My Nemesis (But Not Really): The Skinny Fat Person

by Leslie Aronson — May 19, 2008

There is a certain brand of individual that, frankly, drives me a little nuts. Not because these people do anything to specifically irritate me or that they're bad people by any means. No, they're just blessed with the genetics that allow them to be naturally thin without exercising or seemingly making much of an effort at all. There was an episode in the first season of "Weeds" where Mary Louise Parker's character was referred to as a skinny fat person because she is (allegedly) one of those naturally skinny people yet has no muscle tone or definition and is probably pretty out of shape. Now, this post doesn't have any deep and meaningful insight to offer, except that, if you are one of the chosen few with amazing genetics: congratulations! But consider the inevitabilities lurking in your future: the potential that as you age, your metabolism will inevitably slow and you will lose muscle mass (remember: muscle burns more calories than fat). But, if you have some consciousness about your fitness level before this happens, you are less likely to gain as much weight and lose as much muscle as you age. Plus, you'll probably be happier as a skinny fit person rather than the alternative.