Do you know how much you are supposed to weigh? I don’t either. I know what Google says, but after looking just a little deeper, apparently, Google doesn’t either. I haven’t decided if that makes me feel better or worse.
I am preparing for a public speaking event this week. I chose a title that I thought would cause a little shock but more importantly, interest.
I have titled my speech “ Is Fat The New Healthy?”
What I didn’t expect was what I found as I researched this subject.
The world has lived in a place where height, weight, age, and gender are the basics for how much we should weigh. I am glad that we are changing that because that is so outdated.
For example, according to most websites that answer to the am I fat or not question is, I am fat. One website goes as far as to tell me that I am “very overweight with a high health risk”. That is actually very scary. Except that this came from a weight loss program known for dramatic results because of the severe calorie reduction their clients must do. It would also be scary if I didn’t know better. So, if you don’t know better, is that why people are so confused about their own bodies?
I truly believe that how much I am supposed to weigh is actually the wrong question. My weight is not really the issue. In my opinion, the question that deserves an answer is this; Is my weight causing me to have health consequences? How much you weigh is only an issue if it is causing you an issue. If you are too thin or too heavy, there are consequences. So, ask the right questions.
- Is my weight the reason my knees hurt?
- Is my weight the reason I have troubles sleeping?
- Is my weight the reason I am out of breath at the top of the stairs?
- Is my weight the reason I don’t fit into the clothes that I want to buy?
- Is my weight a factor for the reason I am on medication?
If the answer or even part of the answer is yes, then that is where you begin. But the how much just gives you a measure to use to check your progress. If you can use another method, great use it. Some people use a measuring tape. Some use a particular item of clothing. Some use pictures. Some use other health concerns that are getting progressively better.
I have said it before and I will say it again, we are all different and what applies to you won’t apply to the person sitting across the room from you. Listen to your own body. Probably the biggest thing will be conceding and listening honestly to what your body is telling you. You likely already know but just don’t want to admit it.
But what now? Well, admitting that the size you are is not the size you are wanting to be is the first step. But you really, really, really, must want to make the change. When your mind is truly made up then you will be heading to the right place.
Once your mind is made up, go at your own pace, but it really is important to get some firm goals in place. Make sure you have your Why firmly in place. It must be firm for when the road gets a little rough, cause it will, not if, but when.
Be sure it's not just exercise or diet that you are willing to change but both. Although changing your size is 80%food, exercise will actually speed it up. Truly.
Check out some past posts that may help in your journey.
The Cost of Change and The Dreaded Grocery Store
will get you started in the right direction.
With my sunglasses on, I'm Jack Nicholson. Without them, I'm fat and 60. – Jack Nicholson
