Encouraging manageable lifestyle changes for health and happiness, through research and personal experience.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

How Big of a Loser are YOU?


I can't help it, I LOVE The Biggest Loser. While I agree it is not a realistic (or safe) plan that individuals can do on their own without medical supervision, it is amazing proof of what our bodies are capable of. This show represents all of the reasons I have committed my career to fitness for weight loss and weight management - mostly, preventative health care.
This season started out with some pretty big shockers: the largest contestant EVER to be on the show... not a male, but a FEMALE... 476 pounds. Many other male contestants in the 400's, one - back for a second season - a 20 year old who was told he would not live past 30. A female contestant who COLLAPSED while walking ONE MILE during the first episode, needing to be MEDIVACKED and hospitalized for over a week. The viewers weren't the only one's shocked by these standards... the contestants seemed pretty oblivious as to how much their weight had affected their health.
Could this be you? Maybe you are not 400 pounds, but could your weight be affecting YOUR health? Do you get out of breath doing simple activities of daily living (such as climbing 1-2 flights of stairs)? Are you taking medication for blood pressure or cholesterol? Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Have you gained more than 15 pounds from your high school weight?
So the show begins with all of the contestants in a pretty sad state. Last night was the season finale and portrayed the contestants in a MUCH different light. Most contestants are completely off medication for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and no longer using breathing machines for sleep apnea. The 20 year old is told he has statistically gained 23 years on his life....that almost doubles his life expectancy. All contestants lost between 30-55% of their body weight. The winner (or "biggest loser") lost 239 pounds in 7 months! [Did I mention these are not typical results for what you'll get at home?]
We can do one of two things. We can watch the show lying around like a couch potato and eating cookie dough proclaiming, "this isn't realistic... I could never lose that much weight," OR we could use this as motivation and take a few notes on what it takes to be a real loser...
1. Define the TRUE reasons for wanting to lose weight (not based on appearance). Do you want to be able to play with your kids? Get through the work day without special exceptions? Know that you'll be around for years to spend with your grandchildren?
2. Take note of when and WHY you eat... dig deep... what is all of the weight hiding and the food masking?
3. Realize that health naturally deteriorates as we age (muscle mass and strength, bone density, cardiovascular endurance, range of motion, etc.). Recognize that you can do something TODAY to help prevent the deterioration and keep yourself in "maintenance mode" throughout life. Our bodies live by the "use it or lose it" principle... and once it is lost, gains will be minimal.
4. Make YOURSELF a priority. Yes you have to work, and provide for your family, and perhaps you are even taking classes in the evening or are involved in organizations (for yourself or your kids). Find a way to fit activity into your daily schedule, write it in your planner, and don't over commit yourself to the point where your health suffers.
5. Make activity a FAMILY lifestyle. Have a strong support group and avoid places that cause you to make poor decisions for diet and inactivity.
6. Ask for help. I would LOVE to help...what can Fit Britt do to support you?
7. Understand that the choices you make today affect your future health and life expectancy.
8. Did I mention make yourself a priority?



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