Weight Loss Questionnaire
Dec 04 '01
The Bottom Line These questions help direct you to a type of program that will work for you. I don't give specifics, but help define what it is that you might need.
Through my personal experience I have developed these quesitons, and I hope they will help define what you are looking for when you begin the process of choosing a weight-loss program. There is work to be done after this - but at least it gives you a place to start that is not too intimidating.
Has a health professional advised you to lose weight?
If Yes move on to the next group of questions.
If No, Do you believe you would be healthier if you lost weight?
If Yes, please consult a health professional to confirm your belief and move on to the next group of questions.
If No, Do you believe that you would be more attractive if you lost weight?
If Yes, I recommend that you consult category #3.
Do you know the eating habits that are healthy for you body?
If no, consult category #1.
If yes, do you practice those healthy eating habits?
If yes, move on to the next group of questions.
If no, do your current eating habits relate to your emotional state?
If no, consult category #1.
If yes, consult category #3.
Do you know how to exercise your body for optimum health?
If no, consult category #2.
If yes, do you currently exercise your body for optimum health?
If yes, please consult category #4.
If no, do you refrain from exercise because of emotional reasons?
If no, please consult category #1.
If yes, consult category #3.
Category #1 Right Choices Support – Food
This category is for those that need help with their food choices. These options will support you in choosing the best kind of food for your body.
Weight Loss Support Group – i.e. Weight Watchers ("http://www.weightwatchers.com")
See a Nutritionist
Visit a Health Professional that has more to offer than just “what you should weigh” charts
Books and other multimedia products that give facts about food and body type – not get-thin-(and unhealthy)-quick schemes. Here is a great link with facts - not promises - "http://www.sfu.ca/~jfremont/nutritionlinks.html"
Write down the food that you eat in a journal and become aware of patterns that you would like to change
Category #2 Right Choices Support – Exercise
This category is for those that need help with their exercise choices. These options will support you in choosing the right exercise for your body.
Exercise Support Group – (Weight Watchers, a group of friends, co-workers)
Join a gym that’s right for you – don’t just pick the first one in the phone book – shop around!
Find a work-out partner
Explore new and interesting ways to move your body – find things that you like! (I learned how to belly dance and it was the most fun!)
Category #3 Healing Unhealthy Beliefs
This category is for those that need to discover the underlying issues beneath their desire to lose weight. These options will support you in believing true and healthy things about your body and yourself.
Body Image Support Group – groups that encourage you to love your body, no matter what it looks like. Although these are harder to find, these groups are gaining in popularity as women are discovering that their uniqueness should be celebrated.
Eating Disorder Support Group - Overeaters Anonymous is one type of support group. They can often be found at local community and women's centers, and health professionals generally have suggestions for you if you tell them about what you are feeling.
See a counselor – this could be a psychologist, a minister – anyone who is trained in helping people work through their feelings
Books and other multimedia products that discuss the kind of unhealthy beliefs that you are telling yourself. There are plenty out there - A helpful link might be "http://www.shpm.com/articles/eating/"
Category #4 - What's the next step?
If you have arrived here, a health professional has recommended to you that you lose weight, and you are eating properly and exercising regularly. At this point, your body should be adjusting to its natural weight. If it is not, I would revisit your health professional to make sure that he or she is certain that you need to lose weight or I would get a second opinion.
Height and weight charts that tell you what you need to weigh DO NOT count as consulting a health professional. Sometimes even consulting a health professional doesn’t count as consulting a health professional – because they don’t understand your body type and/or body composition. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get to the bottom of what is best for you and your body.
I have a friend that after many years of unsuccessful dieting finally got her body composition analysis done by a health professional. He was the first one to tell her that with at 5’6” she should weigh somewhere around 175 – because with no fat at all on her body she would weigh around 140. All the other sources she had consulted told her that she should weigh around 140 – and that would make her extremely unhealthy.
Really, anyone who is concerned about their weight could benefit from checking out all of the categories. There are so many unhealthy beliefs about body types out there in the world, we all could use a little healing - and everyone benefits from healthy eating and exercise.
I have learned from all of these sources at different stages in my life - and all have been helpful. When I find myself feeling a little unhealthy or sad about my appearance, I come back to the questions and figure out what I am looking for.
Please e-mail me or comment if you would like to discuss anything here – you can bet on my quick reply. Good fortune on choosing a program!
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