It Told Me that I wsa OBESE

@cynthiann (18602)
Jamaica
January 29, 2010 11:58am CST
Boy, was I upset. Let me tell you what happened. Basically, came home from work and the Wii was set up on the exercise programme. My children encouraged me to step on the board and 'check in' to the programme. With hindsight - this was a set up by the children for me to get a reality check. Tell me since when is size 16W or 18 obese? so I entered all the age thingys etc and when my weight was recorded my eldest son pretended to faint as he is 6'3"and I am 5' 5" and I weigh more than him. So I thought of how marvellously Katsmeow has done and she really is an inspiration. So I am now mixing my exercise with Yoga, strength training, aerobic and a little bit of running/walking fast. I have been doing 2 twenty minute sessions twice a day and have lost 2.3lbs. This suits me as I do not want to dress and join the walkers at 6 am where I live and so can tumble out of bed, take a sip of coffee and do a session. Then I shower and go to work. I have also been eating healthier so maybe I will get down to dress size 14 again - or even twelve( Let's not go crazy Cynthie - just aim for 14) It has really taken me by surprise that I am enjoying it all. My son gave me a smiley face this morning for effort! Has anyone else just begun to exercise in any way or is exercising by using a Wii?
8 people like this
28 responses
@dawnald (85129)
• Shingle Springs, California
29 Jan 10
It would probably tell me I'm obese too. I've been mostly walking and stretching. But between the torrential rain and the pain in my foot, I haven't been getting much walking done. Haven't used the Wii for exercising though.
2 people like this
@dawnald (85129)
• Shingle Springs, California
29 Jan 10
real body age? I'm hating it already...
2 people like this
• United States
29 Jan 10
Dawn, it sounds like a pool work out would be perfect for you. You should look into it. I know around here the high schools offer indoor swimming during the winter months for like $2 a person on weekends. You can take the whole family, let the kids splash around while you walk around the shallow end or tread water in the deep end... things like that. Not so much impact on your foot.
3 people like this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
29 Jan 10
I am enjoying it and no, you cannot do anything but stretching with the foot problem. I do hope that it will soon go away. Once you get over the shock as it does give you yiour real body age etc then it is motivating for me. You may want to try it
3 people like this
@MJay101 (710)
29 Jan 10
I'm 5'11" and about 10 stone, so if anything I need to put some weight on... My other half and I decided to start the low carb diet a while back; it really works. Too well, in fact, hence I went from 'a little porky in places' (11 stone 10 lbs) to being a skinny b*stard. Cut out the carbs, and you'll lose weight! (But exercise is good too. )
• United States
29 Jan 10
There are a lot of arguments about those low carb diets. I personally do not believe carbs are evil. Actually your body needs carbs for fuel. Your body burns mostly carbs to keep you going. Contrary to popular belief, if you starve yourself of carbs, your body will not burn more fat. In fact, the body will instead convert lean protien into the fuel it needs, which means you'll lose muscle mass. Since muscle weighs more than fat, that is what is contributing to your weight loss when restricting carbs. What I have done, instead of cutting out carbs, is replacing simple carbs with complex carbs, which are high in fiber and make you feel full longer. Replace white bread with 100% whole wheat. Choose whole wheat pasta. Avoid white potatoes, try sweet potatoes instead. They are simple switches that aren't difficult to make, but will help you be healthier and get slimmer.
2 people like this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
29 Jan 10
Good for you! Yes, bread is my weakness but I am going to lose the weight. You are so right - carbs must be cut out. Well - I don'tknow that I can give the bread up entirely but I can cut down and have done so this week. Blessings and thanks for the advice
2 people like this
@MJay101 (710)
29 Jan 10
cynthiann - thanks for the reply. My life has improved no end since I ditched the carbs. Not only have I lost weight (and my other half has, too), I've learned to cook many more interesting dishes - not reliant on stodge! - and I've been far less lethargic at about 17:00 in the afternoon (and after dinner)! I think carbs just knock me out, because my body has to do so much work digesting them... katsmeow1213 - I know there are some issues with the low carb diet, but I don't think burning of protein over fat is one of them. At least, not in my experience! I still have muscles (can still do my 60 press-ups), but the fat (what there was) has disappeared. My body appears to be getting its energy from fat. Plus, I've lost about three inches on my waist, and I don't think that has to do with muscle loss! I do think that I need a more balanced diet, and I don't cut out carbs altogether - so, I eat long grain brown rice and wholemeal bread - but I would still heartily recommend the low carb diet to anyone trying to lose weight.
