5 unexpected instances where not being overweight can save your life

A person with good physical fitness not only can easily bear loads, sometimes it can save his life. After all, excess weight, as a rule, makes it difficult to move around. Especially in extreme situations, when you need to quickly escape, get out of a narrow space or overcome an obstacle. Of course, even a mountain of muscles does not guarantee absolute safety, but in some cases it can play into your hands.

Candidate for Master of Sports, PRO-expert Sportmaster PRO

Sometimes with excess weight you can get a serious injury where with normal body weight it would be limited to a bruise.

In what cases can being overweight save your life?

Running away to safety

When encountering a wild animal, for example, a fit person has a better chance of escaping – pick up speed, endure a long jog or climb a tree. Overweight people, on the other hand, may lack aerobic endurance.

Excess body weight increases the risk of injury, so in an emergency situation, when you need to run long and fast, you can easily get a bruise or fracture. Plus, shortness of breath or high blood pressure can lead to dizziness or unconsciousness at the worst possible moment.

Getting out of the trap

Daniel: It will be much easier to get out of a narrow space for owners of a slender figure: hatches, windows, portholes will not be a serious obstacle when the count is counting on minutes and need to quickly leave the scene of an accident. However, excess weight can be a serious hindrance, plus it is an additional factor of traumatization in case of a fall. You can get a serious injury where a normal weight would only cause a bruise.

Swim a long distance

If you find yourself overboard, a lifejacket will keep you from drowning. But only if the weight is not more than 150 kg – these are the requirements of GOST. Otherwise, you are unlikely to stay afloat.

In addition, a tight-fitting product will interfere with movement, leaving no chance to swim to the shore. Also in this situation, overweight people may lack the stamina and lung capacity to stay maneuverable on the water. Meanwhile, those who are athletic may find it easier to put on a standard-sized life jacket and make it to land.

Excess weight leads to muscle weakness, impaired motor function, balance and static problems. In unfavorable conditions, such complications can lead to dire consequences.