Taking a loss Tomorrow's the day we all hop back on the wagon and vow to do our best to make 2008 our healthiest year yet. The resolutions take on any number of forms, but there's one that appears on just about everyone's list: losing weight. Now, I'd be willing to bet that there's not a single one of us, myself included, that hasn't made this same resolution before -- and gave up on it by Groundhog Day. And it's easy to focus on the health information that tells us what we want to hear, like the studies that have shown that people who are slightly overweight are actually at less risk for diseases like TB, emphysema, and Alzheimer's. But, let's be honest, there's way, way more research showing that carrying around even a few extra pounds above what's considered a "normal" weight for your height and frame can dramatically increase your risk of death from type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. Add a few more pounds and you substantially increase your risk of breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers. If the threats killer diseases are a bit too hypothetical, then consider the everyday effects of being overweight: Increased stress on your hips and knees leads to more joint pain than you might otherwise have. And getting winded walking up the stairs can be just plain embarrassing (not to mention exhausting). So now that I've officially shamed you into wanting to make your resolution a reality, here's the good news: Even a small amount of weight loss can do a world of good when it comes to decreasing your risk of all the things I mentioned above. In fact, one study found that losing just 7 percent of your total body weight can cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 65 percent. To put that into perspective, if you weigh 200 pounds, you'd need to lose just 14 pounds to slash your risk of diabetes by more than half. And losing 14 pounds can be as simple as making a few small changes to your daily routine: Cut out soda and take a 20-30 minute walk each day, and you're well on your way. The other thing to keep in mind with weight loss: don't expect it to happen overnight. Or even in a few weeks. Speaking from personal experience, it can take months to lose 15 pounds. But even more important than the rate of your loss are the healthy habits you adopt to do it. While losing weight is indeed a good resolution, those little lifestyle changes for the better are what, ultimately, will make 2008 your healthiest year yet. Source:
"Confused, or just confusing?" The Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com), 11/17/07 |
