52 in 52
How the obesity stats inspired one couple to lose weight in 2014
By Celeste Thurman Archer
On September 11th, while others were remembering with solemnity the events of 2001, I was confronting the reality that I was one year deeper into middle age – it was my 52nd birthday. Within minutes of my first glance in the mirror that day, came a gut check commercial from LiveWell Colorado. As if I didn’t see it before me, I was now hearing it from this nonprofit whose mission is to “inspire and advance policy, environmental and lifestyle changes that promote health through the prevention and reduction of obesity.”
Our state is considered the leanest, but we still have an obesity rate right at 22 percent. In 1995, that number would have made us the fattest. This translates to 58 percent of Colorado adults being overweight or obese. Childhood rates are shocking, with 25 percent of our children affected. By 2020, if we continue at this pace, only 33 percent of Coloradans will be at a healthy weight.
For me, the picture I saw was clear. I had to lose weight, and my son needed to join me in recovering from our stint in the deep-fried south. My husband is a 30-year lacrosse player, but a recent Achilles tendon operation put him in the same boat as the rest of our little family.
My husband’s company recently announced that it would be setting financial incentives for participation in a fitness program. Because he serves in management, how would it look if he didn’t participate? A pedometer and a check-up were provided.
For my own weight-loss program, I called LiveWell and spoke to Tracy Boyle, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. She directed me to 360° Gut Check. It guides you on how to determine if you are at a healthy weight or at risk for all of the issues related to weight. You check your BMI and your height against weight ratio. She also suggested that I take the Lifestyle Quiz at livewellcolorado.org. We talked about the “4-Day Challenge.” This is an idea LiveWell promotes whereby individuals begin taking small steps toward complete lifestyle changes. She used an example of eliminating sodas for four days. It is based on research which says that if a person can do something for four days, it has a better chance of becoming a permanent change. She also suggested Cooking Matters (cookingmatters.org), another healthy eating nonprofit in Colorado, for healthy recipes.
January is around the corner. This is the month when most folks make that commitment to “finally lose the extra pounds.” My little family has made a decision. Since I’ve just turned 52 and there are 52 weeks in a year, we are shooting to lose a combined 52 pounds this year. “52 in 52.”
Numerous studies have reported that being held accountable by another or having a weight loss partner creates a much higher rate of success. Team Archer will be shooting for a strong lifestyle change, resulting in a combined weight loss of one pound per week for the year of 2014. This speaks to the studies which also confirm that by losing weight at a slow and steady pace, rather than a fast fad diet, it is likely to become a permanent lifestyle change. It also leaves room for special events and holidays, without the guilt or sabotage.
It’s a simple concept, “52 in 52.” We invite others to join in the work. Maybe there’s room for a healthy competition between teams. However it plays out, being a loser creates winners, and allows Colorado to maintain its number one spot in healthy living.
Celeste Thurman Archer is Developing Director of Colorado Governor’s School and can be reached at cogovschool@gmail.com.