At least 1 in 5 adults in the United States is either overweight or obese. In some states — including Maryland — that statistic may be significantly higher. Asian adults have the lowest obesity rates overall. However, these days — with so many easily available, cheap, good-tasting but low-nutrient “foods” — no one is immune.
When you’re overweight or obese, your priority may be your appearance. You just want to fit into regular-sized clothes again or dial back the scale to the numbers that made you feel good, energized, and healthy.
But weight loss and gain is about a whole lot more than aesthetics. Your health — and even your lifespan — is deeply affected by how much you weigh. When you lose extra weight – even if the scales don’t move dramatically – you still have nonscale victories to celebrate at every step.
Dr. Kimberly Bolling, a respected internist who specializes in weight-loss management, wants you to achieve both your aesthetic goals and health goals. That’s why she and our team support you every step of the way on your weight-loss journey at our office in Bowie, Maryland.
What are nonscale victories? Why and how can you celebrate them? See some ideas below.
Waist size is an important metric for health. The more fat you carry around your tummy, the greater your risk for life-threatening events, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Ideally, women should have a waist size no larger than 35 inches and men should aim for 40 or fewer inches. The closer you get to that ideal, the more you’ve improved your health!
In fact — especially at the beginning of your weight-loss journey — you may want to focus on your tape measure, rather than your scale. Losing fatty tissue doesn’t necessarily move your scale at first. But you can measure the difference in your waist size.
To celebrate your loss of inches, you might celebrate by buying yourself a new pair of pants, a skirt, or a dress. Of course, don’t blow your budget: Your weight-loss journey’s just started, and you may lose even more inches over time.
It’s not pleasant to walk around with excess weight throughout the day. Carrying excess pounds can make it difficult, if not impossible, to get through the normal tasks of life.
As you change your diet and exercise regimen and your weight decreases, your energy increases. You may notice you have more enthusiasm for activities that you used to dread. Celebrate your increased vigor by planning a day out with your family and friends, doing something you didn’t have the energy for.
Losing weight isn’t just about shedding pounds and inches. It’s about improving your overall metabolic health so that every system in your body functions more optimally.
One benefit may be better sleep. In fact, if you have sleep apnea, you may notice that your numbers improve as you get lighter. Better sleep, of course, helps give you extra energy through the day that not only boosts your mood but makes your exercise routine just a touch easier and more fun.
When you’re significantly overweight or obese, you may attract rude and unwanted remarks that make you feel self-conscious. Such inexcusable shows of disrespect can negatively affect your self-esteem. You may even avoid social situations to stay away from bad-mannered people and their judgmental looks or remarks.
For better or worse, when you lose weight, you may notice that those around you react much more positively. You may find that you attract much-wanted attention, such as compliments on your appearance. Reward yourself by going to an event that you might have declined before, such as a party.
As you change your diet and exercise and work with our team to lose weight sustainably, you may notice other parts of your physiology changing, too. If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels may lower and become more stable. Your A1C may improve.
If you have arthritis in your knees, hips, or ankles, you may have less pain. Your blood pressure numbers may go down, as well as your cholesterol levels. Maybe you’re better able to focus. Your balance may be better, which decreases your risk of falling.
Each of these improvements is a remarkable achievement! You might celebrate by giving yourself something that makes maintaining your health gains and weight loss easier, such as a stainless steel water bottle that helps you stay hydrated.
Start celebrating your nonscale victories by achieving one today. Getting started is a victory in itself. Contact our caring team for guidance and support for your weight loss journey by phone or click here to fill out the online appointment form.