2 people like this
@katsmeow1213 (28719)
• United States
29 Jan 10
WooHoo!! I have that Wii Fit, and of course it has told me the same thing. I started off around a size 20 (up from my typical size 18 that I've been since the twins were born), but I didn't start using the Wii Fit until Christmas. I'm now down to a 12/14 but it still tells me I'm obese. I've given up using it, I just didn't enjoy it very much. Now the only time I'll use it is for my weekly weigh in. But I go to the gym every morning and work out for at least an hour. I'm enjoying it a lot, because I'm getting out of the house everyday, and meeting new people, and having normal adult conversations. Plus the gym offers free child care, and my kids absolutely love their play room, so I get a bit of mommy time without worrying about the kids. It works out well for all of us. I even drag my husband with me on his day off during the week. I am now to the point where I only need to lose about another 25 lbs to get to my origingal goal weight...and we'll see how I look when I get there. I might want to go a little lower than that even, but I'm not sure just yet. BTW- thanks for the compliment! I got warm fuzzies when I saw I was mentioned in your discussion!
2 people like this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
29 Jan 10
I meant every word that I said - you are amazing. I think it is whatever works and I can so unstained that you would want to get out of the house and get some adult conversation so these two factors are big pluses. I think it is whatever works then go for it and this is working for me.I know that my kids railroaded me and at first I was cross but I now realise that this is their way of telling me that they want me around for some years to come.They were worried over meas I do have some cardio problems. I hope that if we slip then we can motivate each other.It will be hard for me as food is now so expensive but I must make more healthy choices. I would name you the Mylot woman of the Year My goal is to lose 10lbs in a month but now it may be more
2 people like this
• United States
29 Jan 10
Yes, it is definitely whatever works for you, and the Wii exercises are probably right up your alley. I prefer a more intense work out... I'm always covered in sweat before I leave the gym, and if I'm not, then I don't feel like it was a good enough work out. But there's nothing wrong with the exercises on the Wii, and if it gets you moving and makes you a little stronger, then it's wonderful for you! Just keep it up. Eating healthier is the hard part, I still struggle with it sometimes. I have the emotional eating problem as well, and healthier choices are certainly more expensive. One thing I've recently discovered is that sometimes a cup of coffee is enough to satisfy my cravings for sweets. I use calorie free sweetener and fat free flavored creamer, so it's low in calories but still tastes yummy, and it's not too expensive. I've had a lot fewer slip ups since I've begun making a cup of coffee when I'm craving chocolate.
3 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
29 Jan 10
I hope u do well w/your new battle. We have always got a battle to fight it seems. I don't have a wii so i have a good excuse, lol. U are doing good if u got a smiley face.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
29 Jan 10
I thought that was really cute. Sons are soooo special.
2 people like this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
29 Jan 10
Aren't they just - and so are grandsons
2 people like this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
29 Jan 10
He is so funny- my son - that is. Well if it gets me moving and I do have cardio problems so losing weight I suppose willhelp.Just pray that I can keep it upwho knows? I may earn another smiley face
3 people like this
@LaurenInLA (2270)
• United States
29 Jan 10
Exercise has been a part of my life for a long long time. I wanted to make you aware of something that I heard on the news the other day. There is a new discovery, normal weight obesity. It seems that people can be of normal weight and still be prone to the same diseases that obese people are prone to because their body fat percentage is too high. The story told of a woman who lost 100 lbs and kept it off for over a year. Her weight was normal but when they tested her body fat percentage, she came in at 42%. Now she weight trains and while she's 18 lbs heavier, her body fat percentage is 23%. Make sure that you get that weight training in. You're doing something so good for yourself. You will soon start to feel better and see increases in energy and stamina.
2 people like this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
30 Jan 10
This is good to know and I thank you for this information.I did not kno wthis - isn't there so much to learn? I was thinking of pound loss only and not really considering the body fat percentage.Howis thismeasured? I would be so interested to know?
• United States
30 Jan 10
There are a number of body weight calculators that are free on the internet. It requires that you input some measurements and your height and your weight. The one that I use is available at healthstatus.com. The most accurate way is to have it done professionally but I think that you could use this method until you think that you're closer to where you want to be. I'm continually amazed that people feel free to comment on someone's weight. After all, would they walk up to someone and say you're too short or you're really ugly? No but everyone thinks that they can express their opinion on our weight.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
1 Feb 10
Thaks for the site Lauren. I will go to it and try it. Actually, I am not feeling so sluggish as I used to feel. and I have lost a little weight too
@jellymonty (2352)
29 Jan 10
"came home from work and the Wii was set up on the exercise programme." LOL and you're surprised it called you OBESE after stressing out the whole day and possibly eating junk lol.. Oh I hate Wii.. broken two of my sites as I either lost or it called me SKINNY BONE!
