Check out this PSA (Piece of Salutogenic Advice), where our Salutogenic Specialist Angela discusses why BMI is Bull$#!& in most cases and what you should be tracking as you work towards better health!
Abdominal fat puts a lot of strain on the organs and is extremely mobile, which means excess fat in this area can end up in the bloodstream. Central obesity is much more highly correlated with cardiovascular disease than weight alone. One study found that normal-weight people with a “spare tire” had a higher risk of dying of heart disease or any other cause compared with people without central obesity, regardless of whether they were normal weight, overweight, or obese. This means it m,ay be better to have a higher BMI but not carry the weight in your mid-section rather than be “normal” weight but carry excess weight in your middle. Unhealthy lifestyle factors like the inflammatory SAD (Standard American Diet) and lack of activity increase central obesity and risk for disease, even if your weight is in the “normal” range. Learn to focus on HEALTH, not weight.
There’s nothing wrong with tracking weight, especially if it helps keep you in tune with your body and on track with your health goals. Just remember to pay attention to the other measurements that give a more complete picture of your overall body composition and health (fasting glucose, insulin, blood pressure, cortisol, etc.). And don’t let your goal weight bring you down. Often people will lose weight and feel great, and then get upset that they “can’t get that last 5-10 pounds off.” This is where weight-centric goals can be dangerous. We’re often unrealistic in our goal weight and feel like we failed if we don’t hit that arbitrary number. Instead, think about the overall goal, which should be better health! Remember, weight is a product of our lifestyle. If you are living a healthy lifestyle, you are reducing your risk of disease and working towards better health. Live a healthy lifestyle and your weight will naturally fall to a healthy range for YOU. If all your blood work numbers are good and you feel healthy and energized, ask yourself what will losing 5 more pounds really do for you?
Looking for more information on improving health instead of just losing weight? Is Guidance, Support, and Accountability what’s missing from your wellness journey? It’s time you found out! Schedule your Complimentary Salutogenic Consultation to learn more and discuss how we can help pave your way to optimal health. We are here to help you Get Healthy and Stay Healthy for Life!
