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Here it is…the answer to all your weight-loss needs. Read on and find out how to lose as much weight as you want in no time. The time and energy investment requirements in this program are minimal. Redefine the way you feel about yourself as a person. When you look in the mirror after completing this program, you'll have the body you've always wanted but thought you could never have. The unwanted weight that you have gained is not your fault. Or, is it?
If your attention was caught by the paragraph above, you may be someone who has thought about or even tried one of the numerous weight-loss programs you hear about on TV, on the radio or see posted on a sign as you drive by it. It's a shame that most of these programs cannot follow through on their claims. In fact, the intent of the ad is not to assist someone in improving their self-image or body composition but instead is focused on getting one vital thing-your almighty dollar.
You have a choice. You can play the victim and hand over your money to these people with the hope that they will solve your weight-loss problem. This means you must have faith that this program will give you the type of weight loss that will be permanent, healthy and decrease your risk of various diseases such as Type-II Diabetes, coronary heart disease or high blood pressure. That's not such a difficult task as long as you can validate the "scientific" research on most of these programs. There's only one problem-there is no such research to be found. Testimonials and rhetorical slogans are put in place to make a person believe that what they claim is the truth.
There is a second choice. You can embrace personal responsibility. This means that you take the time to check the validity of the sensationalist jargon that these ads use to persuade their target market. Losing that unwanted weight may not be as easy as swallowing a "magic pill" or drinking a "miracle potion". It might require that you make healthy choices in life. Some of these choices might include making your health a top priority, lead you to finding time in your day to exercise and identifying obstacles or excuses that have prevented you from doing so thus far.
Ultimately, it seems necessary to examine your self-image. What are your reasons for wanting to lose weight in the first place? When you look in the mirror, are you more concerned with what your "posterior" looks like in your pants or how your "posterior" functions when you get up from a chair to walk to the door without pain or injury? Let's be honest. Who's not worried about how they look in the mirror? Although this reflection people see is a priority in most people's lives, it might be wise to move it down the priority list behind functionality, health and self-fulfillment. This might just make people a lot happier about what they see staring back at them in that reflection.
There are numerous ways in which a person can find help in creating and achieving their personal health goals. Friends, family and loved ones can all be a positive influence in helping you achieve your goals. If these are not positive sources of inspiration, then it might be time to identify some alternative sources. There is help out there for the general population. As you keep reading this weekly article, it is hopeful that it will help you become more knowledgeable about your health and what reputable services are available to help you obtain your goals.
Shannon Mulder is the Exercise and Sport Science fitness director.
