Weight Loss Section: Weight Loss as an Action and a Survey of Obesity Incidence

**Weight Loss Section**

Losing weight is an action

As the great German writer D.H. Lawrence once said, "Speaking doesn't guarantee listening, listening doesn't guarantee understanding, understanding doesn't guarantee willingness to act, acting doesn't guarantee doing it correctly, and even doing it correctly doesn't guarantee longevity." This statement is very apt for weight loss, because weight loss isn't something that can be achieved simply by talking about it; it's an action, and a lifelong endeavor. Therefore, three points need to be understood:

1. The method must be truly feasible.

2. It must suit one's personality.

3. You must implement it yourself.

Patients often say they hope to lose 10 kilograms in a few days, which is impossible. And trying to eliminate fat through steam baths or slimming creams is also impossible. These methods can only improve appearance or reduce water retention. True weight loss can only be achieved by reducing calorie intake and increasing calorie expenditure.

The author observed at a weight loss clinic that people don't always heed the advice of doctors, nutritionists, or health educators, and even when they do, the advice isn't always accurate and often not followed. For example, the two main steps in behavioral therapy are recording food intake and weight; most people either don't fill them out or forget to bring them, so simply following instructions doesn't guarantee results.

According to the author's weight loss clinic statistics, two-thirds of people want to lose weight quickly, and the faster the better. The problem is that Rome wasn't built in a day. Obesity is the result of decades of accumulated "construction." To lose weight, you also need to move brick by brick, just like in the construction.

People who have had multiple experiences of rapid weight loss in clinical practice are usually less likely to lose weight again. This is related to two aspects: personality and "eugenics syndrome".

Incidence of obesity

A study on body composition, which followed 1,996 people aged 30 to 62 for three years, found that if the standard of obesity set by the Republic of China is 120%, then the prevalence of obesity in 1988 was 10.6% (of course, some people will return to the normal range from obesity, but overall it is 10.6%), and only 9% of those with a body mass index of 25 or above returned to normal over the three years.

Data from the United States shows that after changes in body mass index (BMI), there are now more and more obese people, with about 10% becoming overweight within three years. If we compare our data with that of the United States, we will find that we are getting closer and closer to the US (of course, there are far fewer obese people here with a BMI greater than 35 kg/m²).

The relationship between blood pressure biochemical values ​​and body mass index (BMI) reveals that a higher BMI is associated with a higher incidence of diabetes. Body position is positively correlated with risk factors; the larger the body position, the more risk factors are associated with it. When risk factors are accumulated, the larger the body position, the greater the cumulative risk factors. Only about 15% of people gain weight but have no risk factors at all.

Over three years, individuals who become increasingly overweight have a higher chance of developing high triglycerides and high blood pressure. Significant weight fluctuations over three years also increase risk factors, making obesity a crucial factor. Health checkup data from Taipei City shows that older adults over 70 years old tend to have lower weights; however, there is no data on those who are excessively overweight, which explains why those individuals have died.

The author conducted a study on cholesterol levels in 2,000 children and adolescents and found that the obesity rate among elementary school boys was about 25%; and their blood cholesterol levels were also very high, accounting for about 20% of the group. This means that children not only have obesity problems, but also chronic diseases are also lurking in their lives.

Junior high school girls have higher cholesterol levels than boys, with girls averaging 152 mg/100 ml and boys averaging 147 mg/100 ml; elementary school students have higher cholesterol levels than high school students, with elementary school students averaging 153 mg/100 ml and high school students averaging 144 mg/100 ml.

The above situations are also partly related to the type of breakfast. Boarding students tend to have normal cholesterol levels; those whose breakfasts are cooked by parents, domestic helpers, or other family members may have higher cholesterol levels. Those who frequently eat with their parents also tend to have higher cholesterol levels. Of course, we are not encouraging parents not to eat with their children. What we mean is that parents may need further education on nutrition and should not give their children too much meat out of love, which could negatively impact their children's health.

Prevention and treatment of obesity

When discussing prevention and treatment, it's essential to first understand weight and disease. The influence of media and Western culture often puts significant pressure on Taiwanese women. For example, Marilyn Monroe had an eight-head-tall figure, a physique characteristic of the Nordic Germanic race-a body type rarely found in other races. Without proper understanding, misconceptions can arise, leading to cognitive disorders.

Therefore, a correct understanding of the following points is essential for maintaining a healthy physique.

1. The standard weight for Taiwanese people should be completely revised and should be reorganized according to the skeletal structure. It is not necessary to emphasize a simple and singular "standard weight".

2. New local research data should be introduced into junior high and elementary school textbooks, especially the understanding of nutrients should be strengthened, and the three major nutrients should be distinguished from vitamins and minerals.

3. A small drink containing 200cc of sugar and 90 calories per bottle can cause a person to gain 36 kilograms in ten years.

4. Knowledge of physiology and hygiene should be extended to body shape and body cognition.