Lose The Weight

22 Mar, 2013

Watching the Biggest Loser - the Next Generation, the latest Australian Edition on Channel 10, got me thinking about weight and dieting. It's a frequent refrain with many clients in my practice who struggle to balance a healthy diet, exercise, work life balance and family issues like picking up the kids from daycare whilst working insane hours at a desk or out in the field.

So for today's blog post, I'd like to explore the consequences of the impact of carrying extra weight on the body from a chiro's point of view... and in the process answer oft-asked questions on the subject.

What is the impact of being overweight or obese on your body?

Increased weight creates extra load, force and strain through the body. Joints are a key area affected by this increased load and strain and chiropractors in our Potts Point and Bondi Junction clinics come across often treat these conditions which result from this. Most commonly affected are the load bearing joints including the ankles, knees, hips and joints of the lower spine (lumbar region), resulting in pain and/or stiffness. It is also common to see postural abnormalities such as "sway back" (excessive lumbar lordosis), forward head posture, "hunched back" (hyperkyphosis) and foot problems like "flat feet"(pronation).

Many postural abnormalities can be attributed to general loss of body muscle tone as a consequence of a lack of exercise and also due to the postural strains associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

Besides improving your diet and exercising (the classics), what can people caught up in the binge eating cycle do to get out of their bad habits?

An improved diet and consistent exercise are by far the most important things people can do to create change in their quality of life. There is so much information on these two areas and I commonly refer clients to specialists such as a nutritionists or naturopaths and personal trainers(PT).

I have found that the people who get the best long-term results have good support around them, weather that be a PT, a nutritionist or a training buddy. As long as there is someone there to keep them accountable they are more likely to reach their goals.The most important area in which I believe I can help people in this process is by making sure that their body is as well aligned and balanced as possible (after all that's what chiro's do). It is so important to keep the body fully functional and injury free to reach weight and fitness goals. Strains/sprains and injuries can really put the brakes on and can be very frustrating, especially if you have made positive gains and are then stopped from training. Many exercise and training injuries can be prevented.

Have you been witness to someone who is overweight turning their life around?

I have witnessed many people lose significant amounts weight and keep it off for good. For most it is was a challenge at the start, however their fitter, healthier lifestyle is now simply who they are. They often tell me it's hard to imagine that they were any other way. I have seen how it changes so much for the better in all spheres of their life. Changing lifestyle makes a positive impact on the spine, joint health and so much more.

Losing weithg makes you more alive and boosts your energy levels, improves sleep patterns, reduces feelings of stress and anxiety, and improves your outlook on life.