Exploring Body Types: Chubby Vs Fat | What Sets Them Apart?

What’s the difference between chubby and fat? Can we use both these terms interchangeably? And how do I know whether I am chubby or overweight?

All this and more in the following blog.

World Health Organization (WHO) has published a report stating that till 2016 more than 1.9 billion adults are overweight, and over 650 million are obese globally.

The figures were enough to intimidate people, and many “chubby,” “thick,” and “plump” individuals started believing they were overweight.

Today we will debunk the myths surrounding “chubbiness and obesity” as both are not interchangeable.

Chunky or chubby people may have a plumper and fuller appearance but aren’t in the same category as fat or obese.

So, keep reading to find out the facts behind the misconception!

What's the Difference Between Chubby and Fat?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, chubby means plump. It refers to individuals with a slightly raised body mass, making them appear fuller and plumper. But it’s nothing over the top and too excessive.

Fat, on the other hand, means having an excess of body fat that gives an individual an appearance of obesity and looking overweight. Synonyms of fat include overweight, bulky, obese, and heavy.

Now that you know the basic definitions and perceptions of chubby and fat, it will be easy for you to differentiate them.

How Can I Know I Am Chubby or Fat?

Do you think you’re chubby but not fat? Or, are you confused about whether your weight falls under a ‘healthy’ range? Then there is a simple answer to your query.

The difference between chubbiness and fatness majorly depends on one factor called the Body Mass Index (BMI).

It is a numerical measurement that can be easily calculated using a person’s height and weight. BMI tells you whether your body mass is healthy according to your height.

For reference, you can calculate your BMI by using this formula:

  • Weight (in kilograms) / (height (in meters))^2

Then, whatever answer you get, you can refer to the following table to get your BMI score:

  • Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
  • Normal weight: BMI ranging from 18.5 and 24.9
  • Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
  • Obesity: BMI of over 30

Although BMI is largely used to determine the health and fitness of an individual, it has a few shortcomings.

The system doesn’t consider factors like bone density, body composition, and muscle mass.

Hence, the difference between chubby and thick may also depend on a few additional factors:

  • Weight
  • Appearance
  • Physical Outlook
  • Waist-to-hip ratio
  • Waist Circumference

For example, a chubby person has a bit more fat and appears plumper and fuller. Yet, their body looks healthy, and in some cultures, chubbiness is also considered a sign of well-being and beauty.

On the contrary, fatness clearly refers to being overweight, and a fat person will have visible signs of bulkiness and a rounded shape. Hence, although people use the terms “chubby” and “fat” alternatively, they are not the same!

Chubby vs Fat vs Obese

Chubby, fat and obese are three categories in the BMI chart, as we explained earlier. So, how can we classify people in each category?

Here are some easy ways:

1- Chubby: A chubby person has higher than average body mass and fat. However, the weight does not classify as overweight or obese rather refers to a milder weight gain.

2- Fat: Fat people have higher than average weight which is easily distinguishable, and their BMI mostly falls between 25 to 30.

3- Obese: There are three classes of obesity:

  • Class I: BMI higher than 30 and less than 35
  • Class II: BMI between 35 to 39
  • Class III: Morbid obesity with BMI over 40

Factors Influencing Body Size

Have you noticed that some people never seem to gain weight no matter how much they eat? On the contrary, others seem to gain a pound every time they have a big meal. Why does this happen?

It’s because factors like the rate of metabolism, genetics, and even gender may impact the fat deposit and storage in the body.

For starters, here are some common factors that may influence body size:

1- Genetics

The rate of metabolism depends on genetics apart from the other external factors. Additionally, the fat stored in the body and muscle mass is also affected by genes.

Therefore, body size is directly and indirectly influenced by genetics. Kids inherit genetic traits from their parents, and these cause variations in body mass between individuals.

2- Lifestyle

Lifestyle is another big contributor to body size and weight. For example, a high-fat diet and overeating can make an individual gain weight. While a protein-rich, healthy, and calorie-counted diet helps you stay within a healthy BMI and lead a fit life.

Similarly, leading a sedentary life is also a culprit of added weight and obesity. Physical exercise and staying fit are essential for controlling weight and reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases like heart conditions.

Some other lifestyle habits that influence body size are:

  • Stress management
  • Sleep patterns
  • Hydration
  • Alcohol consumption etc

3- Gender

Gender also plays a role in body size and mass. Generally, men tend to have more muscle mass and a lesser fat body percentage than women. It is due to the difference in hormones between both genders.

However, it’s important to be clear about what is considered chubby for a guy. And what is considered chubby for a girl?

The answer majorly depends on body fat. The average body fat is 25 and 30% in females and 18 and 23% in males. Anything above these percentages means a woman or man is chubby or overweight.

Conclusion

What’s the difference between chubby and fat? This is a query of thousands, if not millions, of people. A report by WHO states that obesity has almost increased three times since 1975. So it’s only natural that people want to know whether they are healthy or overweight.

The primary difference between chubby and chunky is BMI, body mass, and waist circumference. If you are overall fit and your BMI is higher alleviated, it doesn’t mean you are fat.

Besides, many factors like genetics, lifestyle, and gender also affect an individual’s overall body mass and size.

FAQs

Does chubby mean fat?

People use words like chubby, fat, obese, overweight, etc., interchangeably, but that’s not the case. Chubby means an individual is slightly over the healthy weight and may have a plump figure. Fat, on the other hand, means someone is highly overweight and obese.

How do I know if I’m chubby or fat?

The difference between chubby and fat depends on BMI. If your BMI is between 25 to 30, it means you are overweight but not obese. Anything higher than 30 means you are obese and fat.

How overweight is chubby?

A person who is modestly overweight may be referred to as obese. Similarly, if your BMI fluctuates between 25 to 30, it means you are overweight but not obese.

Can I be chubby and fit?

Yes, you can be fit and chubby. Although added weight is not healthy in the long run, fitness, and chubbiness are not the opposite of one another.

The reason is that fitness isn’t just about weight but also includes physical health, strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall well-being.

Are chubby people healthy?

Many people ask if is chubby healthy. The answer is Yes; chubby people can be healthy and fit.

However, if your weight is on the higher side, it’s better to tone it down to reduce the risk of diseases and weight-related illnesses.

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