Weight and flying

[Jaquta]

Are there any particular precautions that an over-weight person needs to take when flying, or prior to flying?
I would have preferred to have made some lifestyle changes before flying but the timing wasn't there plus I am too highly strung.  (High stress due to ...gibbing, plastering, painting, farm work, etc, etc.)
Would you recommend taking aspirin?  Mum thought it might be a good idea but then she has a history of blood clots.

Also, I just picked up a walking magazine while waiting for the car to be warranted.  There was an article saying that there had been a study done on people aged 65 and over who had exercised 5-6 times a week (for 15-25 years) and that their hearts were healthy and resembled those of a healthy 30 year old.
Does being over-weight wreck our hearts?  Can the damage be reversed?
I guess my concerns are because I have issues with weight and exercising.  I go through phases of all-or-nothing.

My brother and I were debating the advantages and disadvantages of exercise at Christmas time due to some mention of the heart having a limited number of beats.

I think there's a question in there somewhere.  I just find it all confusing and have trouble putting words to thoughts.

Thanks for your time.  I have enjoyed reading your posts and feedback to others.

[Jaquta]

Dear Dr Beckerman

Thanks for your response.

I think the problem was that I was feeling anxious about flying (and being away from home, a place where I feel safe-ish).

In the end I was swayed by my mothers arguement for taking aspirin.  I guess this was partly out of fear and partly due to lack of decision making.
Some of that was about seeing my mother stop breathing and watching her being intubated while some is about the excess psych meds I've taken and the perceived damage from that.
The aspirin, or at least I'm attributing it to the aspirin, left me with a headache and a sore left shoulder.
Besides a headache and tingling feet on the plane I didn't feel too bad.
I did stay hydrated and moved appropriately.

I wouldn't even place myself in the fit fat person category anymore.  Is hard to evaluate fitness doing farmwork and even forestry work sometimes though.
I feel that due to my diet and lifestyle I should be high risk for some diseases.  My GP seems of the opinion that my genetics are a protective factor.  And he seems to think that everything else is normal.  This seems to be medicine though where anything is only considered a problem if it is at either extreme.  What is too fat or too thin though?  
Maybe for me it is more a personal perception of healthy.  What feels healthy for me.

I expect you're right.  If looking at an elite ironman athlete it is most likely their joints that will give out first.  It is perhaps a rather ineffective way to try and understand existential issues.  I guess each heart beat and each breath is precious.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and for being so patient with me.

Being over here, it may as well be Antartica for what it's worth it's so cold, I saw a news segment saying that a newly developed gadget is good for weight loss.  Something about freezing fat cells, having them die and be consumed by the body.  I think that was developed through Harvard Medical School.  Seemed interesting.  The whole concept about what happens to our fat cells when dieting, etc seems interesting.

I need to go.  My sister is due home shortly to pick me up for her 12 week scan.  She was in hospital several days again with stomach pain.  Apparently her baby is OK.
Has been a bit of a challenge being in a new country with different ways of doing things.

I look forward to reading more posts in the future.  And of course, the book.

Good luck with everything!

[James G Beckerman, M.D.]

Hi Jaquta,

Thanks for your message!

To answer your questions...

1) Overweight individuals generally need not take any particular caution before flying.  You mention aspirin as a way to possibly prevent a deep venous thrombosis, but I don't believe that scientific data particularly supports this practice.  It's a great idea to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and make sure you walk around on the flight at least once an hour.

2) Being overweight is associated with high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which contribute as risk factors for heart disease.  However, there are many overweight individuals who are fit (exercise regularly) who avoid any increased risk.  The good news is that you can always feel healthier than you do today by eating better and becoming more active.  There is no "point of no return."

3) Your question about the heart having a limited number of beats is often asked - but scientific data is convincing that exercise is associated with longer, not shorter lifespan.

Thanks and take care!