weight loss and age

Last week we entered several women into our program who were in their 70's. Unlike most people who enter our program greater than age 50, they were on no medicines and had no previously diagnosed weight-related medical problems. When queried, it seemed that their major motvation for coming into our program was to look younger and more fit.

Usually, when we think of people i their 70s, the image of a nurturing grandmother appears. My grandmother Sadie when she was alive was constantly cooking, insisting that we all eat lots, and she, herself had really large flabby arms. I would bet that she didn't think for one second about how she would look in an evening dress, what other people thought about her weight isue, etc.

Different times/different generation. There is no reason why anyone, at any age, should not be "allowed" vanity thoughts...wanting to look younger, fit better into clothes, wear my stylish clothes, etc. Feeling a higher level of confidence and self-esteem are things we all are entitled to independent of age and losing weight helps us gain that confidence level back.

weight loss and age

We have a number of people currently in our program who are way into their 60s and 70s. Their results for the most part have been astounding. This made me think of bringing this subject up: It is NEVER "too late" to embark on a weight loss objective. When most people progress into their 60s, the joints are starting to wear down some redulting in degenerative arthritis. Knee, back and hip pains are very common. Losing a substnatial amount of weight makes this situation much better and can delay, if not obviate, the need for knee replacements.

Psychologically, let's never forget that no matter what our age, self-esteem is an important issue. Losing weight makes a person feel better about being around others, and self-esteem improves. It is so much fun for us to see the changes in mood when someone achieves significant weight loss. The overall persona changes for the positive.

From a physical and psychological standpoint, weight loss is a great thing no matter what your age.

weight loss and age...

Yesterday at our Bethesda clinic I saw two very remarkable ladies who both have lost a substantial amount of weight in our program. They were over 70 years old and although each had very few medical problems requiring prescription medications, their major motivations to lose weight involved aesthetic reasons as well as the improved health: They wanted to look better and feel better about themselves.

Watching their progress has been incredibly fun for me because it ia amazing how much the mood, energy and global sense of self-esteem has improved. From the medical standpoint, blood pressures have dropped, heart rates are lower, aerobic conditioning has improved, etc. The biggest change that I have seen however are the smiles that accompany their visits.

The point of today's story is to emphasize that self-esteem and confidence improvement from weight loss is not restricted to "young" people. Sometimes, we forget that our parents, aunts, etc. care very much about how they present themselves to others as that relates to their physical appearance. Losing weight can dramatically improve the happiness of a person regardless of age.

Non Medical point: Okay....Don't forget...Blog contest begins August 1!!! Prizes!!! Details soon.....