Yesterday I wrote that the best holiday gift you can give your family and friends is you...(click here if you want to read that post...or if you are on the blog, you can scroll down and see it.)
Sometimes people are concerned that they will have to spend money in order to have weight loss success. There is this mistaken idea that being healthy costs more. Au contraire, achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight you will actually be saving money!
Obesity costs big bucks. Some of the biggest expenses are medical. People who are overweight tend to need to see the doctor more frequently, require more medications and more surgeries. Health and life insurance costs are higher--that is, if you can get them.
If you are employed, statistics show that obese people earn significantly less than their co-workers who maintain a healthy weight...employers know that obesity hits them in the insurance pocketbook, as well as sick days, etc...so by becoming a weight loss success story you just might land yourself a raise!
Okay, that may not be in your control, but how about this? If you go to a fast food restaurant to feed your habit, pick up your "drug of choice" at the grocery story or vending machines, or grab an extra vanilla latte, you are dropping lots of cash. If you spend an extra $4 a day feeding that habit that comes to more than $1400 in a single year. Think you don't spend that much...hmmm, test it out for yourself. Add up the trips to the vending machines, Starbucks, Micky D, and the cookies/cakes/cream at the grocery store...you may be amazed at how much you are spending...a little bit at a time!
Then there is clothing. We don't have to go into how hard it can be to find the clothes...when you are large it is harder to find discount clothes...often your clothes just cost more. That's not unreasonable, after all, they take more material, right? What about the wear and tear you put on them? I had lots of pants that were worn out between the thighs or split at the seams...between the chafing and the stress on all the seams, my pants just didn't hold up. And the pilling on tops and sweaters because my arms rubbed against my torso. Definitely need to replace clothes more frequently if you want to look your best.
And shoes!!! I wore out lots of shoes...and one place you don't want to skimp is your shoes. Do that and you can have all sorts of foot, knee, hip and back issues. Just the weight of my body pounding on the pavement caused my shoe leather (well, not really leather, but you get the drift) to wear out prematurely.
And talking about wearing out...I wore out seats in cars faster because of my weight...and I had to have sturdy chairs so I didn't risk breaking them and falling on the floor.
I also had to buy larger towels so they would dry me off sufficiently. I was just about needing seat belt extensions too...and there were a couple of flights I was extremely uncomfortable...fortunately I had a skinny flying companion...but if you have to buy an extra seat on the plane because you don't fit into one...there's an expense.
Take a little time and add up all the "extras" that you buy because of your size...if you cut them out, how much money would you save? Over the course of your lifetime you will save a lot of money by achieving and maintaining a healthier weight.
Start today. Remember, you don't have to make all the changes at once. Start small. Be consistent...and you will be get the healthy, energetic, slender body you deserve...and save some bucks at the same time!
Be sure to check back tomorrow when we talk about the third gift you give your family when you decide to become a weight loss success story!
Showing posts with label costs associated with obesity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label costs associated with obesity. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
11 Weeks at The Biggest Loser Ranch: Mindset Shift
Wow! It is amazing what the participants of the Biggest Loser television show have accomplished in just 11 weeks. They've worked hard and I am pulling for them to finish what they started and have the success they deserve.
Whether they made it to the final 4 or were home after the first week, I hope they have been able to incorporate into their lives some of the changes they have made so far--so both they and their families can enjoy better health.
I was struck this week by how many times Jillian and Bob mentioned the importance of mindset...if you are not ready to accept the new you then the old one will come back.
It was fantastic to hear Amanda say she loves herself--this is a crucial part of this journey. Loving yourself--knowing that you deserve the time and effort spent to achieve your health is so important. And you have to start that process NOW...before you reach your goal weight. You cannot expect to hate yourself to health! Becoming slender is not what makes you worthy...you are worthy already...and knowing that, you can become slender.
The reality check with Bob was interesting too...seeing the shift from the rah-rah, sure I can, answers to the genuine fear regarding the challenges they face coming up. This is the "moment of trught" as it were. Will they be able to keep this up? As several of them pointed out, work and family will now be dividing their focus. It is unlikely they will be seeing the big numbers, but they can still make great progress after this jump start.
I've written about the high costs of obesity before, and how we cannot sit back and think this illness is not affecting others. It was really interesting to have Suze Orman talk about it on national television. Some of the numbers she sited are staggering. I'm not 100% convinced that the reason obese people earn less money is because they cost companies more money...sure there is that component...but I also believe there is a huge bias against obese people...a perception that they are less productive, less desirable...just as there are biases against other people who are visibly "different."
The scene that bothered me this week was the one on the gridiron. It was a great eye-opener for the participants to haul their weight around...it reinforced their accomplishments which was cool. However, the hatred with which they tackled their oldselves bothered me. I'll confess...given that environment, I probably would have done the same...pumped up and tired...but hating yourself...your present self or past self...is not the answer.
