The question “should you diet” has no single answer that is correct for everyone. In view of the variety of natural body types, this may go without saying. Some body types are naturally thin while others are stocky.
Different body types have correspondingly different optimal weight levels, and this should always be taken into consideration. Nevertheless, official sources state that people have a 22% higher caloric intake than that of a generation ago. With this in mind it comes as no surprise that society is tending more toward obesity.
One part of increasing health and decreasing the growing trend of obesity is adequate, age appropriate exercise. Unfortunately, an increase in consumption often goes hand in hand with a decrease in physical activity. More time spent at a computer, going to work in a car rather than walking, and demanding schedules are just some of the reasons for this decline.
A healthy eating plan is the other part, and it combines with adequate exercise to form the foundation of a healthy life. Regardless of whether the goal is an attractive appearance, higher self-esteem, optimal weight and body fat percentage, or overall health, diet is absolutely vital.
Dieting is about more than just losing weight- it is also about proper nutrition. Additionally, dieting is concerned with creating the body image that you feel comfortable with, both emotionally and physically. It's about not feeling out of breath when you have to take the stairs instead of the elevator. It's about achieving your unique optimal weight range. Note the use of the phrase “weight range”. There is no single number that represents your ideal weight, especially since your weight naturally fluctuates from week to week. The range that you should fall under is calculated by your BMI (Body Mass Index), your natural body type, where you store your fat, and your waistline among many other factors that play a role.
Your BMI is relatively easy to calculate and is represented by the simple formula:
Weight in Kilograms/ (height in metersXheight in meters)
In other words, to calculate your BMI, work out your height squared (in meters) and then divide your weight in kilograms by this number. If you work in lbs, just divide your weight by 2.2 to find kilograms. To calculate your height in meters, multiply inches by 2.54 and divide by 100.
Here's an example. Suppose you are a 5 foot 6 inch woman who weighs 140 lbs.
First we need to convert to meters and kilograms: (66 inches x 2.54)/100 = 1.676 meters.
140 lbs/2.2 = 63.6 kg.
Now we work out the BMI:;63.6/ (1.676 x 1.676) = 22.6, right in the middle of the normal range. See the full BMI table and a BMI calculator at http://www.consumer.gov/weightloss/bmi.htm.
Now let's pose our original question: “Should you diet?” If you were the above woman, you may feel the need to shed a few extra pounds. If this was the case, it would be for personal aesthetic reasons and not for health reasons. Perhaps “your” belief is that a slimmer physique or a slightly more toned one will result in more energy. Alternatively, if you were the above woman, you may not feel the need to diet more. This is where self-image comes into play. You could adjust your attitude, your body, or both. Or perhaps you would be perfectly happy just as you were.
Part of whether or not you should diet will depend on your personal outlook, your age, and your circumstances. If the same woman above was 26 years old she may feel that she should shed a few extra pounds to reach a personal goal. If she was 16, she would likely have a few more years of growth to go and may find that the situation resolves itself. On the other hand, a 56 year old woman may be very pleased that she falls in the healthy range and will just work on maintaining this weight. Or she might want to diet to reach her optimal nutrition.
Personal situations count heavily when deciding whether or not to diet. Of course, if you fall above the acceptably healthy weight range, or below it, you should look at adjusting your eating plan and exercise habits. Regardless of your decision, remember that it is always wise to consult a physician before embarking on any substantial dietary changes or exercise régime..
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