Fatter and Fitter

Whilst watching The World’s Strongest Man. on wonderful British television this Christmas, I got to thinking, ‘Dearest Lord, these are big men! Are they purposely that bit more chunky to help them lift?’
They did not have that typical lean muscle mass that you see on many cross fitters or other typically associated athletic physiques. However, many people who occupy their lives aiming to lift HEAVY are often rather heavy themselves.
Shotputters, Olympic lifters, our good mate Eddie Hall – The Beast

Recently I also noticed that despite feeling as if I had put on quite a bit of non lean mass (aka I put on some non-intended pre and then post-Christmas weight) I had not felt as fit or as strong in such a long time. My weights were finally increasing in the gym and I was a lot less of out of breath than usual during cardio sprints.

So what is it about fat that assists us with hiking a barbell over our heads?
I am sure there are many possibilities as to why it can accommodate our strength goals, for some movements it may help gather momentum, for others, the regular calories consumed will ensure a rich glucose and glycogen supply to continue to feed the muscle through any fatigue. Yet another logical theory really seems to stands out.

When fat builds in your system, it does not just accumulate around your muscles and organs. Instead, it filters in to the muscle itself creating a marbling effect (see photograph images.) This bulks the muscle out causing it to pull on the bone at greater, more effective, angle.
I am interested to hear any other theories or ideas as to why strong men tend to carry more weight to pursue their goals. Feel free to comment and add. Exercise physiology is constantly evolving and it is always great to hear when may have been recently discovered.