Do You Really Need to Lose Weight?

By Randi Morse

One of the big problems with the society we live in is that it promotes unattainable and often unhealthy goals. Let's talk about weight loss. Go on any search engine and type in the phrase "weight loss" and you'll be given thousands of results, each page promising that their diet will help you to lose weight. Before you go on any diet it's a good idea to stop and ask yourself if you really need to lose weight or not.

Is It a Medical Condition?

There are absolutely some situations in which losing weight is extremely important. Take diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can often be controlled with a diet change and weight loss, and may even be eradicated with the right diet change and exercise routine. This is why most doctors prescribe a weight loss for people who have been given a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. If your doctor has diagnosed you with a medical condition that can be helped with some weight loss, then losing weight in a healthy way may be a good idea.

Is It a Self-Esteem Issue?

While there are a number of valid reasons to lose weight, one of the most common motives for weight loss is not related to health but, rather, related to self-esteem. It's not uncommon for people who have a perfectly acceptable weight and body shape to believe that they are fat and in need of dieting. The problem with losing weight when you are trying to do it for cosmetic reasons is that weight loss likely won't solve your problem.

There's a huge difference between having a healthy body and having body image issues. The society we live in strongly promotes thin body frames, especially for women. The average woman does not look like the woman you see on the front page of most magazines. If you focus on losing weight because you were trying to look a certain way, it's very likely that you won't be happy even if you are able to reach your weight loss goals. This is because you will find something else you feel that is wrong with your body. 

There's nothing wrong with trying to have a healthy body and, in fact, it's good to make sure you eat healthy, get enough rest, and get exercise. The problem occurs when you're trying to lose weight for cosmetic reasons. Always make sure you examine your reasons for wanting to lose weight before you start any new diet.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Danville, Calif.