Health is more than a number

I was talking to someone recently who was curious to know his BMI (Body Mass Index).  This is a tool that allows you to calculate your weight in relation to your height.  In this way, you can be classified as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.

We entered his information and learned that he was classified as “normal”, and therefore considered at low risk for diseases that are associated with obesity (diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.).  While this may be true from a numbers perspective, the results were actually quite surprising.  Because he essentially lives on a diet of fast food alone.  He is working on making changes, but no BMI reading of “normal” was going to fool him (or me) into believing that this meant he was at low risk for any of those diseases.

While I do consider the BMI a useful tool, I am concerned that it may just perpetuate the obsession in our society with the number on the scale.  It is actually quite possible to be classified as overweight or obese, and show less indicators for related diseases than someone who is extremely thin.

I am certainly dismayed by the epidemic of obesity in our country, and I think it’s particularly on my mind after watching the documentary “Killer at Large” last night (which I highly recommend to anyone interested in the topic).  Yes, weight is an important factor to consider in overall health, and I absolutely adore working with my clients to help them reach their ideal weight.  But any single minded focus only serves to distract us from all of the pieces that work together to create good health.  Stepping onto the scale each day leads to stress, frustration, and feelings of failure.  And this can apply even if you are happy with your weight.  Does that automatically mean you feel as healthy as you want to be?  How about stepping off the scale and into your life?  You are not a failure, and no small piece of equipment on your bathroom floor can make you feel that way unless you allow it.

If you struggle with this, here’s something to try today:

Tape the number WANT to see on your scale.  Then spend a minute or two really allowing yourself to believe it, and to feel all of the emotions associated with that belief.  Feeling more positive and maybe even inspired?  Use that energy to go out for a walk.  Play with your dogs.  Take a yoga class.  Connect with friends, with nature, with yourself.  Take a step towards getting the support you need around making changes to your diet.  Tune into your instincts.  Your body WILL tell you what it wants if you take the time to listen.

Having struggled with my own weight for a long time, I can tell you from experience that it was only after I learned to take the pressure off that I found the weight went away right along with it.  Your life is about so much more than a number on a scale which can never substitute for the purest joy associated with actively pursuing (and acheiving!) the happiness and good health you deserve.