Take out your handkerchiefs, ladies and gentlemen. Here is a topic that almost everyone on earth can relate to, at one point in his life or another – obesity and the gut-wrenching desire to eliminate those unwanted pounds and inches. Before the sobbing and self-criticism start, one thing is for sure, you are never alone. In fact, if all those who feel the same way you do start crying right now, the world will need another Noah’s Ark for humankind to survive.
Since the dawn of time, or at the very least, since people became more conscious of their health and figures, weight loss has been a major issue. Several diet fads have been launched; numerous exercise routines have been recommended. Countless gyms have sprouted in every corner of the planet. Various weight loss pills and teas have been made available. Yet, a lot of people are still having trouble shedding the extra fat. Why is that?
The Challenge of Losing Weight
If losing weight is as easy as some people think it to be, then the world should be free of obese people right? Or at the very least, the percentage would be quite low. The actual numbers prove just how challenging the process really is.
You might be surprised how many individuals among the total population are considered overweight or obese. In the United States alone, for example, more than half of the adults weigh over the normal standards. Considering the health risks associated with obesity, this is cause for alarm.
No matter how great the desire to lose weight may be, anyone who has tried doing so (and even those who have succeeded) would agree that it does not happen overnight. Many have gone on a rollercoaster all their lives, and tons have given up the fight. There are only a few who can claim long-term victory.
What makes losing weight so difficult? There are a lot of factors that make it so. First, human bodies differ in their reactions to various weight loss methods. What may work for one person may not necessarily be beneficial to another. Second, old habits die hard. Somebody who is used to eating a lot of food will be hard pressed to reduce his intake without sheer willpower. In the same way, someone who is accustomed to eating unhealthy and fattening food will take a lot of time and effort to adjust to a healthier diet. Third, weight management requires long-term commitment. Sometimes, when people do not get their desired results in their target period of time, they tend to get discouraged. Weight management should not just be a one-time thing; it should be a life-long goal.
The Triumphs
Once you have addressed each of the factors that make weight loss difficult, you will realize that it is not such a hopeless dream after all. At the end of the storms, you will encounter in your journey towards a healthier and slimmer you a rainbow of triumphs worth all the troubles.
The list of health benefits from losing weight is a mile long. Among the most important is the reduced risk of getting the diseases that are associated with unwanted calories such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and even seemingly unrelated illnesses like gallbladder diseases and certain cancers. Other advantages include higher self-esteem, more self-confidence, longer life expectancy, and increased happiness and inner peace. And to insert one more concern—being able to fit into the clothes you have always wanted to wear but you previously couldn’t!
The process of losing weight is a long and hard fight, but the rewards are all worth it. Take it one day at a time, and don’t give up. Soon, the weighing scale and tape measure will cease to be your greatest enemies in life.
