The latest headlines that reflect the latest research, polls and statistics confirms what most of us knew already. If you have a dignosis of obesity, it will cost you money. Not just the endless dollars you spend on extra food which when eaten requires extra dollars spent on the latest diet pill, trend, book which works for a short while only to have you spend more food on food, new clothes to fit your growing body (cause you threw the old clothes out when you convinced yourself that you conquered obesity) only to need to spend more dollars on the newer diet books, potions and exercise equipment that you now believe will help you lose the weight you already lost (how many times??).
No, the costs the headlines are referring to reflect the extra care you need because of your obesity. You are likely to develop diabetes type 2, hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, high cholesterol and then you will need more medical care. You may become so obese that you require specialized medical transport in an emergency or need to have additional trips added to your medical bills to transport you to larger testing equipment that can assess a larger person. Bottom line is that extra weight costs extra money for a variety of reasons and the next generation of young people, who are developing weight issues at an earlier age, will place the burden of these additional healthcare costs on a healthcare system that is already strapped for cash.
So what can we do? We can accept that we all overeat for a variety of reasons and many of us have exemplary excuses for not exercising. That being said- we need to take ownership of our health realities and destinies and work on the causes and strategize so that we reduce temptation, make healthy food more of a regular part of our lives, get the calorie and portion facts that personally work for each of us and add physical activity to our daily lives - whether we like to exercise or not. Personally, I don't like to balance my checkbook, but I do it because bouncing a check or declaring bankruptcy is not an option. I take my daily supplements, regularly, because I recognize there are gaping holes even in my stellar diet. And I seek to create a home and outside the home environment that supports my health. One step at a time, one habit at a time, one day at a time - with planning and strategizing. You can do it too.
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