Health Challenge 2010

December 30, 2009 Written by JP    [Font too small?]

Human nature dictates that we often want what we don’t have. Bald men wish for a full head of hair. Busy executives imagine what it would be like to have more time to spend with their families. Older folks lament aspects of their youth and children dream of the freedoms afforded to their elders. The grass always seems greener under circumstances that are likely to remain just a fantasy.

Today, I dreamt up an idea that could become a reality. This is something that I hope many of you will adopt and join me in doing. The concept is pretty simple, but implementing it will require some effort. After reading my proposal, I hope you’ll agree that the effort will be worthwhile.

I want to enact a plan which will be carried out by individuals. Let’s call it The Healthy Fellow 2010 Challenge. Age, gender, geography and race don’t matter in terms of my plan. It’s also unimportant whether you’re a so-called layperson or a medical professional. The ultimate goal of this challenge will be to affect weight change in others by improving your own body mass index and overall wellness.

Most people are aware that obesity has become a significant burden on the health care system and society as a whole. But the consequences of weight extend beyond an ever expanding waistline. The truth of the matter is that there is a weight-distribution problem occurring in the modern world. Many people are, in fact, overweight and gaining. However another burgeoning population – seniors – face the exact opposite problem: being underweight. Instead of simply focusing on the upper end of the weight scale, I’d like us all to observe the importance of both ends of the spectrum.

Several recent studies highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and body composition during all stages of life. Here’s a brief overview of what the science says:

  • A 2 year study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology determined that even moderate amounts of weight loss (in overweight individuals) can lead to four important changes relating to cardiovascular health: 1 & 2) a decrease in the thickness of the carotid arteries and the heart muscle; 3 & 4) improvements in the pumping action and “relaxation functions” of the heart. These benefits were found in volunteers with ages ranging from 22 to 64. The weight loss diets used in this study involved either a low carbohydrate or low fat menu plan consisting of 1,200 – 1,500 calories for the female participants and 1,500 – 1,800 calories for the male volunteers. The exercise portion of the program involved approximately 3.5 hours of walking per week. (1)
  • Overweight and obesity increases the likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children and adolescents. This cycle can lead to “excessive daytime sleepiness” (EDS) and increased levels of inflammatory substances (Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein) and hunger hormones (leptin) that are known to promote cardiovascular disease and chronic obesity. A decrease in adiponectin was also found in heavier children and adolescents which points to the additional concern of subsequent conditions associated with insulin resistance such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This modern phenomenon is causing young people to develop diseased arteries that resemble those of middle-aged men and women. (2,3,4)
  • Being underweight is of grave health concern in the elder population. However, recent studies add some important details to that general observation. Research conducted at Tel Aviv University in Israel determined that two factors were more important than the overall “body mass index” (BMI) of seniors living in nursing homes. The amount of “fat-free body mass” (muscle) and “skeletal muscle mass” were deemed “far better predictors than BMI” with regard to overall mortality risk. Another study presented in The Journal of Gerontology points out that both a low and high BMI increase the likelihood of frailty. The lowest risk of disability was found in those with a BMI ranging from 25-30. In addition, abdominal obesity and a “high hip to waist circumference” was directly associated with poorer health outcomes and an increased risk of dementia. (5,6,7)
Being Overweight Affects Cardiovascular Health Markers
Source: Arq. Bras. Cardiol. vol.93 no.3 SΓ£o Paulo Sept. 2009 (link)

Based on the evidence presented, the solution isn’t simply to recommend generalized weight loss in younger and middle aged populations and weight gain in seniors. We need to be more specific than that. In adolescents and adults, it’s clear that dietary modification and more physical activity should be the foundation for establishing a healthier weight. Calories need to be reduced and calorie burning (via exercise) should be encouraged, but not at the expense of nutrient-dense, whole foods.

In the elderly, adding weight also needs to be done mindfully. Simply adding calorically rich foods isn’t necessarily a good option. The key is to provide nourishment that will support fat-free body mass and the skeletal system. This requires foods that are rich in healthy fats, nutrients and protein. A similar formula can assist the younger population and middle-aged adults in modifying harmful systemic inflammation and insulin resistance (“pre-diabetes”).

My challenge to you is this: Consider making it a personal goal to improve your own weight situation. By doing so, you’ll open the door to inspiring others to follow suit. Come up with recipes and techniques that make this goal a reality in your own life. Then, share that personal knowledge with the people around you that need help. You may not realize it, but you have the unique ability to touch the lives of select individuals that no one else does. Just look around and you’re likely to spot opportunities. If you can’t find any, make it a point to seek them out – in your neighborhood, online, at school or work.

I want to relay a recent experience of mine. As you may already know, I recently lost a considerable amount of weight (85 lbs.) and have managed to keep it off. A few months ago, my wife decided to begin her own, self-styled weight loss/wellness program. She’s doing a wonderful job at applying her dedication and willpower to achieve better health. This has resulted in a significant weight loss of 17 lbs and a vastly improved quality of life – all of this because of her decision to change her life for the better. But part of the inspiration behind Mrs. Healthy Fellow’s shift was seeing my success. The example I set provided a reminder that “if I can do it, anyone can do it”. In addition, I’m sure that Mrs. Fellow’s current and future success will prompt others to follow her lead.