That fat person deserves some love and respect. At the very least for making the decision to get healthy. That person carried this new thinner person through. That fat person protected you in the only way he/she knew how. Hating the "old you" may be part of the process...but hatred is still a powerful attachment and force of attraction.
We are truly done with the old body when we can thank it for gettting us where we are now (wherever we are on our health journey)...but acknowledge we no longer need its protection. We can bid it farewell without regret, without animosity, without attachment.
This is easier when your weight loss takes longer...you have more time to evolve. I totally understand the appeal of rapid weight loss...ironically that keep me fat for years! It was when I changed my head first and focused on my mind and my health that I dropped weight...as long as I was fixated on my weight--losing fat, the number I was at--then I kept having issues and struggles.
Best of luck to all The Biggest Loser participants. Continue to love yourselves to health!
Whether they made it to the final 4 or were home after the first week, I hope they have been able to incorporate into their lives some of the changes they have made so far--so both they and their families can enjoy better health.
I was struck this week by how many times Jillian and Bob mentioned the importance of mindset...if you are not ready to accept the new you then the old one will come back.
It was fantastic to hear Amanda say she loves herself--this is a crucial part of this journey. Loving yourself--knowing that you deserve the time and effort spent to achieve your health is so important. And you have to start that process NOW...before you reach your goal weight. You cannot expect to hate yourself to health! Becoming slender is not what makes you worthy...you are worthy already...and knowing that, you can become slender.
The reality check with Bob was interesting too...seeing the shift from the rah-rah, sure I can, answers to the genuine fear regarding the challenges they face coming up. This is the "moment of trught" as it were. Will they be able to keep this up? As several of them pointed out, work and family will now be dividing their focus. It is unlikely they will be seeing the big numbers, but they can still make great progress after this jump start.
I've written about the high costs of obesity before, and how we cannot sit back and think this illness is not affecting others. It was really interesting to have Suze Orman talk about it on national television. Some of the numbers she sited are staggering. I'm not 100% convinced that the reason obese people earn less money is because they cost companies more money...sure there is that component...but I also believe there is a huge bias against obese people...a perception that they are less productive, less desirable...just as there are biases against other people who are visibly "different."
The scene that bothered me this week was the one on the gridiron. It was a great eye-opener for the participants to haul their weight around...it reinforced their accomplishments which was cool. However, the hatred with which they tackled their oldselves bothered me. I'll confess...given that environment, I probably would have done the same...pumped up and tired...but hating yourself...your present self or past self...is not the answer.
That fat person deserves some love and respect. At the very least for making the decision to get healthy. That person carried this new thinner person through. That fat person protected you in the only way he/she knew how. Hating the "old you" may be part of the process...but hatred is still a powerful attachment and force of attraction.
We are truly done with the old body when we can thank it for gettting us where we are now (wherever we are on our health journey)...but acknowledge we no longer need its protection. We can bid it farewell without regret, without animosity, without attachment.
This is easier when your weight loss takes longer...you have more time to evolve. I totally understand the appeal of rapid weight loss...ironically that keep me fat for years! It was when I changed my head first and focused on my mind and my health that I dropped weight...as long as I was fixated on my weight--losing fat, the number I was at--then I kept having issues and struggles.
Best of luck to all The Biggest Loser participants. Continue to love yourselves to health!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Your Weight Loss Success Affects State of Health and Wallet
Are you healthy? How about your state? How does your health affect your state? Conversely, how does your state's health rate affect you? Will your weight loss success save you money?
According to a recent article by Forbes.com, the New England states rank amongst the healthiest, while those in the South rank the lowest. In fact, of the top 5 states (in health terms) 3 are in New England.
According to a recent article by Forbes.com, the New England states rank amongst the healthiest, while those in the South rank the lowest. In fact, of the top 5 states (in health terms) 3 are in New England.
5 Healthiest States
1. Vermont
2. Utah
3. Massachusetts
4. Hawaii
5. New Hampshire
What goes into determining a state's health rank? Here is what Forbes' says (emphasis mine):
Of particular interest to me is the data on obesity and costs associated to obesity. So often we think that obesity only affects us...after all, we aren't subjecting others to second hand smoke...if we overeat then we are only affecting ourselves, right?
Well, of course we are also modeling behavior for our children (if we have them), but obesity does affect others from a cost standpoint. I'm not going to tell you to lose weight because it will save your state, or your neighbor, or even you, money...but it is something that we tend to not think about. It doesn't hurt to have some awareness of it.
Why would my being fat cost anyone money? For one thing, being extremely overweight leads to wear and tear on our bodies...which can mean more surgeries on knees, hips and feet. It can also lead to lower immune systems and more aches and pains--possibly leading to more doctor visits and/or time off work.
It is estimated that out of our 2003 health care dollars spent nationally, almost $75 billion was obesity related...and about 1/2 of that money was provided by public funding...as in tax money! In 10 years, the amount we will spend on obesity related health care costs is projected to be over $340 billion!