2 people like this
@tjburcham (690)
• United States
31 Jan 10
That sounds like alot of fun. I am still looking forward to getting on. I don't excersize but I think it would be fun to with little kids just to get them up and moving like kids should. I want a wii. Maybe someday.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
1 Feb 10
There is lots for the kids to do like bowling, playing tennis etc. It is good fun and I am feeling less sluggish than normal
@illfavors (590)
• United States
29 Jan 10
I enjoy my Wii and my Wii fit. I just don't use it as much as I should since I mostly do Turbo Jam now. Drunk Wii Bowling is fun. Hahah. I bought Dance Dance Revolution 2 which is so much fun, and I have the EA Active game, but that one just got too annoying for me. I love the Fit with the yoga because it helps you do the poses properly and it's a great stretch for the body.
2 people like this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
29 Jan 10
My children use the bowling and other games and so enjoy it when we get together as a family.I haven't heard of the dance revolution but that sounds fun.My daughtr will be going to the USA in February so maybe she can buy it for us. I am enjoying the yoga as I like stretching and gaining flexibility
2 people like this
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
29 Jan 10
Katsmeow is doing awesome. I try and follow suit. I get a 1/2 hour in of exercise almost every day. Sometimes it is in 2 15 minute sessions. Sometimes it is all at once. I haven't gotten a Wii yet. But I do have a treadmill, a jogger trampoline, and a few other small pieces of home equipment. Wishing you lots of luck and support!
2 people like this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
29 Jan 10
Thank you so very much. You are doing so well and you have good equipment as long as yo9u keep at it I do not think yo9u need a wii, as you appear to be disciplined
2 people like this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
31 Jan 10
We don’t have a Wii but it is on our list of things to save for because my sister has one and we love it, especially the fact that the kids can have fun on it and be physically active at the same time. My daughter loves the sports and the dance ones. My sister has the Wii Fit and she is doing the exercises etc but she is yet to lose weight because she hasn’t made any real changes to her diet and let’s face it, diet and exercise go hand in hand! I would not consider your size to be obese, a bit of an exaggeration there from the Wii thing! Good on you for committing yourself to get in shape; it is a matter of getting started I think...Good luck with it!
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
1 Feb 10
Thank you my friend. I have made changes to my diet - no sodas, junk food or extra fat.Have cut down on fat consumed. and I love fatty thingsbut the fat is clogging my arteries and killing me!
1 person likes this
@aerous (13434)
• Philippines
31 Jan 10
Perhaps, there are people doing that, my friend. But for me I am not doing an exercise like that. Because I am exercising a matial arts exercise ever since... Those are a good exercise that I know...
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
1 Feb 10
Martial arts must burn a great many caloriesGood for you
@aerous (13434)
• Philippines
5 Feb 10
I always doing a kata and other terms of exercise in it, my friend. So that I can't forget those that I have learn in five years...I love this things because this will discipline my though and body...Have a nice day!!
@harmonee (1228)
• United States
30 Jan 10
I also have a Wii Fit and find it to be a little brutal to the self esteem sometimes. On the plus side, it does offer the goal setting and positive reinforcement when you weigh in and it is less or when you been a previous score. It still groans when I get on the scale, but maybe that's what we need to keep going...
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
30 Jan 10
That groan is enough for me to get started - it is like I am squashing someone!! I so like and need the encouragement AND WHAT A DAY IT WILL BE WHEN IT DOESN'T GROAN WHEN i GET ON IT
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
1 Feb 10
Well, at 62 there is notmuch chance of my getting pregnantBut I love it - absolutely love it - even when it groans as I step on the board
@harmonee (1228)
• United States
31 Jan 10
I've been doing Wii Fit since the day it came out and right when I was getting close to being in the good weight range, I got pregnant. Unfortunately there is not an "I'm Pregnant" section, so it kept groaning and telling me I was gaining weight! I love my son, but it made me feel like I was going backwards. Hopefully you make it there without any hiccups. Good luck!
1 person likes this
@jkcokley (265)
• United States
31 Jan 10
No - but when your done with your wii for exercise can you send it my way. LOL I hate to exercise and if the wii would mask exercise into a game - I would be more than happy to exercise with it. Good Luck Cynthia - I know you can do it and I have this feeling that when you get there to size 14 that you'll be pushing for that size 12.
1 person likes this
@jkcokley (265)
• United States
18 Feb 10
How is the exercise coming? Are you to the size fourteen yet?
• United States
29 Jan 10
Size 14 to 16 is the average in the US but you certainly wouldn't think it to hear people talk. We always need someone to pick on, seems we larger people are "it" at the moment. Keep up the good work and do it to make you happy and improve your quality of life, not because someone else tells you that's the way it should be. Many of the world's most beautiful women are not toothpicks, including my wife, I think we need to reexamoine the emphasis we put on that. Good luck!
