I'm taking a health science class (just to enrich my knowledge on the subject). We just finished the chapter on dieting, and the conclusion the professor reached was "don't diet." His argument was that dieting fails in the long run in 95% of the cases, sometimes losing weight is more dangerous than keeping the weight on, thinness does not necessarily mean happiness, and that physical activity is what's important, not weight.
Now he did refer to "changing eating habits" instead of dieting. But that was really just in passing. He emphasized not counting calories, eating what we want as long as we are eating healthy, and not worrying about our weight. He mentioned how ideals change through time, and that what's hot today is not necessarily what was hot yesterday or what will be hot tomorrow.
To be honest, the lecture pissed me off. For one, I felt that he's dismissing my efforts to become healthier for the past 8 months. I am quite a bit lighter, and feel about a 100 times healthier and fitter. I am also much happier with where I am now. I don't see any of this changing as I'm satisfied with my new eating habits that leave me feeling better overall. I also enjoy exercising.
I just felt like venting. I agree that obsessing about weight is just as unhealthy as letting yourself go. But there is a balance to be achieved. I feel self-improvement is something everyone should strive for in all aspects of life. I also do not think that "intentional weight loss" is just as unhealthy as being overweight. I only felt that the professor's efforts were counterproductive for those who want to get healthier (or even look better). While he may have the right intentions, one should never use the "don't even try because you'll fail" approach when teaching.
Now he did refer to "changing eating habits" instead of dieting. But that was really just in passing. He emphasized not counting calories, eating what we want as long as we are eating healthy, and not worrying about our weight. He mentioned how ideals change through time, and that what's hot today is not necessarily what was hot yesterday or what will be hot tomorrow.
To be honest, the lecture pissed me off. For one, I felt that he's dismissing my efforts to become healthier for the past 8 months. I am quite a bit lighter, and feel about a 100 times healthier and fitter. I am also much happier with where I am now. I don't see any of this changing as I'm satisfied with my new eating habits that leave me feeling better overall. I also enjoy exercising.
I just felt like venting. I agree that obsessing about weight is just as unhealthy as letting yourself go. But there is a balance to be achieved. I feel self-improvement is something everyone should strive for in all aspects of life. I also do not think that "intentional weight loss" is just as unhealthy as being overweight. I only felt that the professor's efforts were counterproductive for those who want to get healthier (or even look better). While he may have the right intentions, one should never use the "don't even try because you'll fail" approach when teaching.
