In NFL, Bigger Isn't Better

BE FIT, NOT FAT Studies show football players have an increased risk of heart disease You’ve heard it before: Bigger isn’t always better. Who knew it would be true in the super-sized National Football League? The average NFL player has been getting larger for years— for example, every starting offensive lineman for the Arizona Cardinals tips the scales at more than 300 pounds. Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian looked into the “bigger-is-better” argument as part of his draft planning. He compared the winning percentages and average weight of NFL teams over a 10-year period. The result? “We found higher weight had no bearing on winning—none,” Polian said. “There was a lot of noise about ‘big is the answer.’ We tested it. It’s not valid.” If bigger doesn’t have a benefit, it has some severe drawbacks. Football players’ health risks are mounting. Ohio State University released a study focused on players with metabolic syndrome, which is caused by symptoms such as excess fat in the abdominal area, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Having one or more of these factors increases the risk of future heart disease or heart attacks. Of 70 current college football linemen studied, 34 had at least three risk factors. Prevent looking like a lineman by exercising three times a week and eating sensibly. Still want that cheeseburger? You won’t have to give up the foods you love with the new Belly Off! eating plan. Do your situps and pushups before the game, and you’ll be able to eat a burger and boneless wings while you enjoy the game.