Mad at yourself because you have a weight problem and high blood sugar? Learning some facts may help.

The relationship between Type 2 diabetes and weight is complicated.
Consider the following facts:

• The majority of overweight/obese people do not get Type 2 diabetes – about 30% will.
• However, 85% of people who have Type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. And numerous studies have shown that being overweight/obese is a major risk factor for developing diabetes.

So, losing weight seems like it would be an obvious tactic to stave off the disease if someone is particularly vulnerable (for example, if diabetes runs in the family.)

But … weight loss is a complicated issue.

Consider:

• About 90% of people who lose weight gain it back. Many will return to dieting, gaining and losing many times in a process called weight cycling. 
• Researchers have found that weight cycling is a greater risk factor for diabetes than simply being overweight/obese.

A Call for Self-Acceptance

Rather than being a source of frustration, facts about weight, diabetes and diets can be a motivation to practice self-compassion. No doubt: Losing weight and keeping it off is a very difficult task.

All Kinds of People

• One out of 10 people will achieve an ideal weight and stay there.
• Others are able to lose a substantial amount of weight and keep it off, but remain overweight. (I’m in this group.)
• For some, weight loss is an impossible dream.

The Takeaway

Regardless of weight, all of us can do our best to practice a healthy lifestyle every day. Our  best on one day may be different than our best on another day.

We can step off the scale of judgement – and stay off.

Enjoy your personal best today!