Looking for a Magic Pill

It still amazes me to see people with high cholesterol “doing all the right things” by taking niacin supplements to boost their HDL, taking fish oil, exercising and/or even taking statins and still maintain their “old” lifestyle BECAUSE they are taking those precautions! Everyday Health’s own Dr. Arthur Agatston was recently asked “I'm already taking a statin — shouldn't this protect me from a heart attack?” His response in a nutshell? NO! Read his answer here.

What are people thinking? Statin drugs are not magic pills!! If you don’t take ownership for your own life, who will? I recently saw a rather large man at McDonald’s eating two quarter-pounders, a super-sized fry and milk shake. When he was finished he then lifted his shirt and gave himself an insulin shot. He then proceeded to eat four McDonald apple pies. He seemed quite pleased with himself that he ‘offset’ an episode by anticipating a rise in his blood sugar because of what he had just eaten. I overheard him tell another man that the doctor’s just can’t seem to figure out why his diabetes isn’t under control. Are you kidding me?

Is it just me or do some people really believe they can take a magic pill or injection and all will be better? Do they realize they may not have to take meds their whole life if they incorporate a lifestyle change? Granted, there are those who are genetically-challenged who may have to, but I don’t feel this is the norm.

According to Forbes ... There are currently 1.6 billion overweight adults in the world, according to the World Health Organization. That number is projected to grow by 40% over the next 10 years. The United States ranks ninth on a list that reflects the percentage of overweight adults aged 15 and over. These are individuals who have individual body mass indexes, which measures weight relative to height, greater than or equal to 25. Obese is defined as having a BMI greater than or equal to 30.

Wonder what your BMI is? Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. Visit What’s My BMI? and find out!

Did you get your BMI? Is it below 30? Yes? Good for you? No? What’s are you going to do about it? Got a muffin top ... beer belly ... love handles ... spare tire ... can you pinch an inch? Here's a way to take control of the battle of the bulge ... and don't despair ... you will lose that spare tire, but there's no secret formula ... there is no magic bullet, diet plan, specific food, or type of exercise that specifically targets belly fat ... and I don’t care what you find on the Internet or magazine that promises you otherwise.  The truth is you need to reduce your calories and exercise. I found this little blog about losing belly fat ... it worked for me.

So, there it is, my friends, it’s all up to us ... but we’re not alone. Up for the challenge?