Obesity: The Weighty Issue You Can’t Ignore
Have you ever wondered why, despite all the information available about diet and exercise, so many people still struggle with obesity?
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a handy little calculation that helps us figure out if you are in the “Goldilocks zone” of weight – not too light, not too heavy, but juuust right. It’s like the porridge of health metrics.
The World Health Organization (WHO) established the Body Mass Index (BMI) as a screening index for obesity back in 1995. Simply put, BMI is a calculation of weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m²). For adults, a BMI under 18.5 is underweight, 18.5–24.9 is normal, 25–29.9 is overweight, and over 30 is considered obese.
In countries like Korea and Japan, the cutoffs are lower because studies have shown that higher obesity-related health risks begin at lower BMI levels. So, they classify a BMI of 23 as overweight and 25 as obese.
It’s important to note that BMI isn’t the only measurement. Waist circumference can also be important, especially for those with BMIs between 25.5 and 34.9. For example, central obesity is defined as a waist circumference of 102 cm (40 inches) or more in men and 88 cm (35 inches) or more in women.
Obesity has been officially recognized as a chronic disease by the American Medical Association (AMA) since 2013. This classification is due to its complex pathophysiology, which involves interactions among genes, biological factors, the environment, and behavior. Like other chronic diseases, obesity has visible symptoms, causes morbidity and mortality, and involves impaired tissue function.
Now, let’s dive into an often overlooked tool in the fight against obesity: hypnosis. Hypnosis can be an effective tool for weight loss and control by addressing the subconscious patterns that influence your eating habits and lifestyle choices. Through hypnotherapy, you can develop healthier relationships with food, reduce stress and emotional eating, and increase motivation for physical activity.
Hypnosis helps reprogram the mind to overcome barriers that prevent successful weight loss, such as cravings and negative self-talk. It can enhance mindfulness, making individuals more aware of their eating habits and the signals their bodies send when they’re truly hungry or full. By using hypnosis, people can break free from unhealthy cycles and adopt new, sustainable behaviors that contribute to long-term weight management. It can help you channel that inner Jedi to navigate the mental hurdles of weight loss. Just as BMI tries to give a simple number to a complex issue, hypnosis simplifies weight management by targeting the subconscious.
Call to Action: Now, it’s up to us to take this information and turn it into action. So, whether you’re aiming to beat your BMI or simply want to feel better in your own skin, consider adding hypnosis to your health toolkit. Begin on a journey embracing healthier habits and a positive mindset. After all, the power to change lies within you. Each step you take is a move towards a healthier future. Make a commitment today to be more mindful of your health and to support those around you in their journey towards wellness.
So, I leave you with this important question: How much value do you place on observing and managing your weight?