There is a major concern over weight loss. On one hand, the nation is facing an epidemic of obesity and on the other hand, people, particularly teens, have body image problems that can cause eating disorders. Both obesity and eating disorders are destructive to the overall health of all individuals. How do we address one without triggering the opposite problem? How do you focus on helping people maintain a healthy weight without setting off a chain of unhealthy weight loss? It’s a challenge, but one that could be solved with common sense.
Obesity is killing thousands of Americans.
Obesity increases the risk of serious conditions and can make life miserable for those who are obese. It leads to metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, breathing issues, joint problems, and more. Many people whose BMI is in the obesity range don’t realize they’re obese but feel the effects of being overweight. You can tell you’re obese if your waist is bigger than 35 inches if you’re a woman or 40 inches and you’re a man. Achy joints, chronic fatigue, frequent heartburn, or snoring are additional signs you may be obese, but waist circumference, observation, and BMI are best.
Body image issues and eating disorders are also a problem.
Everyone sees their own body differently than the rest of the world. Thin people may see themselves as too heavy and those that are too heavy don’t realize it. People of average weight or those too thin can develop a distorted body image, which can develop into eating disorders. Being underweight poses just as much a health issue as being overweight.
How can we address the issues of obesity without setting off eating disorders?
Eating healthy and getting adequate exercise is the best way to address both issues. Eating healthy isn’t dieting. There are no calories or carbs to count, just a focus on more whole foods and fewer processed foods. It includes eating fewer foods with added sugar or cutting them out entirely. You eat healthy meals and don’t worry about calories. Your weight will automatically return or stay at a healthy weight. Exercising strenuously for 150 minutes or doing it moderately for 300 minutes a week keeps you healthy and fit without becoming obsessive.
- A person’s body image is difficult to combat. Focusing on eating healthy and exercising takes the attention away from body image and puts it on being healthy. That makes all the difference.
- When people suffer from distorted body image and feel they look too fat when they aren’t, it’s often a result of feeling unworthy. That issue needs a professional. Seek the help of a qualified therapist.
- One problem with dieting is that it always ends. Then the person goes back to old eating habits that put on the weight in the first place. Crash diets stress the body and cause yo-yo weight fluctuations.
- People with a negative body image may find that exercising regularly can help lift their spirits. Eating healthy also helps prevent or reduce depression or anxiety, one cause of eating disorders.
For more information, contact us today at Travel Trim