Mid-age weight baloney

Hermano says:

07:42am | 19/03/10

Nice one Kate.  I thought this article was going to end badly, tailing off into one of those “why can’t I be fat if I want to be fat/stop judging me” diatribes.
It’s all about moving: our lifestyles are geared towards everything being easy.  Drive here, sit there for 8 hours, drive home, sit down, pay someone to mow the lawn, pay someone to yell at us to exercise, drive to and from exercise, bla bla bla.  As you said, it’s just making people sick and it doesn’t have to. 
As an aside, I think the whole personal trainer thing is hilarious.  Seeing them out in the park on Saturday mornings getting paid to tell people to stop being lazy…  gotta be the best job around.  And boot camps are even more fun to watch.

iansand says:

08:13am | 19/03/10

Yep.  Nothing like a good scare.  I fell into the hands of the medical profession about this time last year.  So far I have lost 12 kg, and still falling.

Learning to tolerate a bit of hunger and actually thinking about what goes into my mouth seems to have worked. A bit of exercise every day.  And a pedometer, so I actually measure how much I move.

KH says:

08:14am | 19/03/10

Its true I’m afraid.  I’m over 40.  I was carrying a few extra kg’s.  One day I just snapped into gear and started walking everywhere, watching those portion sizes (you really don’t have to eat everything on the plate), and cutting out the excess of rubbish.  In 5 weeks I have lost 3 of those pesky kg’s, and another 2 to go before I sit back happily in the middle of my healthy weight range.  I knew it was me - I knew I was eating too many bad things, and too much.  I knew I had gotten lazy - catching a tram instead of walking and so on.  It was just me - no excuses.

I hear people complain about their weight every day - one woman in particular at work is always moaning about it.  The other day, I saw her in the shop getting her ‘breakfast’ - which included 2 sausage rolls, amongst other things.  She then proceeded to tell us how she had waited nearly 20 minutes to get a car parking spot near to our office entrance so she didn’t have to walk 50 metres!  The hilarious thing is she lives the next suburb - and she drives to work…..... Some people really just can’t be honest about what they eat and do - they just won’t accept that the only reason they are overweight is because they are shoving too much food into their mouths, and then do no exercise. 

So Kate - you are absolutely right - the first step is to admit that it is you that has the problem!  Once you accept this, you can start to turn it around - because it is also you that has the solution.  One of the benefits of being human is you have a brain, and your brain can override any impulses you might have, if you have the will to do it.

Onya says:

08:56am | 19/03/10

It seems you were making excuses. Now you know not to and you have some good ideas how to do it.

Eat healthy, fresh and natural and do plenty of rigourous exercise.

Good luck. Keep at it. It will work.

Mat says:

09:49am | 19/03/10

I can relate. 41, go the gym three to four times a week, but it wasn’t enough. I was about five kilos heavier than I wanted to be. It’s actually easy (or should I say simple). Don’t drink (or don’t drink during the week) is the main thing, and cut out things like muffins and cookies with your coffee - I believe those foods have got much more to do with boredom than hunger. Plus half an hour of cardiovascular exercise two or three times a week. That means running, not walking. If you can’t run for half an hour run for 15 minutes, walk for a couple of minutes then run again. You’ll be up to half an hour in no time. And importantly, find somewhere nice to run. If you live in Sydney there’s no end of beautiful places to exercise.

Emma says:

10:19am | 19/03/10

A fantastic and honest story! I can really relate to the stress eating and having everything at your fingertips (a gym 10 minutes walk away) yet still being overweight ... good on you for changing your habits and losing the 1.1kg. It’s not easy, that’s for sure.

Edward says:

10:39am | 19/03/10

I used to be in this spot.  18 months later I have lost 36kg, am competing in Olympic Distance triathlons and do 20hrs+ of physical exercise a week.  I have a wife and son, plus a demanding job but it is totally doable.  I am up at 4am 6 days a week and love it.

Pete says:

11:16am | 19/03/10

Great to see an honest article as compared to those arguing they have a ‘right’ to be obese.

I’m 49 and have had to focus on weight loss a few times after growing out of my clothes. I’m currently around half way through losing 6 kilos and, like the writer, I’m finding it harder than ever before.

However, I am losing weight and already feel and look way better than six weeks ago.

Diet and exercise both matter, but in terms of pure weight loss the former is more important.

The key to shedding weight is to eat more, but smaller meals. You should be aiming for 5-6 small meals per day, composed of lean protein, complex carbs and fruit and veg. With no carbs after around 3 pm.

Exercise is fantastic for so many reasons, and it is certainly required if you want to lose weight. The key is finding a form of exercise that you enjoy and which is accessible to you - otherwise you won’t keep up with it.

