As a 34-year-old African American woman, my main health concerns are obesity and diabetes. I have a family history of diabetes. Many of my relatives have lost limbs. Over the past ten years, I have gained more than 30 pounds. When I think about it, it’s almost unbelievable. I have gained weight with each of my two pregnancies. But my main concern is my inability to adhere to a healthy dietary plan and fitness regime. Believe me, I have the tools. I have taken the classes. But I lack the motivation. I just don’t have the time or desire to exercise. Currently, my BMI is on the borderline of overweight. I am slightly overweight and while I don’t like the way my body has changed, I think I still look “good”. Maybe that is the problem. I just don’t want to get to the point where the problem is life threatening. I want to make the changes before my weight is desperately out of control.
After interviewing three women, I found that two had the exact same health concerns I do. The first, a 54-year-old African American women, felt that she was overweight and feared diabetes. She progressively gained the weight over 35 years and 5 childbirths. She lacked the skills to make the life changes needed to lose the weight. Additionally, she frequently fell victim to quackery and fad diets. The second woman, a 35-year-old White American, also gained a considerable amount of weight progressively over 15 years after having five children. She stated that in the past all of her energy and concern has gone towards her kids needs. But now, her weight gain has brought her issues to the far front. However, this women explained that she could not afford herself the time needed for self care. She fears that diabetes and obesity are in her near future. But, the third woman I interviewed was a 70-year-old African American. Her health concerns were quite different. Her main concern was edema. She has suffered with gout and diabetes for many years. She has little access to medical care due to an out of state move. Her insurance provides coverage only in her home state, but her frailty dictated the out of state move to live with relatives. Immobility is her main concern.
As members of a fast paced demanding society, women share the same basic health concerns. We are overwhelmed by the stresses of work and family responsibilities. We have little time for ourselves. Many women don’t have time to cook a healthy meal, so we eat fast food and feed our families’ fast food. Furthermore, we use food as distress tool. We use food to soothe our stress and unhappiness or as a reward. Some women even find exercise to be too time consuming and just not a viable option after an exhausting day. Ultimately, we women today are aware of the dire consequences of our dietary choices and sedentary lifestyle but we feel powerless to make changes. Even elderly women are facing issues that initiated from past health neglects that resulted in weight gain and diabetes. Our health concerns are a symptom of the societal ills faced by women today.
First, let me say that I relate to your story more than you know. I remember weighing 30+ pounds less than I do now, and thinking I was fat. I know now that I was ridiculously off base. I'm in my early 30's, have a full-time job, school, a young daughter, and a household of responsibilities to share with a man who also works and goes to school full-time. I understand not feeling like there are enough hours in the day. But very often I have a thought that I'd like to share with you.... there are women out there who do what we do, and are not overweight. I think about this often, and wonder why I'm not one of them. What are they doing that I'm not? I am obviously a successful, disciplined person in order to accomplish what I do, so what is the problem? I know when it comes down to it, I need to regiment myself in exercise. I'm not sure I have it completely solved yet, but I'm working on it. I've made changes in my grocery list by buying fewer things that have ingredients I can't pronounce, and more things that come staight from the tree, ground, etc. I've joined the local YMCA (where I can take my daughter with me), and I've posted their schedule of group exercise classes on my refrigerator. I make sure everything I drink is calorie free (except my V-8), which means alot of water and green tea. They are small changes, but they count. You, like me, may not be in a place in life to "solve" your weight issue, but you can turn yourself in the right direction, and take one step at a time. I'll see you on the road!;)
ReplyDeleteAmanda the changes you made sound really great. They sound like something I can do. Your comments are really motivational. I understand that I should take a few small steps toward my goal of weight management.
ReplyDeleteLadies,
ReplyDeleteI say we all "meet on the road!" We can have our own version of "Celebrity Fit Club!" Social support--it's the key!
Hello, Ancusa I must applaud you for making a progressive effort.With having two children let them be the driving focus for you and the key to you becoming healthier. Educating ones self is the key for what may work best for you and your lifestyles. I wish you the best in excelling to improved fitness and health.
ReplyDelete