What health goals have you been working towards? Is it to become stronger, thinner, more active, eat more greens? As a doctor that works on many conditions associated with poor health, I want to give you some of my thoughts on why it is a good idea to stick with those goals of yours.
Chiropractors are known to be concerned for your overall health and to not just provide a “quick fix” for your current symptoms of back pain, headache, or sciatica. We are in it for the long haul. Over the next 3 weeks, I will be sharing my “wisdom” on Weight Loss, Exercise, and Strength Training. Please check back in the next couple weeks for more gems from your local chiropractor.
WEIGHT LOSS
Our weight can affect our health. Mind blowing idea, I know! Since we all understand this, I do not have to site facts or data showing that eventually obesity will cause problems in our liver, heart, kidneys, and joints. But here is a motivating thought about how weight loss will help your joints.
A recent study1 found that for overweight patients with knee problems, every pound they lost took 4 pounds of pressure off their knee joints. This may not calculate perfectly for our ankles or back, but I am going to go ahead and generalize it anyway. EVERY pound you lose will take 4 POUNDS of pressure off your joints! Do you have knee pain, back pain, hip problems, sore ankles or feet? These areas will have 4 pounds of relief with every pound you lose. And, of course, you should go see a chiropractor because we work on these every day!
Some may think of this topic more around the New Year, but let’s not dwell on that. Let’s talk about today and start with one thing – anything – that brings us closer to our own version of “healthy”. Find a weight loss program that feels right for you. You can contact me for more resources at any time. Here are some simple suggestions that I give my patients when they are looking to try a new health program:
- Lean towards fresh fruits and vegetables and decrease your processed food intake.
- Whatever your reasons for losing weight, it works best when you stick with something and avoid “yo-yo dieting”.
- Focusing on your diet as well as proper movement will help you get where you want and then maintain it.
That is all for today, but just remember how capable you are and that it all starts with that little first step. Do it today! Then stick with it awhile and see how it feels.
References:
- Messier SP, Gutekunst DJ, Davis C, DeVita P. Weight loss reduces knee-joint loads in overweight and obese older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum2005;52:2026–32.