BUT IT’S NOT THE ONLY THING THAT DOES!!
So the heading is actually supposed to be matters as in things pertaining to…but I realized how someone might read it, so, I thought I’d clear that up…
Anywho, see below.
Weight FAQ:
What is Obesity?
https://obesitymedicine.org/what-is-obesity/
Why do medical professionals continue to use the term when so many find the term offensive?
Currently, obesity is still the accepted diagnostic term for a BMI > 30. Those who are certified in obesity medicine view it as a disease state, not as a label, and thus do not see the term as problematic. The same way I use the term diabetes, I use the term obesity. I do, however, however, see a HUGE problem with describing someone as obese. Someone has obesity, the disease, they are not to be defined by the disease.
Isn’t there such a thing as healthy obesity?
In laymen’s terms, yes and no. There is such a thing as living a very healthful lifestyle, having a great metabolic panel and still having obesity. However, many studies show that having obesity contributes to overall risk of cancer, heart attack, stroke, and developing metabolic illness, to name a few risks. So it is always best to work towards a body weight that is considered more healthful. That being said, I preach that our first step to health is loving ourselves AND our packaging–regardless of size. Getting healthy should be BECAUSE you love yourself, not SO you can love yourself. And it shouldn’t be the ONLY focus of deciding your level of health. I tend to strongly advocate for a good counseling relationship–I think we all could benefit from one, and health starts with loving yourself inside and out.
What is healthful living?
Americans over eat because we have been conditioned to eat as celebration, eat to be social, eat…for everything. We are also busy multitasking, and tend not to sit to enjoy the meal. We’re eating heavily processed condensed calories. We ignore our body’s normal cues of hunger and satiety. And we tend to spend most of our days sitting in front of some type of electronic device. So…it would be completely the opposite of THAT. Eat when you’re hungry. Stop when you’re full. Eat slowly, and pay attention to each bite. Eat whole foods low in animal fats, saturated fats and highly processed grains (we can get into more specific diets later). Move as much as possible, ideally with some form of moderate cardiovascular exercise 150 minutes weekly or vigorous cardiovascular exercise 75 minutes weekly. Sleep between 7-9 hours nightly (this is more important than you think). Drink plenty of water as many times, we think we’re hungry when we’re actually thirsty, and yes, water (fruit infused is cool) or unsweetened tea/coffee is preferred because drinking sugar is just—only for treats, okay. We have to get out of this mindset of excess all the time. It’s killing us. Also please take a peek at my WELLNESS tab, because I’ve highlighted some very physical things here, but healthful living incorporates mind, body and spirit!
But I’ve been working out–why haven’t I lost weight?
The beginning to the answer is here.
Types of Diets
At this point in my practice, I don’t feel there is a one size fits all diet. (And by the way, “diet” is simply a catch all term that means what types of foods you put in your body, and does not denote a short term state of deprivation for the sole purpose of shedding pounds.) I stated my general philosophy above. I do think there is more evidence for certain types of diets, but I think that every physician has to sit with their patient, and weigh their patient’s value set, readiness, limitations, and current health status when making recommendations on a diet. Below you will find more specific information on the more common types of “diets” today.