Today, while I was out having my swim (AHHH!), I got a call from a friend who wanted to know how I accomplished my weight loss.
Jay took the call, and he said the exact right thing, which was this:
We're eating less and exercising more. Our portions are smaller. We're choosing foods that offer fuel, and not ballast.
But what's right for us might not be right for you.
There are any number of reasons why people carry more weight than they should, and any number of health conditions that might co-exist with obesity -- conditions like diabetes, heart disease or, in my case, mobility impairment stemming from osteoarthritis (worn-away cartilage) in my knee.
For me, then, a high-impact exercise program would be an example of an approach to weight reduction that is right for some people, but not for me. Even now, I don't do well on exercise apparatus that requires me to be upright, such as a treadmill, stepper or elliptical. But a stationary bike, recumbent or upright, works well for me if I adjust the seat properly. And swimming is always good for me, because I enjoy it, and because the water is a good place to put my knees to work without damaging them.
I have nothing against gastric bypass or other bariatric surgeries designed to limit food intake. For some people, they are the right approach. But I think doctors tend to push weight-reduction surgery on overweight patients, without necessarily telling them (maybe not even knowing) that there are risks to this surgery, and for many it's not a cure-all.
My sister-in-law also is succeeding in her effort to improve her health through weight loss -- and WAY TO GO, HEIDE!! Her approach to diet and exercise is different from mine, because her situation and condition are different from mine. Heide can share the particulars of her health situation if she wishes, on this blog or anywhere else; but in the interest of protecting her privacy, suffice it to say that I think she's getting good advice from her health care team, and positive results.
For people who are serious about losing weight, I strongly advise consulting a doctor -- your primary care physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner first, if you trust him or her, and also a registered dietitian who is affiliated with a medical clinic. Many clinics also have exercise specialists, who can help you find ways to move your body -- ways that you enjoy, and that address your specific needs. In my case, physical therapy played a major role in putting me on the path I'm on now.
In addition to listening to your health care professionals, make sure they listen to you, too.
Jay took the call, and he said the exact right thing, which was this:
We're eating less and exercising more. Our portions are smaller. We're choosing foods that offer fuel, and not ballast.
But what's right for us might not be right for you.
There are any number of reasons why people carry more weight than they should, and any number of health conditions that might co-exist with obesity -- conditions like diabetes, heart disease or, in my case, mobility impairment stemming from osteoarthritis (worn-away cartilage) in my knee.
For me, then, a high-impact exercise program would be an example of an approach to weight reduction that is right for some people, but not for me. Even now, I don't do well on exercise apparatus that requires me to be upright, such as a treadmill, stepper or elliptical. But a stationary bike, recumbent or upright, works well for me if I adjust the seat properly. And swimming is always good for me, because I enjoy it, and because the water is a good place to put my knees to work without damaging them.
I have nothing against gastric bypass or other bariatric surgeries designed to limit food intake. For some people, they are the right approach. But I think doctors tend to push weight-reduction surgery on overweight patients, without necessarily telling them (maybe not even knowing) that there are risks to this surgery, and for many it's not a cure-all.
My sister-in-law also is succeeding in her effort to improve her health through weight loss -- and WAY TO GO, HEIDE!! Her approach to diet and exercise is different from mine, because her situation and condition are different from mine. Heide can share the particulars of her health situation if she wishes, on this blog or anywhere else; but in the interest of protecting her privacy, suffice it to say that I think she's getting good advice from her health care team, and positive results.
For people who are serious about losing weight, I strongly advise consulting a doctor -- your primary care physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner first, if you trust him or her, and also a registered dietitian who is affiliated with a medical clinic. Many clinics also have exercise specialists, who can help you find ways to move your body -- ways that you enjoy, and that address your specific needs. In my case, physical therapy played a major role in putting me on the path I'm on now.
In addition to listening to your health care professionals, make sure they listen to you, too.
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