Lose Weight and Get Rich

“Lose 15 pounds in one week!” The headline reads….  Work at home <10 hours a week, and double your income!  Another ad proclaims…

And the funny thing is, even I, who knows better, stop and listen to these ads.  No, I don’t go out and buy the newest herbal remedy, work from home DVD or get rich quick manual.  They  get my attention, however.  I listen and so do you.

That’s why millions or more likely billions of hard to come by dollars are spent to snare another poor sap who desperately wants to be a skinny rich guy or gal: without having to work for it.

Gosh, the first person who comes up with a “Weight Loss Lottery” ticket will  get richer than George Soros.  If you could scratch off 50 lbs with your scratch off ticket, the lines at the local C-store would go round the block.

Obesity

Obesity (BMI >30) is the new buzz word for the 2010′s. (Click for your BMI tool.)

Source: Adapted from Yale University Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity

And no wonder.

• More than 40% of adults are obese.
• Between 2007 and 2009 an additional 2+million people were diagnosed as obese.
• Obese adults and children have a higher rate of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
• Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the US, not cancer, as many suspect.

In addition to health effects there is a financial cost to being obese.

Financial Costs of obesity:

• Higher life insurance costs.
• Higher amount of time on sick leave.
• Higher direct medical costs.
• Higher costs of disability insurance.
• Shorter working life, resulting in lower lifetime earnings.

We know there is an obesity epidemic, we know there is a health and financial cost both to us as individuals, and to society as a whole.

What can we do?

A recent study by George Washington University says those of us Docs who are in primary care aren’t dealing with the obesity issue.

Most cities and towns make exercising difficult by not having bike trails and walking trails. City layouts promote auto use by having subdivisions and work areas separated usually by major highways and interstates that are not pedestrian friendly.

Steps we can take to lose weight:

• Don’t get suckered by weight loss scams, but make losing weight a priority.
• Make snacks and and meals more healthy.
• Make physical activity part of your day.  .

Ok that sounds good but how?

• Make a family decision to cut off the TV and take a walk right before or after dinner.
• Skip the elevator, park away from the entrance when shopping, bike or walk to work or play if at all possible
• Shop with low fat, low carb foods and more vegetables and fruits as the priority.
• Make your kids give up soda and sweet drinks. (you need to be a good example!)
• Set a reasonable weight loss goal-5-10% of body weight in 3-6 months is a good target for most.
• Use healthy weight loss aids-Weight Watchers or Low Carb diets all can work well for some-pick what works for you and your lifestyle.
• Get rid of the “Ideal Body Image” sold on TV.  Six pack abs and models should NOT be your role model or ideal. They are unreasonable and lead to frustration and eating disorders.
• Talk to your doctor and get their support and advice.

Group activities, contests with friends and family members usually fail as they don’t address the problem.  We eat the way our parents eat.  We eat to feel better not to fuel our bodies.

Those psychological issues must be addressed but it can be done. Millions have been successful losing and keeping weight off.  Just like millions have quit one of the most addictive habits on earth-cigarette smoking.

Share:

What has worked for you?  What are your problems with weight loss, and what can you do today, this week, this month to address it?

Remember, there are millions to be made with your secret.  You can tell me, I can keep a secret….

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