photo: Charlotte Astrid, Creative Commons

Many women think about their ideal weight as the lowest number they have achieved in their dieting instead of choosing a healthy weight based on reality. The trouble with this thinking is that if your weight-loss goal is too low to maintain, you are likely going to get caught in the cycle of what is known as yo-yo dieting. Repeated weight loss and weight gain actually impacts your body composition and can lower muscle mass. As we age our metabolism slows down naturally, but this yo-yo cycle can actually lower your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.

Is there a healthy weight goal you can set for yourself?

It should be one that fits into your current lifestyle. An ideal healthy weight is one you can actually live with. Weighing less does not necessarily equal good health. Studies show that if you are overweight, you don’t have to lose much to derive health benefits that come with weight loss. Benefits include a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

A realistic, healthy weight goal is one that you can maintain while eating a healthy diet and maintaining a regular exercise routine. Don’t think about your ideal weight as one magical number.  Think about a range of magical numbers that reflect your overall health.

If you’re struggling with weight and body image, you might want to attend our workshop, Reflecting a Healthy Self-Image, on Saturday, May 3rd. Contact me for more information or to register.

Marlayne Whitlock, M.A., LAPC

mwhitlock@ GROWcounseling.com

404-358-1704