One Body, One Chance, Let’s Treat Get Your Health Right
Health isn’t just a checklist, it’s a relationship with your body. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores the excuses we make, the risks we take, and the simple truths that can lead to lasting change.
When was the last time you paid attention to your health?
Ahh! I hear you. You don’t have time. You don’t like the doctor’s office. Monitoring at home is a pain. You don’t have the tools to monitor anything. Those heart things on your cell phone seem too easy to trust. You don’t want to find out that something is wrong.
Have I caught all of them? Oh, you are scared and would much prefer to be surprised.
Look, you have one body. You are not like a car where the body can be replaced. You have one of these, and you are responsible for keeping it in good order. However, if you look around on the street or in the mall, you will clearly see that most of us do not keep this thing in good order.
Recent statistics show that 42% of U.S. adults are obese, and nearly three-quarters are overweight. That sounds scary.
If you are a traveler, you will notice that people in most other countries look very different. Most are the size and shape of a normal, healthy adult. Americans approach the size and shape of other mammals, such as walruses and whales. What is wrong with us?
How is it possible that billions of people in different parts of the world eat well, walk places, and maintain a healthy body weight? Americans spend close to $80 billion a year on weight loss. Read that again: billions of dollars.
Interestingly, Europe is catching up with the U.S., particularly in Spain, due to the popularity of new weight-loss drugs. These medications—like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro—are part of a class called GLP-1 agonists. While they can be effective, they come with a long list of potential side effects: pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, gallbladder issues, kidney problems, and allergic reactions.
Now, if a door-to-door salesman came by offering a new product with those side effects, how likely are you to buy his product or send him packing? What are we doing?
Ladies and gentlemen, food is available. Manage that, and it will not cost you a fortune. You will be able to reach your weight goals without risking long-term harm to your body. You will be stronger as you add exercise to your day. You will save a ton of money. You will be proud of yourself.
Want to explore how lifestyle changes support emotional and physical health? Visit CDC’s Healthy Weight portal and Psychology Today’s guide to small habits and big change.
If you’re navigating health concerns, emotional overwhelm, or lifestyle transitions, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support clarity, strength, and self-care.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst
