“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning ” – Benjamin Franklin
In North America, the story of public health is complex and troubling—and it’s far bigger than comparing one body type to another.
Chronic health conditions are now the leading drivers of illness and death throughout the United States and Canada. In the U.S. alone, chronic diseases account for 90 % of the nation’s nearly $5 trillion in annual health care costs, with heart disease and stroke topping the list of causes of death. More than 843,000 Americans die from heart disease and stroke every year—that’s more than one in four deaths (CDC, 2024).
Meanwhile, obesity—a major risk factor for chronic disease—is widespread. In Canada, nearly 30 % of adults are classified as obese and more than 35 % as overweight, meaning roughly two‑thirds of Canadian adults carry excess weight associated with increased chronic disease risk (Government of Canada, 2024).
These trends matter because carrying excess body fat is linked to health conditions far beyond how someone looks:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Heart disease and stroke
- Respiratory issues and joint pain
- Cancer and metabolic syndrome (NIDDK, 2024)
And it’s not just about numbers; many people living “fit” or muscular lives are still at risk because appearances can be deceptive.
The Hidden Risks Beyond the Mirror
Many fitness enthusiasts today prioritize rapid muscle gain and low body fat over holistic health outcomes. Even more concerning is the growing use of performance-enhancing drugs and anabolic steroids among people chasing a certain look.
Anabolic steroids are chemical versions of testosterone that some people take to boost muscle mass or recovery outside legitimate medical use. While they might increase size, they can also disrupt the body’s hormonal balance and cause serious health problems (Mayo Clinic, 2024; Cleveland Clinic, 2024):
- High blood pressure and damaging effects on heart health
- Liver toxicity and metabolic disruption
- Mood disorders, aggression, depression
- Hormonal imbalances and reproductive issues
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke
The pursuit of aesthetics can even push individuals toward unregulated supplements, many of which can contain undisclosed or harmful substances. Recent testing found that more than one in three sports supplements contain prohibited or risky ingredients not listed on their labels (The Guardian, 2025).
Looks Aren’t a Health Outcome
Just because someone has a muscular defined body doesn’t mean they are healthy. Chronically elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk are silent until they become catastrophic. Many people with seemingly “ideal” bodies still deal with underlying metabolic issues that won’t show up in a mirror selfie but matter to longevity and quality of life.
Conversely, many people who don’t fit conventional aesthetic ideals—including older adults, those with different body types, or those carrying extra weight—may still be strong, metabolically healthy, and capable of thriving if they focus on sustainable wellness practices.
Fitness as Mission, Not Vanity
At SZNSFIT, the goal of training isn’t to chase a look—it’s to build resilience, strength, and long-term health across life’s seasons. True fitness means:
- Improving cardiovascular health
- Supporting metabolic resilience
- Strengthening musculoskeletal function
- Enhancing mental and emotional well-being
- Reducing long-term disease risk
This growth-centered approach embraces the reality that health is more than a number on the scale or a body photo. Growth means investing in habits that improve your body from the inside out, not just making it visually fit for a moment.
In a world obsessed with aesthetics and instant results, SZNSFIT is derived from longevity over trends, and true fitness over fleeting looks. We are not perfect as humans and might have things that affect our health, but if it is maintained with understanding that fitness is more than what society has imposed fitness to be which is quick results and looks rather than internal health conditions a resistance could be created to these things that have a negative effect on our bodies longevity.
The SZNSFIT Amazon affiliate website is not just a sales platform—it’s a practical, mission-aligned brand that emphasizes on
- Educating users on safe, effective tools for health
- Reduces the temptation to chase purely aesthetic goals
- Offers actionable steps to achieve functional growth and longevity
- Reinforces SZNSFIT’s philosophy: strength, resilience, and health > appearance
-SZNSFIT
Read More On The Sources Provided Below:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heart Disease Facts. 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease
Government of Canada. Obesity in Canada. 2024. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/healthy-living/obesity.html
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Metabolic Syndrome. 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/metabolic-syndrome
Mayo Clinic. Anabolic Steroids: What You Need to Know. 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/anabolic-steroids
Cleveland Clinic. Dangers of Steroid Use. 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21150-anabolic-steroids
The Guardian. Sports Supplements Risk Analysis. 2025. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/supplements-risk