It seems that Texans have been lying about their health and fitness habits! No way! I live in Texas but I did not participate in this survey. I stake my claim now that I was born and raised in New Mexico! They say all things are bigger and better in Texas…
All kidding aside, this survey says much about human nature. We will sometimes lie to cover up the real truth about ourselves. To make real changes to any behavior, you must admit to the problem.
According to the True Results Health Honesty Survey, 46 percent of those surveyed are not honest with family members and 32 percent admit to lying to doctors. True Results is a team of leading weight loss experts based in Texas.
"Lying about your health and fitness, if even only a few times per year, can signify a fundamental issue in your ability to achieve your health goals," said Jessica Diaz, nutritionist and exercise physiologist for True Results. "Numerous studies have shown, the key to achieving any health or fitness goal is support from those around you and that cannot happen if you're not honest with yourself or others."
The True Results' survey also revealed that slightly more women lie about their health and fitness habits to family than men (50 percent versus 43 percent) and to their doctors (34 percent versus 28 percent).
Weight categories were calculated by determining each respondent's body mass index (BMI), or measure of body fat based on height and weight. (Author’s note: body fat percentage based on skinfolds, for example, are more accurate and helpful than BMI because they tell you where you are fat).
The survey also showed that underweight people lie at similar rates to those who are overweight (43 percent lie to family and 29 percent lie to doctors).
The statewide survey was conducted by Promark Research Corporation, a public opinion research firm on behalf of True Results. A total of 802 residents of Texas were surveyed online. Results are considered accurate to +/- 3.46% 19 times out of 20.
So, what does this mean to you and your efforts to transform your body to lean and toned? Here are my tips:
1. Be honest about the state of your health and fitness. Get that physical exam you have been putting off. Do you know your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and body fat percentage? If not, find out and start working to improve your health.
2. Don’t focus on weight loss. This will make you susceptible to using weight loss pills and quick weight loss programs. These gimmicks never work long-term and leave you poorer and heavier for your efforts! If you have been yo-yoing with weight loss and more weight regain, stop the cycle. Start working to transform your body and not to just lose weight.
3. It will take time to transform your body to lean and toned. You have to make real, lasting changes to your eating and exercise habits. I would recommend that you meet with a personal trainer to help you set realistic goals and provide you with a manageable fat loss program. This is the only way to lose weight and keep it off.
4. Tell your friends and loved ones about your body transformation goals. Research proves that we are more likely to succeed when others hold us accountable. Telling a workout buddy would be even better.
Take your own personal survey and start improving your health and fitness.
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES, CPT is a Certified Personal Trainer and former NCAA Division I athlete. Mark is the owner of My Fitness Hut, Her Fitness Hut, Sports Fitness Hut and My Nutrition Hut. Mark’s Fat Blaster Athletic Training System has been proven to give his clients the fit, sculpted and athletic-type bodies they want. Visit Mark’s main site:
Your Fitness University http://yourfitnessuniversity.com