Are My Health Coach's Words Accurate?
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laurawaterman19 wrote: »Please tell me you aren't paying this person anything...
You definitely have weight to lose, but nothing that screams "omg, health scare!!" And yes, all those body fat scales are inaccurate. You could one reading in the morning and a completely different one at night. However, as long as you are losing weight, body fat percentage isn't really that important. Keep eating well and strength training and your body fat will drop.
No, I'm not paying her. I'll stop stressing. Well, I'll try. It's difficult when I'm getting the 3rd degree from her for being so unhealthy. I just need to keep going and losing weight and then it won't be an issue anymore
"So unhealthy"?
What else is she saying you should do?1 -
You say you aren't paying her, but it's she your Herbalife distributor? Because then you are paying her and she may be saying things to make you buy more products. It's very concerning that she's so negative and dire in her pronouncements while having no formal education in any of this.15
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Should you be doing what you're ALREADY currently doing?
For optimal health? Probably yes.
Do you look like you're in extreme dire danger and deserve to get the **kitten** scared out of you?
Probably not.
And what's the point? (since you're already working on it).
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laurawaterman19 wrote: »Please tell me you aren't paying this person anything...
You definitely have weight to lose, but nothing that screams "omg, health scare!!" And yes, all those body fat scales are inaccurate. You could one reading in the morning and a completely different one at night. However, as long as you are losing weight, body fat percentage isn't really that important. Keep eating well and strength training and your body fat will drop.
No, I'm not paying her. I'll stop stressing. Well, I'll try. It's difficult when I'm getting the 3rd degree from her for being so unhealthy. I just need to keep going and losing weight and then it won't be an issue anymore
why are you even caring what someone with NO qualifications even THINKS?
look, ditch the person (as a consultant but id also probably ditch as a friend for treating me like *kitten*). Work on creating sustainable habits regarding food and exercise that will help you achieve your goals. consult with your DOCTOR about any health issues or concerns. Nothing is going to happen fast. Be patient. Be consistent. Youll get there.4 -
laurawaterman19 wrote: »Please tell me you aren't paying this person anything...
You definitely have weight to lose, but nothing that screams "omg, health scare!!" And yes, all those body fat scales are inaccurate. You could one reading in the morning and a completely different one at night. However, as long as you are losing weight, body fat percentage isn't really that important. Keep eating well and strength training and your body fat will drop.
No, I'm not paying her. I'll stop stressing. Well, I'll try. It's difficult when I'm getting the 3rd degree from her for being so unhealthy. I just need to keep going and losing weight and then it won't be an issue anymore
Laura, there is nothing "wrong" with the way you look, and 30% is not dire straits leading directly into diabetes and pulmonary embolisms... not necessarily. Your "coach", and I use that term even looser than you do, is crying wolf and pulling the fire alarm on you when really what is happening is that you've got the heat turned up a bit too high on the bbq grill.
Unless this family/friend/coach with no training as a dietitian or personal trainer is actually employed as a certified physician, I'd throw what they are saying out the window.
Maintain healthy eating habits at a slight caloric deficit, start or continue some strength training and I suspect you'll loose the little bit of belly fat in good time, at a healthy rate.
It's clear that this person is really just causing you stress and anxiety over this... thank her for raising your cortisol levels and adding to the problem (sarcasm), but that you'll take care of it from here.
Best of luck to you, check in with the forum group often- it's great here for realistic reinforcement and positivity.9 -
laurawaterman19 wrote: »Please tell me you aren't paying this person anything...
You definitely have weight to lose, but nothing that screams "omg, health scare!!" And yes, all those body fat scales are inaccurate. You could one reading in the morning and a completely different one at night. However, as long as you are losing weight, body fat percentage isn't really that important. Keep eating well and strength training and your body fat will drop.
No, I'm not paying her. I'll stop stressing. Well, I'll try. It's difficult when I'm getting the 3rd degree from her for being so unhealthy. I just need to keep going and losing weight and then it won't be an issue anymore
Even though she's family you don't have to discuss it with her if the 3rd degree is upsetting you
I find "thank you for your concern but I don't want to discuss this anymore, I have it under control" works well followed by a subject change0 -
I've been following this thread since the OP started. OP, I think you look great in the photo, and I wished I still looked as good. There's no way I'm posting a photo of myself in a two piece or underwear online! You have some weight to lose but the "coach" is being ridiculous. Just continue what you are doing as others have said. Don't let her destroy your confidence.1
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Your picture shows you all you need to know - you have some weight/fat to lose, not a huge amount. No need for alarm.
I have an instinctive dislike of unqualified "coaches".
When I was an advanced motorcycling riding coach and a rugby coach I had to do courses to learn the subjects and pass assessments and exams to ensure I reached the required standard.....
As she is family it's harder but if you aren't getting either knowledge or support from her then it's time to step away or take control with a frank exchange about encouragement and support versus being a drama llama!