Like anything, these are generalities...there are many people who are pretty darned healthy despite being overweight. However, being overweight will add physical stress to your joints, so you may be relatively healthy...but certainly not your healthiest...and you may not see the affects for years.
I was very active and rather healthy for my 300lb size for example...but I had 3 knee surgeries. Sure I had insurance and I paid my portion of the costs...but more surgeries leads to more expenses for the insurer...and can lead to higher rates overall.
No one individual is affecting our insurance rates...but the healthier we ALL are, the lower our costs should be (not being in the insurance industry I'm not going to venture a guess on how this would actually affect those rates!)--if for no other reason than we just don't have to go to the doctor as much! When we eat better, our overall health is better. Our immune system is stronger, too. These are great reasons to eat better--for our health! When we focus on our health, then we will be more apt to lose weight naturally and with a whole lot less pressure and stress than when we diet for our appearance. Losing weight for health is a long-term process, not a short-term event.
So how does your state's ranking affect you? It is probably an indication of what kind of health care is available as well as what you & your neighbors are doing about your health. This could mean that your costs, either for insurance or taxes, may be higher than a state with a healthier rank.
Before everyone decides to move to Vermont, realize the most important impact you can make to your health, including weight loss success, and your wallet is within your control. You can make small changes that will greatly effect your health--no matter where you live. Don't try to do it all at once...and don't make foods off limits...that's called dieting...and diets don't work!
Instead, start with your mind...fill it with healthy and loving thoughts. Care for your body because you deserve health...this will lead to a healthy, energetic, slender body, and just maybe a fatter wallet!
Like statistics?
Click to see where your state ranks.
To see more about America's health rankings, including ranking by measure or by state, or to get the full report, click here.
1. Vermont
2. Utah
3. Massachusetts
4. Hawaii
5. New Hampshire
What goes into determining a state's health rank? Here is what Forbes' says (emphasis mine):
This annual ranking, published by the United Health Foundation, looks at 22 indicators of health, including everything from how many children receive recommended vaccinations, to obesity and smoking rates, to cancer deaths. (Insurer UnitedHealth Group funds the foundation.) Scores for each state are determined by gathering data from a variety of government and nongovernmental databases and then calculating how much each state is better or worse than the national average for each measure.
Of particular interest to me is the data on obesity and costs associated to obesity. So often we think that obesity only affects us...after all, we aren't subjecting others to second hand smoke...if we overeat then we are only affecting ourselves, right?Well, of course we are also modeling behavior for our children (if we have them), but obesity does affect others from a cost standpoint. I'm not going to tell you to lose weight because it will save your state, or your neighbor, or even you, money...but it is something that we tend to not think about. It doesn't hurt to have some awareness of it.
Why would my being fat cost anyone money? For one thing, being extremely overweight leads to wear and tear on our bodies...which can mean more surgeries on knees, hips and feet. It can also lead to lower immune systems and more aches and pains--possibly leading to more doctor visits and/or time off work.
It is estimated that out of our 2003 health care dollars spent nationally, almost $75 billion was obesity related...and about 1/2 of that money was provided by public funding...as in tax money! In 10 years, the amount we will spend on obesity related health care costs is projected to be over $340 billion!
Like anything, these are generalities...there are many people who are pretty darned healthy despite being overweight. However, being overweight will add physical stress to your joints, so you may be relatively healthy...but certainly not your healthiest...and you may not see the affects for years.
I was very active and rather healthy for my 300lb size for example...but I had 3 knee surgeries. Sure I had insurance and I paid my portion of the costs...but more surgeries leads to more expenses for the insurer...and can lead to higher rates overall.
No one individual is affecting our insurance rates...but the healthier we ALL are, the lower our costs should be (not being in the insurance industry I'm not going to venture a guess on how this would actually affect those rates!)--if for no other reason than we just don't have to go to the doctor as much! When we eat better, our overall health is better. Our immune system is stronger, too. These are great reasons to eat better--for our health! When we focus on our health, then we will be more apt to lose weight naturally and with a whole lot less pressure and stress than when we diet for our appearance. Losing weight for health is a long-term process, not a short-term event.
So how does your state's ranking affect you? It is probably an indication of what kind of health care is available as well as what you & your neighbors are doing about your health. This could mean that your costs, either for insurance or taxes, may be higher than a state with a healthier rank.
Before everyone decides to move to Vermont, realize the most important impact you can make to your health, including weight loss success, and your wallet is within your control. You can make small changes that will greatly effect your health--no matter where you live. Don't try to do it all at once...and don't make foods off limits...that's called dieting...and diets don't work!
Instead, start with your mind...fill it with healthy and loving thoughts. Care for your body because you deserve health...this will lead to a healthy, energetic, slender body, and just maybe a fatter wallet!
Like statistics?
Click to see where your state ranks.
To see more about America's health rankings, including ranking by measure or by state, or to get the full report, click here.
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