When GQ reporter Kevin Schlittenhardt decided it was time to lose weight, he focused his progress on the number he saw on the scale and his Body Mass Index (BMI). While his number on the scale dropped substantially, he focused more on getting his BMI to a “normal body weight.” When he got to his goal weight on the scale, his BMI was still higher than what was considered healthy, but he felt great and looked great, so should he keep striving for that “ideal” BMI?
He sought advice from Strive Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation’s (Strive) Dr. Ryan Veltman, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at Strive’s Vineland Clinic, on the contentious issue of BMI. “Health is multi-faceted, but you need to start somewhere, and BMI can be a good starting point,” says Dr. Veltman. “However, I think there are more realistic things to go by. Number-chasing is a little outdated. Other things like how your clothes fit, do you need to buy new jeans, how you look and feel in the morning, energy levels, and satiety with hunger are arguably more important to look at.”
Dr. Veltman emphasized that health is more than just a number on a scale, how many miles you ran, or how many times you went to the gym that week. “The National Library of Medicine did a study where rather than simply putting someone into a diet to achieve a caloric deficit, they suggested lifestyle changes like eating a meal with your family three times a week, going out and doing something you enjoy two to four times a week. Then when they re-measured everyone, people lost weight. So, there is more to your health than just a number.”
Physical Therapy Near You
When it comes to losing weight, similar to physical therapy, you need to take a holistic approach. Address your lifestyle, not just your gym and eating habits. This comprehensive approach can inspire you to make positive changes in your life.
Our experienced therapists within the Confluent Health Family are here to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Whether recovering from an injury or looking to manage pain, early intervention can lead to faster progress and long-lasting results. Take the first step toward improved mobility and wellness. Find a physical therapy clinic near you today and take the first step toward improved mobility and health.