The most valuable gifts we can give involve “digging deep” within ourselves. It’s relatively easy to buy someone a book, compact disc or a sweater. But making a genuine sacrifice for the benefit of yourself and someone you love is much more profound. A father or a mother losing weight in order to be healthy for their family sends a very powerful message. Devising healthy recipes and/or preparing nutritious food for an elderly family member nurtures more than just the body. These are true gifts from the heart. This is the season to give and a time when many of us resolve to make positive changes in our lives. Perhaps this will also gives us an opportunity to find new ways of expressing concern and love for those who mean the most.

New Year’s Note: I’ll be taking Thursday and Friday off to celebrate the new year with my family. There will be a new column on Monday – January 4, 2010! I sincerely hope that you all make the transition from 2009 into 2010 in the presence of much joy and love. Thank you so much for sharing your valuable attention and time with me this past year! Onwards and upwards in 2010!

Be well!

JP


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Posted in Diet and Weight Loss, Food and Drink, Heart Health

14 Comments & Updates to “Health Challenge 2010”

  1. k2c Says:

    Hi JP! I wanted to add more exercise and healthier eating to my daily walking routine around a month ago, but I haven’t been able to really get serious yet. I only have 11 pounds to lose to be in the high range of the normal BMI, and I’m still determined to get there, so I’m taking on your challenge :D. I’m living a healthier lifestyle, so I have a good head start.

    Congratulations to you and the Mrs. on your weight loss, and Happy New year to you both!

  2. Nina K. Says:

    Mooorning JP πŸ˜‰ ok its already afternoon πŸ˜‰

    Im taking on your challenge and i begin today evening on our New Years Eve Party πŸ™‚

    HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOUR AND YOURS…. CHEERS!

    until 2010 πŸ™‚

    Nina K.

  3. liverock Says:

    JP,

    Well said!

    This year I’m going to lose weight and exercise more.

    Wait a minute I said that last year…..

    and the year before that……

    and the year before that…….

    and I’m almost certain the year before that…..or did I?

    Probably!

  4. JP Says:

    Thank you, K2C! πŸ™‚

    I’m confident that you’ll get there! Please keep me posted!

    I wish you and yours the same! My best to you all in 2010! πŸ™‚

    Be well!

    JP

  5. JP Says:

    Thank you, Nina! πŸ™‚

    I hope you have a great time at the party! Have lots of fun!

    I’m thrilled to know that you’ll be on board for the challenge! I look forward to exchanging lots of health information with you in 2010!

    Be well and stay well in 2010! πŸ™‚

    JP

  6. JP Says:

    Liverock,

    But last year you weren’t personally invited to take part in this challenge! πŸ˜‰ Come on board! I’m saving a special spot for you! πŸ™‚

    The more people participate, the more we can all learn and share! I’m positive that your discoveries and example would be helpful to many others! No pressure … just think about it!

    Be well!

    JP

  7. Nina K. Says:

    Morning JP πŸ™‚

    omg, the party last night was really exertive πŸ™‚ danced al night long πŸ˜‰

    so there where many people – many carbs – chips etc. – and many of them drank lots of alkohol – i didn’t drunk much but even so i have a headache because i smoked a big cigar πŸ˜‰ – im nonsmoker! i try to cure it with gyokuro and matcha that works really fine.

    to begin the new year well i motivated the partypeople to dance with me πŸ™‚ i think i burned 3000 cals last night. first they where a little bit shy but then it was party πŸ™‚

    i can’t avoid that people drank to much or eat to much carbs, so i motivated them to move.

    that was my contribution πŸ˜‰

    Stay healthy!
    Nina K.

  8. JP Says:

    Well done, Nina! πŸ™‚ It sounds like you (and those around you) had a great time! Fantastic!

    My first contribution was to show how delicious and satisfying a low carb diet can be around the holidays – I accomplished this by going out to several dinners with both sides of our family. They were often amazed at the types of foods I could eat while remaining slim. That’s a good start, I think.

    Keep on dancing and be well! πŸ™‚

    JP

  9. anne h Says:

    You know that I am on board with you, JP!

  10. JP Says:

    Thank you, Anne! It’s great to have you there! Your participation always adds a lot to all of these challenges and experiments! πŸ™‚

    Be well!

    JP

  11. Low Carb Daily ~ Angie Says:

    Harry,

    Happy new year to you and Mrs. Healthy Fellow!

    WOW, you guys have lost a combined weight of 102 pounds!

    Looking forward to tomorrow’s column!

    Onward and downward in Twenty Ten!

    Angie

  12. JP Says:

    Thanks, Angie! πŸ™‚

    I wish you and your loved ones all the best in 2010 and beyond!

    Be well!

    JP

  13. todd29 Says:

    For many people, being overweight is associated with being uncomfortable in their own skin. To assist with weight control, every time the urge to snack is felt, first drink a large glass of clear water. This simple act will help you to eat less. Water will soon become one of your best friends. The major reason so many people in America are overweight is because we eat too much for comfort! It does not hurt to treat ourselves with something special once in a while, what is necessary is that we limit our portions and do not overeat! It is also necessary to keep our body properly hydrated, so drink a full glass of water with each meal or snack. Being overweight ******, but after reading a book, I lost 85 pounds! Words can not express how good I feel! This is a comment which I recently received about the book Lose Weight Using Four Easy Steps

  14. JP Says:

    Todd,

    I think water can be a valuable tool for managing weight. I wrote a column about this a few months back:

    https://www.healthyfellow.com/327/water-weight-loss/

    Be well!

    JP

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