The mass media is often filled with messages about the importance of losing weight. It is particularly frightening for those who may be above the “normal” range of the body mass index. The public are faced with phrases like “get lean” and “eat clean” all with the same message that losing weight is the ultimate answer to everything. Both the mass media and health professionals alike also cite weight-loss as the cure for health issues like diabetes, heart disease and untimely death.
Overall Health Should Always be Considered
However, some experts are stating that focusing on weight-loss as the only goal is the wrong thing to do. The better way to operate is by promoting a consistent and positive set of healthy habits. Doing so will be better in the long term.
Essentially, people shouldn’t only focus on weight-loss. Instead, there should be a focus on overall health. Engaging in fad diets can lead to negative relationships with food and self-image. Furthermore, the results only last for a short period of time. Regaining the weight once people return to their regular eating patterns is almost certain.
Maintaining Simple, Healthy Habits Will Make a Difference
People are more likely to prevent weight-gain through employing healthy habits. More importantly, being healthy for enjoyment rather necessity creates positive relationships with food, exercise and self-image. It will also allow people the chance to better maintain significant lifestyle changes which will ultimately benefit health in a more effective way.
According to a study conducted in 2012 found there were four key behaviours that greatly improved health:
- Regular exercise (approximately equal to 12 times per month).
- Eating a diet that is abundant in fruit and vegetables (a minimum of five servings per day).
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Avoiding or quitting smoking.
In the study, the results showed that people who maintained these good habits had a lower risk of mortality, regardless of their weight. In addition to the list, people should also eat at regular times, get enough sleep and reduce stress to really enhance their health.
Weight-Loss Shouldn’t Be the Only Focus
Weight-loss isn’t the only way to measure health. The issue is that weight is attached to a lot of stigma. Indeed, there is a link between excessive weight and chronic diseases. However, healthy practices need to be undertaken as part of a consistent daily routine. Weight isn’t the only factor. For example, a person may be the “ideal” weight according to the Body Mass Index, yet if they smoke and drink regularly, they aren’t completely healthy.
