A rubbish attitude will keep you fat

Rod Bannister Photo/File

I've advocated about getting in shape for many a year and I kind of get over it. Stuff in the media and general conversations bring to my attention we're still missing the point when it comes to losing weight/fat.

Losing weight can be perceived as: run, stretch this, lift that, decrease your calorie intake, eat no carbohydrates after 2 pm (complete rubbish), increase your body's expenditure and so on; mainly good, sound advice.

The fitness and medical industries tell us that weight loss is about three key things: exercise, food, lifestyle, not to forget more education; in my unique experience this is correct, to a point.

I agree in principle to the above, however I'm here to tell you that with any transformation the biggest determinant of weight loss and weight gain is the thing on top of your shoulders: your head.

The "experts" do not focus on this, for they simply do not get it. The body follows what the head tells it. I've been a "fatty" before, however when I got my head in the right place, my body followed. Losing fat is a psychological and emotional process first and foremost.

Decisions you make, attitude, self-control and mindset determine weight loss and weight gain.

I know, I know.

We often imply verbally that we know what to do but we do not do what we know. We've never been more educated and we've never been fatter. We've never had more resources and I've never heard more excuses.

People do not want to hear this message because it's too simple and obvious and, more importantly in today's quick-fix, I-want-it-now society, it requires effort, sacrifice, hard work and self-control.

There's more interest when we talk about the latest "breakthrough" pill, powder, potion, product, gadget and gizmo to accompany our new exercise fad. Let's not forget the latest fat loss diet and book ('cause we all need another one of those).

Give me the painless, convenient, quick-and-easy solution. Yes, we are a soft bunch of pansies, the quick-fix society that verbally knows it all, shouts from the rooftops for all to hear. We are the instant gratification society and, yes, we are the fat generation. This is the mentality that will continue to keep us fat.

The Final Bit

If the answer to the global epidemic of obesity was more education, resources and information then wouldn't we be getting leaner by the day?

Some food for thought:

Over 95 per cent of people regain the weight they have lost plus more because they haven't changed their thinking - their deep-down core beliefs, attitudes and standards. When we eat less we slide into the deprivation mentality constantly telling ourselves we are "missing out".

For change to be lasting, external change needs to be driven by internal change.

Attitude versus outcome: if we tell ourselves it will be a horrible experience, then guess what - it will be a horrible experience.

Weight-loss martyrs are a pain in the behind - "I've been a good boy/girl ..."

A fat person with all the education, knowledge and information at their disposal with a rubbish attitude will remain fat.

The fitness and medical professions have a one-dimensional approach to fat loss: physical. This is ineffective and naive. Losing fat/weight is a complex process (psychological, emotional and physical).

Find your best attitude before you discover the best programme, supplement or drug to reach your goals.

The "fat" word is not an insult in this discussion; it's a physiological state (Google it).

The sooner we address the "F" word in a real practical way, minus the BS the sooner we can address bowel cancer, heart disease and myriad other obesity-related conditions - they're not fat they're "voluptuous".

We want to blame someone or something else for opening our mouths, filling them with constant junk, becoming obese.

Otherwise I may just have to get off my own behind and take responsibility for my own choices and decisions.

Rod Bannister is an Australasian Masters squash champion, fitness expert and owner of Bannister Group, specialising in mentoring, sales and consultancy - BannisterGroup1@gmail.com.