The FDA has approved the Lap Band surgery for those with BMI of 30 or greater (previous guidelines were BMI of 40 or greater)....this will double the number of individuals eligible for this surgery. The question remains - is this a GOOD thing or a BAD thing? My thoughts are as follows:
Since the FDA feels this intervention is a "good" thing, will they continue to lower the restrictions? Will we get to the point that we no longer encourage prevention of obesity through healthy eating and exercise because we have this "thing" that we can have inserted into our body for the low cost of $14,000.00?
I believe these new guidelines are further greasing an already very dangerous "slippery slope" that our nation seems to be racing toward. These surgeries and new guidelines are a sad indication that we are in the throws of giving up completely. Sad indeed.
What are your thoughts?
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Money & Pain don't "cut it" for a lifetime
I watched a show tonight that highlighted a young girl (in her late teens, early 20s) who spent several months sequestered over the summer between high school and college with a personal trainer to lose weight. In the footsteps of her parents, she had been overweight all of her life, had horrible eating habits and did not exercise at all. Through grueling workouts, the trainer pushed her to the point of pain and crying with a goal of running a 10 minute mile (running at 6 mph for a mile). She does lose weight, accomplishes a 10 minute mile, and feels good about her accomplishments – but I question the judgment of the premise. Goals are great and very necessary – but crying during workouts and unrealistic (possibly dangerous) challenges do not make sense. Successful, lifetime weight management does not take torturous workouts and running foot races. Successful, lifetime weight management takes thought, consistent behavior modification, planning, visualization, determination and brains. Running competitions definitely have their place, but should not be the focus of initial weight loss or successful, lifetime weight management. Personal trainers and chef prepared meals are great for those who can afford – but even Oprah has shown the world that LOTS OF MONEY does not make a lasting, lifetime impact on weight management.
"Pig Outs" are for pigs!
Check out this funny column (I've been following) @LaTimesHealth Two Guys Lose Weight: I want to pig out at Fatburger! http://lat.ms/eMBpoo
Losing weight or "burning off a high fat meal" is a simple math equation. One must burn 3,500 calories and not replace them to lose one pound, regardless of when or how the calories are eliminated - in one "biggest loser" type of work out or gradually over any period of time. Eating any high fat meal (such as the one you described) will not only add calories to your Fat Bucket, but will put you at risk for coronary artery plaque rupture (which causes a heart attack or stroke or both) due to the wicked changes in the chemistry of the body as it tries to metabolize the fat food. Additionally, elevations in cardiac risk markers (associated with inflammation and not regularly measured at an annual check up) can cause plaque rupture even in very small blockages following a high fat meal. Even if you are successful at "burning off" the calories of a high fat meal, your risk for heart attack and stroke increases with these binges. High fat, fast foods are designed to lure you into multiple feeding frenzies, which in turn keeps you fat and the vendor happy. www.drstaceyhiltondavis.blogspot.com
Losing weight or "burning off a high fat meal" is a simple math equation. One must burn 3,500 calories and not replace them to lose one pound, regardless of when or how the calories are eliminated - in one "biggest loser" type of work out or gradually over any period of time. Eating any high fat meal (such as the one you described) will not only add calories to your Fat Bucket, but will put you at risk for coronary artery plaque rupture (which causes a heart attack or stroke or both) due to the wicked changes in the chemistry of the body as it tries to metabolize the fat food. Additionally, elevations in cardiac risk markers (associated with inflammation and not regularly measured at an annual check up) can cause plaque rupture even in very small blockages following a high fat meal. Even if you are successful at "burning off" the calories of a high fat meal, your risk for heart attack and stroke increases with these binges. High fat, fast foods are designed to lure you into multiple feeding frenzies, which in turn keeps you fat and the vendor happy. www.drstaceyhiltondavis.blogspot.com
It's all in your head!
Take some each day (at least 10 minutes) time to calm your mind, relax, and meditate. During this peaceful time, picture yourself as being slim, healthy and fit. Picture yourself being strong, smart and determined. Picture yourself - and actually feel yourself - making the right choices when it comes to food selection and getting plenty of exercise. Keep this positive image of yourself with you and WiTHIN You Now!™ at all times.
A positive visual of yourself increases your opportunity for true success. Be free from negative thoughts as you move toward increasing the quality of your life today and tomorrow.
Overweight and obesity are preventable.
A positive visual of yourself increases your opportunity for true success. Be free from negative thoughts as you move toward increasing the quality of your life today and tomorrow.
Overweight and obesity are preventable.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day just another day
We have 365 days in the year and OVER 365 holidays and events that we use to excuse overweight and obesity issues. Love your partner and yourself on Valentine's Day by staying true to eating healthfully and getting some type of exercise!
Check out the progress of the two guys from LA Times Health blog - very clever (and funny)!
Check out the progress of the two guys from LA Times Health blog - very clever (and funny)!
RT @LATimesHealth initial weight loss progress! Two Guys Lose Weight: Resisting the urge to be bad is so good http://t.co/QSSYG5T
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Stop thinking "Cheating"
Try to eliminate the word "cheating" when managing your weight. If you enjoy something yummy - enjoy it - then make the appropriate adjustments (extra time exercising and/or replacing a few meals with a low calorie, liquid protein shake) so that those extra calories don't end up in your Fat Bucket making your jeans too tight and your attitude grouchy. You wouldn't "cheat" on your taxes, or on your spouse! You teach your children to never "cheat" on tests or sports! So why do you give yourself permission to "cheat" when it comes to the most important health decision you will ever make - managing your weight? Use good judgement and caution when enjoying yummy foods and think "moderation and adjustment" rather than "cheating"....a much healthier and less defeating thought process.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Dr. Joe's article great read!
I follow http://twitter.com/#!/drjoesDIYhealth on Twitter (highly recommend) and he often has great articles relating to weight loss, overweight and obesity. I highly recommend reading his latest post which supports "behavior change" rather than "gastric surgery". I posted my comments on this page (hopefully it worked) supporting his stand - with my twist on encouraging people to forget gastric surgery and put all that energy on changing behavior and thought process.
In case your were wondering :) My book WiTHIN You Now!™ will be out soon! Stay tuned!
Click on this link for Dr. Joes' article and my comments:
In case your were wondering :) My book WiTHIN You Now!™ will be out soon! Stay tuned!
Click on this link for Dr. Joes' article and my comments:
Obesity – A Behavioural Not Surgical Problem http://nblo.gs/bGOKw
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