The biggest problem with the biggest loser...
The Biggest Loser is one of the most inspirational programs on television today. Having the opportunity to watch these people change their lives for the better is huge for a lot of other people struggling with the same demons. It gets deep into the emotional reason for why these folks are as heavy as they are. It works to face that problem so that they can move on with their lives and focus on that problem which could take their life in the end. Who could ask for anything better? It is truly remarkable.
But, the biggest problem with the biggest loser is that the people who are chosen for this show are morbidly obese. Morbidly obese means that your body fat is 40% or greater. The fact of the matter is that most American's fall into the obese range. The obese range is a body fat measurement, or BMI, of 30%-40%. That's right. If your body fat is between 30% and 40%, you are considered obese according to the national standard. Once your BMI falls into this range, your body has to work harder just to sustain itself. Your heart needs to work harder to pump blood, your organs need to work harder to attain nutrients through the layer of body fat, and your bones and ligaments have to hold and move more body weight everyday.
So, the situation is that most American's watch the Biggest Loser thinking "Thank GOODNESS that isn't me", when the fact of the matter is they may already be on the same road. And just because a person is "thin", they may not be fit. They do not go hand in hand. Being "fit" means your body fat is where is should be, between 18% and 24%, you maintain an active lifestyle, and you can accomplish everyday tasks without being winded or exhausted. In fact, exercise should "energize" the body, not "exhaust" it. So think for a minute about where you are today. Could you lose a few pounds? Could you be in better shape? Do you need more energy to get things accomplished in your life that you wish to accomplish? Do you even know what your body fat is? Well, without calipers, or without having your BMI professionally checked, there are a few ways to determine that number. One is through the following chart. It will surely give you a general idea. Plus, the oldest trick in the book can give you an idea too. Can you pinch an inch? Grab the skin fold just above your front hip bone and give it a squeeze. Are you pinching an inch or more? Then, chances are, your BMI exceeds 30% and it is time to take action.
Remember that it is never, ever too late to get back into shape. All you have to gain is minutes, days, months, years added to your life. All you have to lose is the extra body fat.
But, the biggest problem with the biggest loser is that the people who are chosen for this show are morbidly obese. Morbidly obese means that your body fat is 40% or greater. The fact of the matter is that most American's fall into the obese range. The obese range is a body fat measurement, or BMI, of 30%-40%. That's right. If your body fat is between 30% and 40%, you are considered obese according to the national standard. Once your BMI falls into this range, your body has to work harder just to sustain itself. Your heart needs to work harder to pump blood, your organs need to work harder to attain nutrients through the layer of body fat, and your bones and ligaments have to hold and move more body weight everyday.
So, the situation is that most American's watch the Biggest Loser thinking "Thank GOODNESS that isn't me", when the fact of the matter is they may already be on the same road. And just because a person is "thin", they may not be fit. They do not go hand in hand. Being "fit" means your body fat is where is should be, between 18% and 24%, you maintain an active lifestyle, and you can accomplish everyday tasks without being winded or exhausted. In fact, exercise should "energize" the body, not "exhaust" it. So think for a minute about where you are today. Could you lose a few pounds? Could you be in better shape? Do you need more energy to get things accomplished in your life that you wish to accomplish? Do you even know what your body fat is? Well, without calipers, or without having your BMI professionally checked, there are a few ways to determine that number. One is through the following chart. It will surely give you a general idea. Plus, the oldest trick in the book can give you an idea too. Can you pinch an inch? Grab the skin fold just above your front hip bone and give it a squeeze. Are you pinching an inch or more? Then, chances are, your BMI exceeds 30% and it is time to take action.
Remember that it is never, ever too late to get back into shape. All you have to gain is minutes, days, months, years added to your life. All you have to lose is the extra body fat.
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