WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BALANCE

BEFORE/AFTER

The television program, “Good Morning America” had a segment about a 26 year old female that decided to transform her body from competitive physique athlete to average everyday “Jane.” She posted the photo above on Facebook to share her (initial feelings of “shame”) with the world before deciding she was happier with the new person. Her intent was to reinforce the message that HAPPINESS came from within and and that appearance alone could cause more harm than good.

The picture went “viral” and received over 100,000 comments supporting her. As a physician, I have concerns regarding this transition.

I support Ms. Jone’s decision to alter her highly structured and limiting lifestyle as a competitive athlete. It should be recognized and understood that competitive training is NOT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE maintained forever. It is a “period of time” the body is put under enormous stress to achieve a “maximal” outcome. This outcome is not MAINTAINABLE! For many women and men, as this “maximal” appearance transitions (post competition) into a less “perfect” appearance, the emotional devastation creates an obsession resulting in unhealthy feelings and behaviors (physically and emotionally.) Ms. Jones likely recognized this and chose (instead) to return to a typical lifestyle of an average 26 year old.

On the surface, this attitude appears laudable. My concern is the degree of “swing” from competitive athlete to every day “Jane.” If the picture is accurate and displays a mildly (10-20 pound) overweight young woman, the transitional “pendulum” has likely swung too far. This statement is not based on judging appearance, but rather the lifestyle that has likely created the additional weight above a healthy personal profile.

Enjoying ALL aspects of life is achievable WITHOUT increasing unnecessary health risks in the process. It seems a HEALTHY BALANCE might be a missing component from Ms. Jone’s life at this time.

She stated in her facebook post:

“Your body is quite LITERALLY the only thing that gets you through this life.”

I agree with her, therefore, believe a healthy approach in all aspects results in a healthy BALANCE in life. Eating, exercise, stress reduction, hydration, etc… should be incorporated in a manner that REALISTICALLY creates a HEALTHY BODY AND MIND!

It seems her previous competitive lifestyle that required obsessive behaviors to achieve “success” has been replaced with a new lifestyle. My concern for Ms. Jones is based on the possibility she has “overcompensated.” Her new lifestyle (if the picture is accurate) appears to have caused some excess body weight. This can potentially lead to an increased health risk problem over time. Most people 10-20 pounds overweight do not achieve these numbers eating too many vegetables or too many baked/broiled chicken breasts. It is achieved eating unhealthy ADDICTIVE foods that create temporary feelings of “happiness” in the short term, while causing greater harm, UNHAPPINESS and additional weight gain in the long term.

Feeling good about oneself is important. There is a difference, however, about feeling “relief” from anxieties caused by competitive exercise, and real HAPPINESS experienced from LIVING a LIFESTYLE that supports a HEALTHY BODY and HEALTHY MIND. Creating a healthy body does not typically result in a frame carrying more weight than necessary. I am less concerned about her weight and more concerned about what she has done that has lead to this outcome.

As we age, we are more prone to gain even more unhealthy weight. Living an appropriately BALANCED LIFESTYLE incorporates food, exercise and alcohol in quantities that satisfy individual needs WITHOUT causing harmful outcomes. This concept would better fulfill Ms. Jones’s statement:

“Your body is quite LITERALLY the only thing that gets you through this life.”

While I support her liberation from a less happy lifestyle (competitive weight training,) I would hope her willingness to introspect reveals a remaining unaddressed IMBALANCE that could truly enhance her quality of life. Most people overweight (even with mild weight issues) would not CHOOSE this outcome if they recognized their LIFESTYLE (rather than the weight itself) could cause greater harm in the long term.

HAPPINESS is NOT achieved focusing on WEIGHT or APPEARANCE. It is typically experienced by people that have learned (over time) how to maximize FUNCTION based on personal needs and wants while achieving these goals through a BALANCED REALISTIC LIFESTYLE. This becomes possible when one loves ONESELF enough to provide the various forms of support the body and mind needs.

 

 

Tags: exercise, happiness, health, lifestyle, nutrition, overweight, quality of life