Who’s Your Role Model?

Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.

                                                                          -Confucius

     I have recently had the pleasure of dialoguing with one of our members from India (yes, we’re really reaching out) who posed a challenging question to me. I was basically asked, “Who should our health and fitness role models be? Whom can a young person like me aspire to be more like?” 

     This question took me back to a time in my youth when I idealized athletes and movie stars alike. Many times I felt a sense of awe and admiration, but other times I was left with feelings of hopelessness that I could never attain such lofty goals and status.

     Our thoughts and opinions about ourselves and others are largely formed by whom we deem as ‘role models’ and these social icons are more often than not celebrities, athletes, and public figures. You can’t check out at any pharmacy, grocery, or convenience store without seeing some celebrity beach body posted on any one of ten tabloids within arm’s reach. Think it’s any different at your local bookstore? Hardly – especially if you peruse the magazine section.

     The latest statistics show that one to two percent of the general population have an altered perception of their body appearance, a condition called Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). This is not a new phenomenon but instead one that has been brewing for much of the 20th century. Body image is largely established by Hollywood where sleek, chic, and youthful are the desired norms. Those who no longer fit the role (be it in age, body size, or beauty) are long forgotten and replaced by younger, more fit, and hip types.

      What about the multi billion dollar weight loss industry? With all the focus on low fat and sugar-free products, we are more overweight than ever before. Obesity rates have

more than doubled since 1980 from 15% to over 30%. That means that one in three people are overweight. If trends continue by 2025 we may see the odds of being too big reaching 75% or more of the population.  

     What needs to change is our focus, and the first step is to look within for the answers. As I counsel my patients with similar issues, I remind them to focus on optimal health first and foremost. When we start feeling better inside, so follows our self-esteem and our outer beauty shines forth. We begin to worry less about what’s happening around us because we are more confident about whom we are inside.

     I would like to ask you to take the same challenge. The next time you find that you’re comparing yourself to some actor, politician, or ballplayer, do a consciousness check and ask what you can do to boost your own level of optimal wellness. I promise you’ll lose less sleep worrying about the things you cannot change and start focusing on improving your most precious asset – your health.

Healthiest regards,