[TAB_RN]

Originally Posted by jeolsz

I beg to differ here..All the insentives and support will not help a person change, who chooses not to. I still see blaming one's work schedule and such as an excuse.. The sooner a person realizes that most everything in life is based on choice and not luck of the draw, the sooner change can start. Change is based on having a sense of control over a situation.

From your statements, I gather you must have an inability to change your own bad habits. I understand your frustration, as I have been there. I managed to stop smoking with out the support of any group and with my husband and friends still smoking all around me. While it may be nice to have support, inner strength and determination, and also realizing that you are in control is what eventually did it for me. If you haven't watched the biggest loser, you should.. these people show what motivation can do.

I agree. This conversation usually brings forth the whole "fat discrimination" conversation. I simply cannot believe how unhealthy we as a society are becoming. It is truly sad.

[TAB_RN]

Originally Posted by Baptized_By_Fire

Incentives + support by medical professionals facilitate change. Taking away one's benefits does not.

The incentive should be ones health. There is plenty of support from our medical professionals, but the problem that seems to rehash over and over is that we live in a society that is not patient. Everybody wants results over night. That isn't going to happen.

If there were truly a pill that would make you lose fat and you could choose that over exercise, what would you choose? I am sure the majority of people would choose the easy way out. I know I would, but that choice really doesn't exist. It does takes determination and a change of lifestyle to achieve a healthy status if you are not healthy. It is as simple as that... and I honestly think that no matter how many times we hear that as a society, it simply sounds too hard to accomplish.

[BBFRN]

Originally Posted by jeolsz

From your statements, I gather you must have an inability to change your own bad habits. I understand your frustration, as I have been there. I managed to stop smoking with out the support of any group and with my husband and friends still smoking all around me. While it may be nice to have support, inner strength and determination, and also realizing that you are in control is what eventually did it for me. If you haven't watched the biggest loser, you should.. these people show what motivation can do.

Wow- you make lots of assumptions, don't you? FWIW, I am not overweight, I don't smoke, and I don't drink. I have had to lose post-pregnancy weight before, so I can understand the value of having a strong support system. I found some of that support here at Allnurses in the Healthy Living thread.

You also seem to spend a lot of time watching TV, and getting your inspiration from that. I'm glad that works for you, even if it is a sedentary activity.

The Biggest Loser works, because they incorporate a strong support network into their program. They have some very good workout videos, BTW. Check them out if you want to be inspired by them in a non-sedentary manner.

[BBFRN]

Originally Posted by TAB_RN

The incentive should be ones health. There is plenty of support from our medical professionals, but the problem that seems to rehash over and over is that we live in a society that is not patient. Everybody wants results over night. That isn't going to happen.

If there were truly a pill that would make you lose fat and you could choose that over exercise, what would you choose? I am sure the majority of people would choose the easy way out. I know I would, but that choice really doesn't exist. It does takes determination and a change of lifestyle to achieve a healthy status if you are not healthy. It is as simple as that... and I honestly think that no matter how many times we hear that as a society, it simply sounds too hard to accomplish.

The incentive is one's health. I spend 8 hrs/day educating people on the benefits of wt loss, healthy diet, and exercise, according to evidence-based standards. None of my patients are taking weight loss meds, and most are able to see results within 3 months if they adhere to their individualized plan. Education & support works better than leaving them to figure out things by themselves (for example, through TV commercials, as previously mentioned by someone else).

[herring_RN]

A nurse practitioner frightened my then 36 year old daughter. She took the time to educate and motivate her using flip charts and such.
My daughter told me yesterday that 3 1/2 years ago she could barely lift 20 pounds. Now she is strong, vegan, and self confident.

She will celebrate her 40th birthday next month at 17% body fat!

Without access to the right healthcare provider she could still be >200 pounds and feeling bad about herself.

[jeolsz]

Originally Posted by Baptized_By_Fire

Wow- you make lots of assumptions, don't you? FWIW, I am not overweight, I don't smoke, and I don't drink. I have had to lose post-pregnancy weight before, so I can understand the value of having a strong support system. I found some of that support here at Allnurses in the Healthy Living thread.

You also seem to spend a lot of time watching TV, and getting your inspiration from that. I'm glad that works for you, even if it is a sedentary activity.

The Biggest Loser works, because they incorporate a strong support network into their program. They have some very good workout videos, BTW. Check them out if you want to be inspired by them in a non-sedentary manner.

Don't get your back up !.. Sounds like a drink now and then might do you some good!.. Actually according to the latest studies, a drink a day might actually be good for you. And yes I do have time to be sedentary to watch TV in the evening, because I do my work outs in the morning.

I don't remember calling you fat, just thinking maybe you have your own bad habits ,as we all do, that you may not have under control.

Sorry if I come across bratty, but I am a strong believer in good health habits and absolutely hate when people make excuses for bad habits... We all have them.. own up to it. Don't tell me you don't have time, I'd much rather hear I don't want to exersize and this is the choice I have made for myself.

[jeolsz]

Originally Posted by herring_RN

A nurse practitioner frightened my then 36 year old daughter. She took the time to educate and motivate her using flip charts and such.
My daughter told me yesterday that 3 1/2 years ago she could barely lift 20 pounds. Now she is strong, vegan, and self confident.

She will celebrate her 40th birthday next month at 17% body fat!

Without access to the right healthcare provider she could still be >200 pounds and feeling bad about herself.

And I'm sure that motivated her and gave her the reason to change. But with out that inner strength and sense of self control, it might not have been possible.. Point being.. motivation is different for everyone.. it is very personal.. support can help and it can also be free if you know where to look. I don't necessarily think it takes a medical professional or an expensive program or gym to achieve change.

[BBFRN]

Originally Posted by jeolsz

I don't necessarily think it takes a medical professional or an expensive program or gym to achieve change.

It does take a medical professional, if their lipids and A1c are out of whack, if they have cardiac issues, thyroid issues, HTN, etc. A non-medical professional is not educated enough to tell a person not to exercise when their glucose levels are >300 (or 250 if ketones are +), or if their BP or LDL are too high. Nor are they educated enough to offer help beyond motivation. Motivational assistance is a great start, but it doesn't offer enhanced support that some may need. Sometimes, it takes a medical professional to educate, and help get those things under control enough for the person to be able to exercise.

Why downplay your own worth and knowledge as a nurse in educating people?

[jeolsz]

Originally Posted by Baptized_By_Fire

It does take a medical professional, if their lipids and A1c are out of whack, if they have cardiac issues, thyroid issues, HTN, etc. A non-medical professional is not educated enough to tell a person not to exercise when their glucose levels are >300 (or 250 if ketones are +), or if their BP or LDL are too high. Nor are they educated enough to offer help beyond motivation. Motivational assistance is a great start, but it doesn't offer enhanced support that some may need. Sometimes, it takes a medical professional to educate, and help get those things under control enough for the person to be able to exercise.

Why downplay your own worth and knowledge as a nurse in educating people?

I think you are making weight loss and life style change more complicated than it should be for most people. Certainly continuing on the same path of self destruction can be just as dangerous if not more..

I'm not talking about doing triathalons in the first week.. How about taking a walk and eating a piece of fruit instead of a bowl of ice cream as a start..

I have to agree, though, many people carry emotional and mental issues with them that inhibit weight loss and successful life style change, and for them psychiatric support might be essential.

[HM2Viking]

I think the height weight charts put out by the insurance companies actually do more harm than good. I am skinny at 280 and the weight charts say I should weigh 225. I am not alone in this phenomenon.

I think setting BMI goals would just be better overall for achieving the changes we would like to see.