The Lowe Down

Anyone for a Lifestyle Change? Fat Chance!  - Gerard Lowe

I am so tired of hearing advertisements lecturing people on  how to lose fat. There are billions of dollars being made by the makers of fat loss products, exercise machines and work-out videos. This money is mostly a result of return business because more than 90% of people who lose fat will eventually gain it back. People are seeking the quick fix and look to products rather than themselves for a way to shed those extra pounds.

The thing that really ticks me off about the fat loss industry  is that these people prey on our weaknesses. The majority of ads I see feature these individuals with rock hard bodies who have miraculously transformed themselves by using a machine or the food provided by some fat loss company. Let me give you a little bit of information. Very few women actually have the lean behinds and glowing skin featured on the television commercials. There are also very few men with six pack abs and bulging biceps. You are more likely to see kegs instead of six packs. Everytime I see Tony Little advertising anything, I could put my foot through the television. Little’s body type or that of the 51 year old grandmother walking around in the bathing suit showing off her lean figure are not representing the average man or woman.

The weakness they are attempting to exploit is the unrealistic expectation created by television programs and magazine advertising showing these beautiful people with fantastic bodies and beautiful lives. Look in your own neighbourhood and tell me how many people look like the characters on Desperate Housewives or Grey’s Anatomy? My neighbours are an eighty year old couple, an exhausted family of four and a forty year old man still living with his parents.

The point I am trying to make here is that it is likely that few of us will ever have a lean muscular body like the ones exhibited in GQ magazine. But there are certainly steps we can take to feel better and lose some unwanted pounds.

Before we get into the secrets of shedding your unwanted fat, it would be useful to give you information about why people become obese. Obesity refers to a condition characterized by excessive body fat. It is estimated that 10 to 25% of all teenagers and 20 to 50% of all adults have a weight problem.

There are three main causes of obesity. The first is genetics. Obesity tends to run in families which suggests a genetic link, but similar eating and lifestyle habits may also be contributing factors. If your grandmother had a big behind, there is a chance that you may inherit the same behind. The second most common factor leading to obesity is environmental factors. Eating habits and levels of activity can create breeding grounds for fat gain. Some families love those pork scrunchions. The third most common factor contributing to obesity is psychological factors. Many people eat to ease negative feelings of boredom, despair or anger. I remember reading an article about overeating in which the columnist said “remember, its just food not love”.

I will now reveal to you the secrets being successful in your fat loss program. If you follow these simple steps you can attain your goal of becoming leaner and healthier.

1. Consult a doctor before taking on any fat loss program. Have your doctor do a full physical and ask her/his advice about your desire to change your lifestyle.

2. Mentally prepare for the task ahead. Losing fat means changing your lifestyle. If you are really interested in making a change it will take a great deal of willpower and support from your family and friends. Only take on this task if it is really what you want and are prepared to steer away from the things that have led you to your current situation. It will be one of the toughest tasks you will ever take on.


3. Proceed slowly. Fat loss should never exceed more that 1.5 to 2 pounds per week. It is not healthy to lose much more than that. If you lose less than that over a long period of time you will reach your goals.

4. Exercise! No fat loss program is complete without exercise. Walk, run, swim, etc. Do whatever you need to do 3-4 times a weeks for at least thirty minutes. No excuses. There are a lot of excuses you could use to skip exercising. That just won’t do. Seek the help of family or friends once you schedule your exercise times.

5. Drink lots of water. Water will assist with fat loss, make you feel more energetic and is great for your skin.

6. Eat in moderation. We tend to sit to the table and eat until we are ready to bust a gut. Eat sensible servings that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables and avoid fatty or sugary foods. Simply follow the Canada food Guide and you will succeed.

6. Do this for yourself and not others. Your health is one of the most important factor in enjoying a good quality of life. Making yourself healthier by losing fat will make you feel better about yourself and increase your chances of avoiding obesity induced ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. If you want to live a long life and enjoy the great feelings brought on by feeling fit and healthy, treat yourself to a lifestyle change.

This undertaking is all about you. If you have the necessary courage and fortitude to make a lifestyle change, you will meet your goals. Don’t pass on the power you have to the will of anyone else or some machine. It is your goal to complete and will take all your effort. Seek support and encouragement but ultimately it is up to you.

Check out the Canada Food Guide for information on eating healthy. Also read the Physical Activity Guide.

<http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php>