I wanted to blog about losing weight because everyone usually starts to think about this topic right before the summertime, and they forget about their goals six months later in November right before the holidays. Losing weight takes time, and it is a remarkable journey. Before you embark upon this great journey, I recommend an initial visit with your doctor not only for support and a regular check up, but for education! There are many resources available to anyone who has the courage to improve; but, losing weight seems to be the area of improvement where most people feel their failure before they even start. What will help you get through it is an open mind.

I recommend that you have an open mind if it is suggested that you work with a dietitian or nutritionist, a personal trainer, and/or a support group. I recommend that you have the courage to tell yourself that you will spend money on the resources that will help you succeed (this is self-support); I recommend that you look to your future with an open mind and the courage to change the things you can (this is self-encouragement). The extra expense you put out in the beginning will help you succeed and it shows yourself how much you believe in your success. I also recommend, of course, to move and stretch every day, and I recommend relaxation time.

Here is what we know: obesity is an issue in America. Matters stemming from obesity such as health care costs related to obesity, statistics regarding the population of obese individuals (including children), and health impairments related to obesity such as hypertension, depression, fatigue, cholesterol, and diabetes, is a topic seen on the nightly news several times a month – we all know it is out there, and it is a challenge. Therefore, my conscious thought is that people who have been diagnosed with obesity (and remember; it is a diagnosis and considered a disease) would be happier if their body were closer to a healthier weight. If this seems like an obvious statement, then the question should be; why is obesity still an issue? The body is less sluggish when in a healthier weight class, the person’s mood is less depressed, the person’s health improves, and their risks for other diseases associated with obesity decreases. With all this good stuff to look forward to I again wonder; why are people still obese?

Here is some information I retrieved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. First, the CDC defines obesity as “An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher” (http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/defining.htm). BMI, being body mass index, can change depending on a person’s build (increased muscle mass tends to increase BMI); therefore, it is important that you understand that, as with the scale, BMI is only one measurement. Athletes, for instance, or persons who are in athletic shape are known to have a higher BMI. Body fat percentage is a more accurate measurement of fat on the body and even more accurate when measured with a person who is trained to use a caliper. The caliper is used to measure folds of skin where adipose tissue (fat cells) is present [let me interject here that it’s actually more like a painless pinch of skin; I’ve had it done, and it is painless]. These measurements are then averaged out to reach a final body fat percentage measurement. The waist line is another method used to measure obesity and that is something that individuals can do at home. Keeping the waist under 35 inches for women and under 40 inches for men is a great way to control and help prevent diseases related to obesity. Outside of thyroid complications, or health diseases and/or treatments that cause weight to increase, the human body is every bit capable and willing to shed the extra pounds.

I believe that it is easy to get used to things the way they are, and that it takes courage to change the things we can; I believe that self-support and self-encouragement is vital for the goal of weight loss to gain momentum. I think focus is also vital. I hear people get caught up in the mindset of “I have to lose weight” and the focus gets lost. Try to remember that obesity is a disease and it is measured scientifically; focus on the good stuff that will result from losing the weight. And remember that looking good will happen automatically, that’s something you can’t prevent. Focus your health and your well-being. Focus on preventing secondary diseases. Your body will thank you years down the road.

Also remember this, and this is the part that is the best news – it takes less effort to lose the weight than to keep it on. It takes less effort to stay healthy than it does to treat an illness. It takes less effort to change your lifestyle than it does to stay in bed. It takes less effort to achieve health than it does to fight health. If your goal is to lose weight, go out and get your goal. Educate yourself, support your goals, encourage your progress.