Outsmarting Ourselves
Connie Tyne

It would be funny if it wasn’t so dangerous—A recent Associated Press survey of 1,000 people across America noted people’s current height and weight and then asked a few questions. It seems that 60 percent of the overweight group believes they are at a healthy weight. Of those who meet the standards for clinical obesity, only 25 percent see themselves as very overweight. Like an ostrich, many Americans have their heads in the sand.

Researchers say that if you could maintain the weight you are today and improve your fitness with regular exercise, you could avoid many of the health problems related to weight. But history tells us that for most people, weight is not stable. It’s increasing every year. Ten years from now, most overweight people will have added another 20 to 30 pounds.

The first weight-related health problem most people notice is pain in the knees, feet, and ankles. Arthritis and bursitis flair up and seriously limit the ability to be active. We become more sedentary and the weight becomes more dangerous. The physical activity that allowed us to maintain our weight and defended us against diabetes and high blood pressure is no longer there to protect us. It’s a dangerous spiral.

This trend is dangerous because we can’t solve a problem until we admit we have one. Denial may seem effective in the short term, but eventually we have to face reality.

If you or someone you love has been gradually gaining weight, put on the brakes. Don’t wait until you have health problems or can’t fit into your jeans. Get out the tape measure or check your belt size and get a number. When a woman’s waist circumference passes 35 inches and a man’s passes 40 inches, you are significantly overweight. Take action to turn the tide by stepping up your physical activity and turning away from junk food, the source for 30 percent of our calories. Within a few months, you’ll feel better, have more energy, and find yourself smiling at your reflection in the mirror.

Connie Tyne, L.M.S.W., is executive director of Cooper Wellness Program. During the four-, six-, or 13-day medically-based lifestyle enhancement programs participants learn the tools necessary to improve fitness levels, eat nutritionally, lose weight, and reduce stress. For more information, call 800-444-5192 or visit www.cooperaerobics.com.

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