On this page XL Emma aims to dispel some common myths about health & fitness   particularly for people who are considered "overweight". Remember XL Emma is classed by the medical profession as "obese"...

BEING THIN OR "NORMAL" WEIGHT MEANS YOU ARE HEALTHY
FALSE: A person who is considered to be of "normal" weight may still lead an unhealthy lifestyle e.g smoking, drinking, eating a poor diet   or taking no exercise. Weight alone is not a true indicator of someones health!

OVERWEIGHT PEOPLE ARE MORE LIKELY TO DIE EARLY
FALSE: Research has shown that it is NOT overweight people who die early but overweight people who are inactive and lead unhealthy lifestyles. An overweight but   active person is less likely to die early than a normal weight but inactive person!

IT IS NOT SAFE FOR OVERWEIGHT PEOPLE TO EXERCISE
FALSE: With the exception of a few chronic or unstable medical conditions, it is perfectly safe for an overweight person to take regular exercise. The person would need to get clearance from their GP and choose the type of exercise that best suits their goals and needs.

WHEN YOU EXERCISE - NO PAIN, NO GAIN
FALSE: This is complete rubbish!!! If whilst exercising you experience pain then this is the body's sign to STOP! Effective exercise should be regular, an appropriate level, length of time and type to suit a persons goals and needs.

OVERWEIGHT PEOPLE HAVE WEAK JOINTS DUE TO THE WEIGHT THEY CARRY
FALSE: If this was true then all the rugby players in the world would be suffering as they can be very heavy people but at the same time they are extremely fit and playing a very   demanding sport. Overweight people can actually have quite strong joints and good leg muscles due to the extra weight they carry around BUT if you are overweight and inactive then of course when you stand up your joints are going to suffer as they are not used to bearing the load very often, as a result of your inactivity.

SWEATING IS A SIGN OF BEING UNFIT
FALSE: Lots of people of all shapes and sizes are afraid of sweating as they feel it is a sign of being unfit. But just take a look at professional football players or athletes on the TV - they all sweat bucket loads!!! Sweating is your body's natural way of cooling you down and getting rid of excess heat so don't ever be afraid to get active and sweat! If however you have a sweating issue whilst at rest or when doing very little or if your sweat is unpleasant smelling even when it is fresh - seek advice from your GP.

IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH & FITNESS MYTHS YOU WOULD LIKE XL EMMA'S OPINION ON OR ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT EXERCISING WHEN OVERWEIGHT E: questions@xlemma.co.uk.