There has always been far too much emphasis on the ‘how we look’ benefits of weight loss, and not nearly enough on the health benefits of weight loss.
I am not talking the 50 to 100 pounds of weight loss we would all classify as successful. I am talking about the 5 to 10 pounds of weight loss that in the diet world perspective, most would consider insignificant. The impact on your health with the little changes needs to be emphasized.
Shoot for small progressive changes. Focus on your health. Be thrilled at the little changes as you work with your weight. It’s your health that matters. Those of us who love you really do not care how you look…
For example: a subtle 7% weight loss can decrease your chance of developing diabetes by 58%. If you have diabetes, a weight loss of 10% decreases your HbA1c by 1.1% (measure of long term blood sugar). That same 10% cut in weight decreases the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea by 50%. If you can decrease your Body Mass Index (BMI) by 2, your chances of osteoarthritis decrease by 50%. The list goes on!
Health is a homogeneous state of body, mind, spirit, positive outlook, and peace. It is not a six-pack under your shirt; it’s not wearing a size 1 jean. Shoot for small progressive changes. Focus on your health. Be thrilled at the little changes as you work with your weight. It’s your health that matters. Those of us who love you really do not care how you look…
