Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Weight loss and affordability

First, thanks for the comments...before I write these entries I check to see what comments are posted and I appreciate very much the thoughts/comments that are shared. LOTS to be learned from other people and if there are readers out there who do not check out the comments tyo my blog, please do because these comments (except for the guy who periodically posts a website trying to sell some supplement called "phentremine"..this person is invited to permanently be banned from posting) can be very helpful to others.

Second: Much sadness with the death of Patirck Swayze from pancreatic cancer. He fought courageously. Although Mr. Swayze was not overweight, this cancer is associated with obesity, and its diagnosis is a death sentence, usually in less than one year. For those of us over 30, I think everyone was captivated by the movie, Dirty Dancing.

Third: I have three staff members down in Alabama helping a GYN physician, Dr. Rogers and his staff opening up their Serotonin weight loss clinic. Jessica informed me that he had about 150 people at his "launch" event, and the biggest concern from those who didn't sign up was the "cost". Yes, 120o dollars fro 12 weeks to lose about 30 pounds, 2ooo dollars to lose about 50, and perhaps 4000 dollars to lose 100 pounds is seemingly very "costly". However, let's look at this from a different angle: What is the long-term "cost" of being obese? Total up the cost of medications for the co=morbidities associated with obesity such as diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia etc. How about if a serious event occurs such as a heart attack, stroke, or cancer diagnosis? How much does this cost in terms of medical treatment and lost wages from not being able to work?

Basically, it really is the case that a markedly overweight person cannot afford NOT to lose weight, and yes, short term paying for the help needed to lose lots of weight will "cost" money upfront, but not losing the weight will ultmately cost much more money. The investment to lose weight and become healthier and happier is probably one of the best investments one can make.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Add up the cost of all the fast food, sodas, foo foo coffee, "plus size" clothing, etc. that you have wasted money on. It all adds up! So the cost works itself out in the end.
Also, just to let you know, I have posted a link to this website on my facebook page and with over 400 'friends' on it, it's getting looked at! Already had a few people comment on it! :)

Anonymous said...

I have lost 20 lbs and very happy with the plan, but had some concerns about the high protein. Here is something I read online. Can you comment?

CanHigh Protein Diet - exceeding the daily maximum protein requirement

Most people meet their daily protein requirements by many times over. In addition there is a misconception that a high protein diet is helpful for training. High protein diets do not help improve muscle strength or aid in training. In fact, high protein diets can be harmful to your health. There is far more risk to your health from high protein diet than from low protein diet.

Proteins have a high amount of nitrogen. When nitrogen is broken down in the liver it creates ammonia. Ammonia is poisonous. The increased level of ammonia in the body is harmful to cells and may decrease atheletic performance.
Stress on kidneys occurs when more than 2 grams per kilogram of ideal body weight per day is consumed.
High levels of protein intake require increased amount of vitamin B6. It is possible to become deficient in vitamin B6 while using a high protein diet.
Calcium loss, which leads to osteoporosis, occurs with high levels of protein intake.
The best thing to do is balance protein intake in the proper ration with carbohydrates and fats.