remember it takes a tremendous amount of work, commitment and will power to be fit. The better compliment might be, “What do you do to stay fit and healthy?”

For questions email: suzanne_mcginnis@bellsouth.net.