Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Is it OK to be overweight?



Is it OK to be overweight? 


Stephanie in April 2012
Several years ago I bemoaned my extra pounds to an older friend who replied, "Welcome to the Four Kid Club." She meant because I've birthed 4 babies I will be overweight for the rest of my life. It's accepted. It's justified. It's OK.

But is it really?

I'm just wondering because choosing food that nourishes my body over choosing food that satisfies my cravings is not fun!

And choosing to get out of my comfy bed earlier than necessary so I can go run is proving to be a huge challenge.

So, I need to know, is all this hard work necessary? Or is it OK that I'm 10 pounds overweight?


What do you think?



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11 comments:

Melissa said...

I think there are so many "it depends" statements in regards to this situation.

It depends on if you are happy and content at that weight, or if you are uncomfortable in your own skin.

It depends on if your weight is having a negative impact on your health or not.

For me, my goal weight is 140, which is at the tippity top of the "acceptable" weight range for my height. But, if I got to 150, and I felt good and looked good and was happy with my health, I wouldn't sweat those 10 pounds TOO much. But if I was not content, or still not pleased with my weight, I would bust my butt to lose it.

I think it all depends on mindset and overall health.

Unknown said...

If you're happy with the way you look and feel, then who else is to say what you should do. There's so much pressure out there for people to be skinny when really, the skinny people aren't happy. If you're comfortable with the way you look, what else matters? Your loved ones will appreciate that you're happy and accept you for you. This is all down to YOU and what YOU feel. No one else ever has the power to tell you what you should do with your own body, ever!

Divya @ Eat.Teach.Blog said...

I agree with everything that's been said so far. I don't think a number should define whether you're overweight or not. How do you feel? Are your pounds more muscle or fat? Are you active everyday and healthy for the most part? I'm always iffy about numbers because I don't think they're an accurate representation of an individual's overall health.

Blush Mamas said...

I think you have to look at the upside of a healthy lifestyle as being a MUCH fuller basket. Having more energy to keep up with your four kids, living longer to enjoy your family, less risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes all attributed to excess weight. I try to think of it as choosing to teach my family an active, healthy lifestyle for all of our longevity.

Megan said...

There are definitely more important things than being "thin" or "skinny." But being overweight has definite health downfalls, so trying to lose weight for health reasons is very important. BUT I also believe in enjoying life. You need to treat yourself to the foods you love, and sleep is just as important to your health as exercising. I think that if you're in a place where your heart is healthy, your blood pressure & cholesterol numbers are good, and you're eating foods from all the food groups, you're fine. Personally I want to lose weight because I want to be comfortable in my clothes. It's important to me, so i'm striving really hard to lose the weight. Everyone has different priorities though! :)

meason98 said...

For me it's about health. Being overweight bring with it many health issues, from increased diabetes risks, lesser athletic/play with the kids ability, etc. For me, I want to make my lifestyle a healthy one so that I can go hiking with my kids, and know that I'm doing my best to live a long life with them and maybe their children. I had Gestational Diabetes twice, and I have to lose weight to lower my type 2 diabetes risks in the future. When I weigh more, I can't exercise as much and I hate it more. When I lose weight, I feel energetic and ready to run, play, swim and jump. When I choose the food that's good for me I might not be satisfying every chocolate or wine craving, but my body feels fueled to get through the day and have fun. That's how I look at it. I technically only need to lose about 8 more pounds to be at the top range of "healthy" BMI for myself, but I want more than that. I don't want to flirt with the edge of being healthy - I want to BE healthy.

Mandy said...

This is an interesting question. I land solidly in the "it depends" camp. I'd say being healthy trumps numbers. So many factors contribute to a person's weight. As a mommy of four, I have a long way to go to get to my goal weight. Ten pounds overweight sounds like a dream to me!

Joanna @ BabyGatorsDen.com said...

That's a tough one, but I think you look great. I would never look at you and think, "she's overweight." I think all that matters is how YOU feel about yourself. I know what weight I'm comfortable at, and that's why I've joined Project 10. Listen to what makes you happy :)

Unknown said...

I echo what everyone else is saying. I don't think an extra 10lbs makes someone "overweight" as long as you're healthy! If your Dr says you should lose some weight, then it matters - if you're healthy, happy and comfortable with where you're at, then it doesn't.

Unknown said...

It only matters if it makes YOU uncomfortable. If you are generally healthy and happy with how you look- then being 10 lbs overweight (by whose standards are we going anyway?!) is no big deal! My goal weight could be considered 10-15lbs overweight for my frame, but I know I'd be happy there.

Kameron said...

I ask myself that from time to time. It is usually when I am feeling like I want to give up and just eat whatever I want. Then I realize that I am just being lazy. I am not saying it is the same for you. I just know that for me, I have an issue with food and I rationalize eating poorly by the way I am feeling. I know that by eating right and exercising I can be fit and healthy, I just have to be willing. Some days I am and others I'm not. I don't need to look like a supermodel, but I know what is healthy and I am not quite there yet.

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