We have all looked at the BMI charts and assessed where we are “at” compared to what is “normal” vs. “overweight” vs. “obese”. With 70% of our population being overweight (BMI 25-30) and 35% obese (BMI greater than 30), there is a high likelihood that many people are staring down the need to lose 20, 30, 40 or more pounds.
I believe it is important to understand that it is not necessarily of utmost importance to lose all of the weight needed to hit “normal”. There are a number of health issues that may be positively impacted by fewer pounds of weight loss than what is need to have the BMI be less than 25. For example, for every pound that is lost, there are 4 pounds of pressure taken off of the weight bearing joints. So, a 10 pound loss results in 40 pounds of pressure off of the knees, ankles and feet resulting in many experiencing far less pain in those areas. People that experience back pain often notice a marked lessening of the pain even with a few pounds of weight loss.
Metabolically, blood sugar is positively impacted by losing even a few pounds. People with diabetes are often able to lessen their dosages of medications immediately after embarking on a weight control effort and a few pounds are lost. We have seen in the SP Program that our patients with hypertension similarly are able to start cutting their med dosages based on a fraction of the weight loss that would place them at a normal BMI.
The point: If your weight loss “needs” are a pretty high number, you will not need to wait until the end of your journey to get good results and rewards for your efforts. Health will improve along the way, smaller clothes sizes, more energy, and a bunch of other really good “stuff” incrementally.
Yes, a few pounds can make a difference so keep that in your mind as you go for the next 5 pounds and then the next and then the next…