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
29 Jan 10
Now aren't you nice! I really so need to lose weight as I have a heart problem and losing even 20 lbs will help me so much. So I am setting realistic goals to extend my life span. I do agree with you thought - anorexia was developed because young girls are expected to be a bag of bones. It really is not attractive! Thank you so much for your encouragement. I am so going to try to lose 10 lbs in February.
2 people like this
@rsa101 (37952)
• Philippines
2 Feb 10
I've tried this once when our office president placed one in one of our vacant room to try the Wii Fit game. At first I doubted it but then I think it is true because after about a couple of weeks using it I really lose wieight and I felt good. The bad thing is that it was now removed from our office so I was not able to continue playing it. I think that was really a very good physical game that is indoor.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
2 Feb 10
That is a shame to remove it from the office when people could use it before and after work and in lunch breaks. I amso happy to be ableto use it. Many thanks
@moondancer (7433)
• United States
29 Jan 10
I would love to have a wii. I have wanted one since they came out especially with the help for weight and health. It is telling you that because it was made by another country where everyone is tiny. The "normal" range for most people here is size 16. I'm not just saying that because I wear a 16 either. lol That is the statistics that the national registry has come up with.
• United States
29 Jan 10
I don't think you have to give anything up completely as some diets want you to do. Just eat what you want in moderation and eat small portions with lots of fruit and drink plenty of water. That is how I have lost pounds. I lost 35 and went from a size 20 down to 16. I will treat myself to a half a cup of vanilla ice cream a few times a week. I make it last by taking tiny bites and eating really slowly. This is how I do any dessert or treat.
• United States
29 Jan 10
That's perfect advice Moondancer. When you restrict your foods, you'll eventually get frustrated with your diet, and you'll crave those "forbidden" foods, usually ending up in with binge eating on everything you've deprived yourself of. By not forbidding foods, but cutting back on them and having them only in moderation, your body and taste buds will be satisfied. Eating slower also helps a whole ton! It's something I have to practice a bit more often. I've always eaten quickly, and I even encourage my kids to eat quickly. Then I began having problems with snacking after dinner because I wasn't satisfied. One night I attempted to eat my food slower, not only taking smaller bites, but chewing it slower and concentrating on the flavors. It helped me feel more satisfied with the meal and I did not snack afterwards.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
29 Jan 10
Hi moondancer.Yes,another person posted that information too today. I did not know this at all. But as I do have cardio problems I really need to lose at least 20 lbs. So I am going for it by exercising and cutting down on fats and carbs- but not eliminating them completely as I could not bear to give up bread entirely
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
30 Jan 10
Fun factor and exercising = total gaming fun. I didn't know it could be that awesome..and all these new gaming features coming up, from Wii and I'm sure other game developers are furiously punching out new methods to win customers hearts. Well done, Wii.. and kudos to a good exercise program that is certainly not boring. I can tell you are having fun already.
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
1 Feb 10
I'm glad that it did. And hoping for a healthy life, always.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
30 Jan 10
No it is not boring as the more you progressthey then add another option for you to try if you so wantto do so. It doesn'twork for everyone but it is working for me
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
1 Feb 10
Wii Fit is awesome. I used that last year and I lost 25 pounds by combining Wii Fit, Jillian Michael's Fitness Ultimatum and my stationary bike. I did, I hate to say, fall off of the band wagon for a while though because I went through a depressed period in my life. So, this week I am getting back on the band wagon. A bunch of the girls from our playgroup are starting to go to a cheap exercise class and I am planning on going as well. Plus, I need to get some batteries for my Wii Balance Board. I'm ready to go again.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
1 Feb 10
That is so great! I never could do the bike thing as it is too hard for me but I am now doing the advanced aerobics on wii- (says she boasting) I am having such fun and this is someone who would stay in bed until the last moment before doing the mad rush to get to work. You keep at it too and let us encourage each other
• United States
31 Jan 10
I'm not sure why you were surprised that the wii told you that you were obese. I'm glad you took it as a reality check though and decided to do something about it. Based on your height and gender you should be between 114 and 150 pounds. Do exercises you enjoy and stick with it.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
1 Feb 10
I certainly needed the reality check! Many thanks. If I got to 170 I would feel so happy.
@bystander (2292)
• Philippines
30 Jan 10
well, that's called shock treatment. they want to shock you into reality because they care for you. they know, probably, that being obese is not good. it carries health complications and they don't want you to suffer from any.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
30 Jan 10
Yes, I do know that they did it with love but felt cross for a bit. They do care and I will stick to it.Thaks for responding
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
1 Feb 10
You are so right.Many thanks
@bystander (2292)
• Philippines
31 Jan 10
being cross is being normal. you know, we're not comfortable with criticisms, especially when it is directed at our person -- our body, our talk and our demeanor... but reactions like that normally are considered and eventually thought about, especially when it comes from the family...