Articles

Click for article archives

You can beat obesity ... if you use the right tools

I dedicate this article to my cousin, who touched many people by her laughter, thoughtfulness and kind consideration. There is a hole in the hearts of our family … let the loss of this life be a lesson for all.

Recently a very close family member passed away due to obesity-related diseases. This devastating epidemic is on the rise across America.

Common obesity-related diseases and conditions are diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney and gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis (degeneration of cartilage and joints), sleep apnea, asthma and other breathing problems, and stroke.

Obesity is also associated with the following conditions: acid reflux (heartburn), back pain, depression, infertility and pregnancy complications, menstrual irregularities, sexual dysfunction, social discrimination, urinary incontinence and unemployability.

Beware of weight-loss programs offering quick fixes. Choose a program that promotes scientifically sound exercise and nutrition programs.

Fad dieting and excessive fad exercising is not considered a healthy choice for permanent weight loss. Fad dieting can result in too few necessary vitamins and minerals. "Boot camp" courses can result in overuse syndrome, excess fatigue and burnout.

Sound nutrition, accompanied by well-rounded exercise classes taught by professional, educated instructors, is what to look for when making a life-changing health and wellness decision.

At times it is easier to lose overall weight. Choosing a program that will guide you in improving body composition, such as gaining muscle, losing body fat, losing inches and increasing energy and stamina, will help you maintain lifelong habits. Typically when obesity disappears, you will have improved blood-pressure readings, lower cholesterol, improved blood-glucose levels and improved Body Mass Index scores and overall health.

What are some things one can do to get started?

• Admit your need.

• Confide in a friend.

• Be accountable to a group.

• Find a program that will educate you.

After you find a group, follow its advice. Take responsibility for your personal education; every morning, choose to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle. Remember that it took years to increase your weight and it will take several months of discipline, decisions and dedication to your new health goals to take it off.

Once a week Rachel would call crying: "I am so unhappy, I need to lose weight. I am unable to play with my daughter and I feel like a failure as a mother." Rachel allowed her weight to reach over 307 pounds; as a result, she was dealing with severe depression. I counseled her by supplying the tools and formula to lose weight. Yet there was no commitment to change on Rachel's behalf.

After a few months of similar phone conversations, I finally said: "I have given you all the information I have; you have the tools, you know what to do. It took you years to get to the weight you are currently. Start applying the tools I gave you today. Then tomorrow start over, then the next day start again and make a choice each morning to apply the tools until you lose all your weight."

After 18 months, Rachel lost over 150 pounds. Her self-esteem increased considerably. She quit working at a fast-food restaurant and took a sales-management position where she has excelled, earning over $100,000 per year. She is a fit, healthy mother and often takes her children on long walks and jogs. Rachel is an example of success; she continues to live a healthy life because she has chosen healthy habits.

You can make a difference in a loved one's life. Share how important he or she is to you. Invite the person to join you in your favorite workout class or a daily walk. He or she will thank you for it, and you will have potentially saved the person from harmful diseases. Enjoy life by living healthy!

This article was also found in the Orange County Register on May 22, 2009