Why Bother to Lose Weight?

Cheryl’s program dealt with the “why” of weight loss: an examination of the physical, mental, relational, and emotional benefits of reaching a desired weight.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the following are common physical risks of being overweight or obese:

1. Coronary Heart Disease
2. High Blood Pressure
3. Stroke
4. Type 2 Diabetes
5. Abnormal Blood Fats (high triglycerides, high LDL, low HDL)
6. Metabolic Syndrome (at least 3 risk factors)
7. Cancer – particularly colon, breast, endometrial, and gallbladder
8. Osteoarthritis
9. Sleep Apnea
10. Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (a breathing disorder)
11. Reproductive Problems
12. Gallstones

Losing weight may not always prevent these conditions, but it lessens our risk.

Benefits of weight loss discussed by the members of TOPS:

1. My clothes will fit better.
2. I’ll be able to move more easily. Exercise will be easier.
3. I’ll have less knee pain.
4. I’ll breathe better.
5. I’ll feel better about myself.
6. My clothes will cost less, and I’ll have better choices.
7. I’ll sleep better.
8. I won’t feel like such a failure.

TOPS NEWS

Six TOPS and one KOPS were present at the November 20 meeting of Imperial TOPS NE0267. Donna was the Best Loser; Lorna won a little cash in the Ha-Ha drawing.

Challenges

November challenges: 1) Stretch for at least 5 minutes twice a day. 2) Use Plate Power, following the USDA MyPlate guidelines for a balanced diet.

Contests and Parties

The Turkey Stuffing contest ends next week. The prize is a frozen turkey breast.
A Christmas Tree decorating contest will begin on December 4, the first Thursday of the month.
Barb is preparing the Zipper Contest, to begin the first of the new year.
The chapter Christmas party is scheduled for December 18, with a meeting at 9:00, party at 11 a.m., and dinner at the senior center at noon.
The program next week will be devoted to giving thanks.

Come Join Us!

TOPS Club meets from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursdays at the Imperial Community Center, with weigh-ins beginning at 8:30. The first meeting is free. For more information, see imperialnetops.blogspot.com or tops.org