Ginger says:

11:43am | 19/03/10

Reading this was like listening to my own internal dialogue.
Thanks.
I think people are well aware of the health risks associated with being overweight or obese.
But if that’s going to be your switch in your brain that will result in behaviour change then *snaps* to you and I wish you every success.
I’m going to try goal setting and start being honest- so instead of the goal being “I will exercise for an hour 6 X a week” (when I presently do next to nothing) I’m going to be real with myself and start small.

Hilary J says:

12:44pm | 19/03/10

It harder for a female and probably males as you get older. You wild dancing days are gone, so you can forget that excersise. Your more inclined to lay back and let the world zoom by. Your metabolism slows and the pounds roll on.  Grandchildren are a good fat burner, chasing them around sure runs those pounds off. Your best bet I feel is to try to maintain a healthy weight, because after menopause you will find everything in life is a much slower pace.  Here’s a tip from someone who’s been there. just slide gracefully into middle age and don’t stress life and take good care of yourself,  dress well and eat well and above all enjoy life

Miles says:

01:03pm | 19/03/10

Kate, I’m thoroughly impressed that you are so honest.  I’m also thoroughly impressed that this is not just another article to justify that’s it’s ok to be obese.  Motivation and willpower are the key to any sort of regular fitness.  It’s easy to start, but hard to maintain.  BUT, more importantly, it CAN be done very simply as you have acknowledged.

Luke Alexander says:

02:05pm | 19/03/10

Great article.  We all know what we have to do to get fit and be healthy - many of us just make excuses not too (I’m too tired, too stressed etc).  I actually find exercise is the perfect antidote to a stressful day in the office (sat on my backside for at least 8 hrs). 

It’s not about being an exercise nut or eating rabbit food - we just need balance… and common sense!  Have the odd take away and occassional drink if you like but make sure that you also take regular exercise and eat plenty of nutritious food with veggies each day.  You really don’t need to revolutionise your life to keep in shape!

Seppi says:

02:50pm | 19/03/10

I’ve been about the same size & weight since my teens, with an occasional kilo or 2 extra every now & then (usually winter) but generally always been slim.  I didn’t have trouble losing weight when I put my mind to it but it was getting more difficult to shift as I got older.

That was until last year when I lost weight, unintenionally, due to stress (not recommended). When the stress passed, I expected to put the weight back on (especially over Xmas & not much exercise for a month), but I’ve actually lost more weight without really trying. I’m in my 40’s and I’ve always had a healthy diet with my exercise routine not changing for the last few years which is mainly walking & 8hrs of dance classes a week. When people   comment on my recent weight loss (I’ve even been asked if anything is wrong and/or if I’m sick)  I make up a story about eating more salads due to the hot & humid Sydney summer because the truth is I don’t know and I don’t have problems with energy or stamina & I feel fine. It can’t be my genetic make up because both my parents were overweight at my age and they still are.

Last week I finally went to buy new clothes (which I had been putting off expecting that I would put the weight back on) and found I’ve gone down a dress size .  I don’t own pair of scales as I’ve always used my clothes as an indicator: when they start to tighten, it’s time to take action, so I don’t really know how much weight I’ve lost.

Justin says:

03:04pm | 19/03/10

When you’re a vegan, there aint much out there to eat that isn’t healthy. The great thing is you’re forced to prep your food from scratch much of the time.

32kg’s in 6 months, excercise is cardio and resistance mix, for about 45 minutes, two to three times a week. Can skip a week or two and still lose weight, and my meals fill me with energy, unlike the clumps of meat that sat in my stomach like a brick.

Horses for courses. It ain’t for everyone, but it bloody well worked for me.

Bob H says:

03:13pm | 19/03/10

If you are putting on weight or too heavy - to much fuel is going in and/or there is not enough activity/exercise for that amount of fuel.  These are simple levers to control reduce the intake or exercise more.  There is no magic, no celebrity can lead you into Slimdom merely by handing over credit card details.  It requires discipline and effort, without which you may as well not bother and just be happy the size you are remember most people in Australia are overweight so it is not as if you are going to stick out.

H of SA says:

03:24pm | 19/03/10

You know, one thing that used to hold me back a bit from excersize was, I kid you not - a fear I might be doing it out of vanity. It was really irrational because I can be very vain in other ways anyhow.

But honestly I didn’t wanna pick up the weights partly because I didn’t wanna be one those self-loving body image obsessed guys.

Then I realise I actually would not be being selfish if I stayed healthy as this would benefit my family especially in later life. The thought of going through a bipass like most of my older male relative and all the associated hassels which would deny me time for other people helped me wake up to myself.

Being healthy ain’t being selfish as the healthy can do more for others

New Runner says:

03:48pm | 19/03/10

I can heartily recommend the ‘Couch to 5K’ running/jogging program.  You can get a free podcast from iTunes, created by Robert Ullrey.  I am in week 7 of the 9 week program and can run 25 minutes non stop now.  My weight is falling, though I wasn’t overweight to start with.  I feel simply fantastic and find the time to work through the program, 3 times a week.  This costs you nothing and is a safe and effective exercise program.  Be warned though, it’s hard work every single time but the rewards are tremendous and improvement happens very very quickly.

