No one should be shamed or discriminated against because they’re fat. That said, it’s not healthy and shouldn’t be encouraged as a valid lifestyle choice. I say this as a fat person myself that knows I need to eat less and healthier and exercise more.

Is being fat "healthy?"

Generally speaking, no.

Can you be skinny and have a poor diet, smoke, don't exercise, etc? Yep.

Is smoking marijuana healthy for you? Nope. Tobacco? Nope?
Alcohol? Other a few studies that might suggest light drinking has some minor benefits, not really.

Ultimately, each of us is responsible for our own health. I for one hover around 5-11, 215. On the one hand, that's technically the line for obese by BMI standards. It's most certainly overweight.

On the other hand, I hit the treadmill for elevated fast walking for 45 minutes a day 4-5 times a week, plus some light pushups and ab work. My cholesterol numbers are all good (My Triglycerides are a couple of points over good but I've dropped those by over 100 the last two years). No diabetes. Nothing else concerning for a guy in his mid 50s.

So to look at me, I'm overweight. But I'm also relatively healthy. Now, I'm going to try and get down below 210 before my summer physical. But it's more complicated than that.

Some of it is undoubtedly an equivalent reaction to the absolute vitriol we bring towards anyone who isn't slim and trim.