Whose Fault is it That I'm Overweight?

When patients come to see us for weight loss they want us to say, "it’s not your fault you’re overweight". They want to hear that there is some factor beyond their control that is keeping them from taking off the pounds. Then, they want to hear that there is a magic pill for that factor to make the weight just fall off. Guess what? That’s not the case. Yes, there are various issues that can prevent weight loss to a certain degree, but the amount of people that have one of these issues is very small. Yet, we guarantee most people reading this article just said "I’m one of those people." Maybe, but think about the following statements and be honest with yourself. Facing the truth is the first step to making a change! Next to each is my response!

My parents are overweight, its genetic
Genetics do play a role, but eating that treats or fast food, or sitting on the couch instead of working out are choices not genetics!

I have a slow metabolism
Some people do have slower metabolisms than others. Start strength training and getting your heart rate up, that will increase your metabolism.

I don’t have time to work out
You have to make the time. With anyone who has ever said this to us we have found them the time after hearing their schedule. A coworker just said the other day, “If I can find time to exercise with a 3 year old at home and a 3 hour commute everyday, anyone can.” We agree!

I don’t have time to cook
Same thing. Make the time. Chose one day a week that isn’t as hectic and cook some meals for the week. You may not be able to cook for a whole week, but a few healthy homemade meals are better than none!

I eat healthy and work out I just can’t lose weight
Lots of issues here, first write down EVERYTHING you eat including amounts, are you really eating healthy? Second, healthy for who? You need to be following your Hauser Diet in order to eat healthy for you. As for exercise, you need to give 30-60 minutes 3-6 days a week at a fat burning heart rate in order to lose weight. The longer you’ve been exercising the more you need. What are your workouts like?

I can’t drink too much water because then I have to go to the bathroom too often
Simple, go to the bathroom! I know there are some times where this is inconvenient, but probably not as often as you think.

These are the most common reasons I hear from people as to why they can’t lose weight. I recently had a patient in who covered pretty much every excuse in the book…all those listed above plus some. For every excuse/problem she had, I came up with at least one possible solution, but those weren’t good enough. At the end of a slightly stressful consult, I had to ask her what she was willing to change. She said nothing… honestly that’s what she said. I’m here to give information, support, and help in any area needed. However, if we don’t take responsibility for ourselves, our actions, and our decisions, no one can help us. I felt really bad for this patient because I believe if she tried even a couple of the ideas I gave her, she would benefit greatly and be able to take off some weight, but what more can I do? There is no magic pill I can give!

Some of us have more factors working against us than others, for example genetics, working extended hours, or having a bigger family. These issues bring up more barriers for being healthy and losing weight, but in order to get to your goals you have refocus your way of thinking. It comes down to figuring out what you can do for YOU! My job is to help you figure that out. Let’s overcome those barriers together. Come in to see us and find the value of support!