Ellie says:

04:23pm | 19/03/10

Thanks for the article, Kate. I used to be very critical of overweight people, but then I started learning more about it, and discovered the reasons why it is so hard for some people to lose it. Especially when it starts in childhood. Then you have trouble for the rest of your life. I have a friend who used to be 120 kg. Now she is a 65kg personal trainer, but it is incredibly hard for her to keep the weight off. Seeing her has helped me a lot to understand what others in the same situation have to go through.

Shama says:

04:37pm | 19/03/10

Whilst the other points in this article are fairly bang on, re health and obesity, most people’s life experiences would indicate that illness is not a respector of weight.  You can have the perfect BMI and still find yourself sick. The relation between weight and illness is far too complex to come to any conclusions.  I wish people would not perpetuate the idea that “you control your weight, you can control health” - this ends up putting enormous stress on people who “do the right things” and yet find themselves ill.  Alternately it demonises obese people who may be perfectly well and yet are seen as putting a strain on the health system.  It’s the old human fallacy of being tricked by the exterior.

Amber says:

07:41pm | 19/03/10

Try swimming - no impact and the panacea for every muscle/joint ailment around, pretty much and will get you fit,  4 times faster than walking. You’ll also notice firmer, tighter body.

michellemac says:

04:55pm | 20/03/10

I cut down the portion sizes of our evening meals for my husband and I about 18 months ago. I was (just) within my healthy BMI and he was officially ‘morbidly obese’. I’ve lost about 8 kilos and he’s lost nearly 30 in 18 months from that one small change. Our meals were always healthy but we just ate too much. We’re used to it now but at the begining we ate our meal and then made ourselves wait 30 mins before eating anything else. If we were still hungry we had a piece of fruit. 9 times out of 10 we weren;t hungry after waiting, which has really taught us just how much we were over eating!

I now have a colleague who is early 40s complaining about her weight despite ‘eating healthily’. She brings in salads and veggie meals for lunch but MY GOD, the size of the servings!! SHe piles the plate high! Even ‘eating healthily’ has it’s limits. The fact of the matter is that the more you eat, the more energy you need to burn or you put on weight.

Jolanda says:

05:06pm | 20/03/10

I am lucky in that I have always naturally been rather slim sitting on 52 Kilos in summer and 54 kilos in winter - I am not very tall.  People delighted in calling me a b…....ch and saying, just wait until you turn 35 then things will change.  Then when I hit 35 they said just wait until you turn 45 then things will change.  Well I turned 45 and things did change I no longer sat on 52 in summer, I couldn’t get below 54 in summer and I sat on 56 in winter wanting to push on 57.  Of course still there is no sympathy despite that I have had to buy new jeans.  Now I am 46 and I worry as everybody is now saying wait until you hit menopause.  I still play soccer and am quite active and I don’t believe I have changed my lifestyle that much, still like my scotch and my food.  It makes me believe that age does make a difference and I worry about the number 50 that is looming on the horizon and whether it will mean more kilos to add on.

Fat for no reason says:

01:58pm | 21/03/10

I am in my mid-20’s and have battled my weight all my life. I was a skinny, active kid but once puberty kicked something changed. It is extremely difficult for me to lose weight. I eat healthy food and have been counting calories since I was 15 (I eat a healthy amount of calories but less than I should to maintain my height/weight, so the maths would indicate I should lose weight slowly at a rate of about 0.5kg/week). However doing this I have managed to lose only about 10kg in 10 years. I am still trying (I would like to lose another 10). I go to the gym and work my bum off and nothing. Most people my age eat what they like and are skinny, while I watch every calorie and exercise and stay exactly the same. It is heartbreaking. God forbid I have a night out and over-indulge, I’ll gain 1-2kg from that. I’ve been to the doctors and they say I have nothing wrong with me (mind you my thyroid function only just scraped into the low range). I am also on the pill which I believe (despite what doctors say) makes it hard to lose weight (for me anyway). I also have a food allergy (allergic to wheat) so no matter what my diet is always healthy because of this. I am at a loss as to what else I can do to get to a healthy weight. I am scared about my metabolism slowing down any more when I get older. I envy people who have no trouble keeping their weight down. It is my one wish in life is to have that.

Michaela says:

10:24pm | 21/03/10

Reading this makes me reflective.  I have always been skinny and can eat what I like.  I always get comments about my figure, but I don’t even notice the comments, because all I think is - I would rather be overweight and have olive skin, than have a fantastic figure and fair skin.  Maybe we are all too hard on ourselves and the grass is always greener.

Kate Southam says:

03:19pm | 22/03/10

Just checking in - I did the weigh in for our office “Biggest Loser” competition and have lost another kilo!

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