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Can you Really Lose Weight Without a Fight?
A common sale's pitch made by many manufacturers of weight loss products is, "Fight Fat with ...[insert said product]." These companies want you to believe that you can effortlessly lose weight by using their product. It is interesting that the word "fight" is chosen regarding weight management. In a way, it seems to undermine their message that weight loss can be effortless. Personally, I have always defined "fight" as a struggle or a battle - something that takes effort in order to be triumphant.
The hope of effortless weight management is all too tempting, something that, ironically, many Americans have put more time and effort into trying to achieve than if they just did the physical work needed to manage body weight in the first place. This wish for an "easy way out" has resulted in a major public health crisis that transcends many levels. As a society, we are now faced with a true "fight," if not an all out war, against fat.
Earlier this week, the first National Physical Activity Plan was released. This Plan, the first of its kind, is devoted to "[creating] a national culture that supports physically active lifestyles." That is, the nature of work and school environments, neighborhoods, and cities will be changed to encourage physical activity, allowing it to be readily incorporated throughout the day.
The goal of the Plan is to enhance quality of life by preventing disease and disability and by promoting health. Under the Plan, 8 areas of society (Business and Industry; Education; Healthcare; Mass Media; Parks, Recreation, Fitness and Sports; Public Health; Transportation, Urban Design and Community Planning; and Volunteer and Non-profit Organizations) will collaborate to implement strategies for change.
The fight against fat is truly that - a fight. There are no quick fixes where weight management is concerned. It requires the realization that the attainment of health and well-being requires effort. Fortunately, with the implementation of the Plan, it will be a collaborative one.
To learn more about the National Physical Activity Plan visit www.physicalactivityplan.org.
Note: Before beginning an exercise program or increasing the intensity level of a current routine, a physician's approval should be obtained, especially for older adults and those at risk for or who currently have chronic health conditions.
The hope of effortless weight management is all too tempting, something that, ironically, many Americans have put more time and effort into trying to achieve than if they just did the physical work needed to manage body weight in the first place. This wish for an "easy way out" has resulted in a major public health crisis that transcends many levels. As a society, we are now faced with a true "fight," if not an all out war, against fat.
Earlier this week, the first National Physical Activity Plan was released. This Plan, the first of its kind, is devoted to "[creating] a national culture that supports physically active lifestyles." That is, the nature of work and school environments, neighborhoods, and cities will be changed to encourage physical activity, allowing it to be readily incorporated throughout the day.
The goal of the Plan is to enhance quality of life by preventing disease and disability and by promoting health. Under the Plan, 8 areas of society (Business and Industry; Education; Healthcare; Mass Media; Parks, Recreation, Fitness and Sports; Public Health; Transportation, Urban Design and Community Planning; and Volunteer and Non-profit Organizations) will collaborate to implement strategies for change.
The fight against fat is truly that - a fight. There are no quick fixes where weight management is concerned. It requires the realization that the attainment of health and well-being requires effort. Fortunately, with the implementation of the Plan, it will be a collaborative one.
To learn more about the National Physical Activity Plan visit www.physicalactivityplan.org.
Note: Before beginning an exercise program or increasing the intensity level of a current routine, a physician's approval should be obtained, especially for older adults and those at risk for or who currently have chronic health conditions.
Labels: fat, National Physical Activity Plan, weight loss
posted by Cindy Haskin-Popp at
4:30 PM
4 Comments:
I totally agree that there are no quick fixes and when people think there are it can be really unhealthy. I do, however, think that small, sometimes easy, changes can make a big difference (water instead of pop). I also agree that living an active lifestyle is sooo important!
I think so much of our world is about instant gratification. And unfortunately, that's what our children want. The real "fight" from that perspective is figuring out how to delay gratification and put the time and effort into achieving whatever results you desire. And when it comes to weight loss, you absolutely have to be patient.
I was thinking about this recently. And I love that the Plan is being put into place ... at least I hope it will be. In terms of education, one thing that really made a difference in my brother's life was when he went to a school where participating in a sport was required. He called up my mom (it was a boarding school) and wanted her help in making a decision. He wasn't really into sports. She suggested cross-country running because it wouldn't require the team aspect, and he could set personal goals for himself. It turned my brother onto physical fitness in a way he'd never been turned onto it before. The requirement made the difference.
I wish that was a requirement for all kids, middle through high school. It might help expose kids to things and a way of becoming fit or staying fit that they might not otherwise have been exposed to.
But that's probably a pipe dream ....
I think loosing weight for me is not about what product to use. As much as it is about what products not to use. Like Soda-Pop, Ice cream, Chocolate-Chip Cookies, Whipped Cream and on and on and on. I agree Water instead of Soda can have a huge positive effect. But to a soda drinker like myself, giving it up is no easy task. But thanks to coach "Seth" (local coach in Oakland county). I gave up the soda (and stayed active)
and the spare tire disappeared. But then I slipped and the spare tire is back. So tomorrow I will go to Kroger and stock up on Gatorade or something similar.And then give it another try. Thanks for the inspiration
You raise a good point Hugh, I like your sentiment that "loosing weight ....is about what products not to use." Although I do believe you can have a treat now and again, over-consumption (which tends to be the problem for many) can offset the effects of a good, hard workout! Thanks for sharing!
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