There are many things that are “measurable” in people with precision such as:
- Weight
- Pulse rate
- Blood sugar
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
Many other “objective” body parameters can be added to this list.
Conversely, there are a number of other issues related to what is going on “inside” of people that are more subjective in nature and cannot be measured with precision such as:
- Extent of depression/other mood issues
- Energy levels
- Pain levels
Another non-measurable, more subjective component of our beings is the level of self-esteem and confidence. There are a number of factors that contribute/detract from our subjective sensation of self-esteem and confidence including:
- How we look
- How accomplished we feel in the workplace
- What positive influence we have on others
One of the most fun things I experience as a physician is seeing just how much our patients’ self-esteem and confidence rise when successful weight loss is being achieved. The transformation of these parameters does not occur only at the end of the journey. Rather, even in the early stages, as people start losing weight you can palpably feel just how more confident people start feeling.
These higher levels of confidence and self-esteem translate into people wanting to be more sociable and attend, as ducking away from more events. At the workplace, often co-workers and supervisors sense these heightened levels as well and this may translate into a more rapid career progression.
Although not measurable such as seeing the blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol improve with weight control, confidence and self-esteem become vastly improved with successful weight loss. And this translates into another non-measurable sensation: Improved happiness!
