Be Careful of What Others Say in the Media

Last week I read an article and watched a video that have both weighed heavily on my mind.  They both disturbed me because of one piece in what was otherwise a very informative work.

The first was an article published in AARP magazine (and it's available on their website) titled Eating Disorders and Women Over 50.  While I applaud the efforts made to point out an issue that is not reserved for the young, one of the warnings given that you may have an eating problem was that you had lost more than 14 lbs. in 3 months. 

WHAT?  I would be hard pressed to find a reputable article that doesn't agree that losing 1 to 2 pounds a week is a healthy approach to weight loss.  Do the math...that translates to 13 to 26 lbs. in the same 3 month period - AS HEALTHY!  Furthermore...this is AARP after all and the majority of their readers are over 50...shouldn't they also be advising that if you are NOT trying to lose weight, and have lost 14 pounds in 3 months, then perhaps a doctor's visit is in order to rule out some serious medical condition...like cancer? 

My other moment of dismay was after watching a video as part of a weight loss/healthy lifestyle program where the person was talking about how bad she felt about the way she looked when she was a Size 12 and how great she feels now that she is a Size 6. 

How many of you just shuddered?  A 12 is a MEDIUM!  The average American Woman is a
Size 14.  I was saddened by the fact that a 12 was made out to be bad.  I even made that comment to her, and she very nicely replied along the lines that she was simply stating how she felt.  I totally understand that and admire her honesty, but the message was still there:  12 bad, 6 good.  I think it would have been better if she had stuck with how many pounds she lost or how changing her habits and attitudes made her feel better about herself without putting a size on it.

Let me tell you folks, if I shrink down to a Size 6, I am the next featured person in an AARP article about eating disorders.   

Meanwhile, I'll be happy with my 14 lbs. in 3 months and do a little dance, throw some confetti, grab a salad and keep on truckin.

Weight Lost This Week:    1.0 lbs.
Total Weight Lost:           14.0 lbs.