“Back Then” Doesn’t Count
Some former athletes (including you if you used to work out regularly) consider themselves “bulletproof.” Since they were in superb shape for so many years, they assume their health will always be better than average.
They eat and drink like they have a free pass to longevity. But studies show that too much food and too little exercise — after years of intense activity — can quickly erase a history of perfect fitness.
Greek researchers, for example, found that overweight ex-athletes have no better protection against heart disease than anyone else. As their waistlines increased, two factors associated with heart disease — C-reactive protein and triglycerides — increased. And that means their risk also increased.
Here’s the deal. When it comes to your health today, your body doesn’t care how fit you used to be. If you want to stay healthy, stay active.
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