You look more like 30% BF to me which is high end of average.
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VintageFeline wrote: »laurawaterman19 wrote: »VintageFeline wrote: »While I absolutely agree the scales can be inaccurate I think getting a scan is really unnecessary for the general population. I'm very much into human physiology, lean mass, gaining and losing fat and lean mass, strength training, all that stuff. I still wouldn't go and get a scan, visual is good enough for me.
Thanks for your input. So visually then, how would you feel about my body composition and my level of fat?
I actually think around 30% is right. Your legs and arms are a bit lower but due to the middle/belly it bumps it up and as mentioned, that is the the least ideal place to store excess.The good news is that with the rest of you being relatively leaner it should come off your tummy at a nice pace now. Just keep going and see where you are as you progress.
I absolutely advocate for strength training of some description, it will help retain lean mass that we inevitably lose as we lose weight and once at goal/a happy place it will continue to improve your composition.
I agree with this. Definitely incorporate strength training into your program, and do whatever cardio you find enjoyable, and don't limit yourself to the traditional boring stuff that people feel they have to do.1 -
I’d also add well done for posting your photo, not sure I’m brave enough to do that! You can def do this without worrying about the BF %0
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I'm a little curious what program your friend is involved with. There are a lot of indications here that she's selling something and based on her comments to you it's prompting her to use high pressure sales tactics in the form of "helping" you.9
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laurawaterman19 wrote: »Okay, so I have a “health coach” who does my weekly weigh ins with one of those body fat scales. When I say health coach, I use that term very loosely, she’s not like a qualified anything, but she’s done some informal training, and she’s family.
Anyway, she’s really worried about my fat %. Like, telling me I’m going to get all these diseases and that it’s really, really, alarmingly high. The scale says I’m sitting on 33% body fat, which I know isn’t healthy, but I don’t feel like I’m as unhealthy and fat as she makes it out to be.
I’m 5’4 and currently at 74kg (163cm and 163lbs), there’s a picture of me too so you can see how my body holds it.
I’m still on my weight loss journey, so I’m certainly not settling at 33%, but is it really as bad as she makes it out to be?
Thanks for your honest opinions guys
You know there are health risks to being overweight and carrying extra fat in the belly area. You are working on it. I don't think you need to stress over it that much. Obviously getting to a healthy weight will help reduce health risks.
If you are concerned about your immediate health go see a doctor and discuss your concerns.
I'd think about getting this coach person out of your weight loss journey if they are stressing you out.4 -
Alatariel75 wrote: »You say you aren't paying her, but it's she your Herbalife distributor? Because then you are paying her and she may be saying things to make you buy more products. It's very concerning that she's so negative and dire in her pronouncements while having no formal education in any of this.
Yes, she's my distributor, however, I'm not purchasing the products at a marked up value, she's selling them to me at her cost value, so she's not making any money off of me.10 -
jasondjulian wrote: »laurawaterman19 wrote: »Please tell me you aren't paying this person anything...
You definitely have weight to lose, but nothing that screams "omg, health scare!!" And yes, all those body fat scales are inaccurate. You could one reading in the morning and a completely different one at night. However, as long as you are losing weight, body fat percentage isn't really that important. Keep eating well and strength training and your body fat will drop.
No, I'm not paying her. I'll stop stressing. Well, I'll try. It's difficult when I'm getting the 3rd degree from her for being so unhealthy. I just need to keep going and losing weight and then it won't be an issue anymore
Laura, there is nothing "wrong" with the way you look, and 30% is not dire straits leading directly into diabetes and pulmonary embolisms... not necessarily. Your "coach", and I use that term even looser than you do, is crying wolf and pulling the fire alarm on you when really what is happening is that you've got the heat turned up a bit too high on the bbq grill.
Unless this family/friend/coach with no training as a dietitian or personal trainer is actually employed as a certified physician, I'd throw what they are saying out the window.
Maintain healthy eating habits at a slight caloric deficit, start or continue some strength training and I suspect you'll loose the little bit of belly fat in good time, at a healthy rate.
It's clear that this person is really just causing you stress and anxiety over this... thank her for raising your cortisol levels and adding to the problem (sarcasm), but that you'll take care of it from here.
Best of luck to you, check in with the forum group often- it's great here for realistic reinforcement and positivity.
Thanks for your input! And you're so right, the feedback that I've received from everyone has made me feel so much better.0 -
laurawaterman19 wrote: »Alatariel75 wrote: »You say you aren't paying her, but it's she your Herbalife distributor? Because then you are paying her and she may be saying things to make you buy more products. It's very concerning that she's so negative and dire in her pronouncements while having no formal education in any of this.
Yes, she's my distributor, however, I'm not purchasing the products at a marked up value, she's selling them to me at her cost value, so she's not making any money off of me.
One of the reasons people distrust Herbalife so much is that their distributors are often encouraged to make false or misleading statements to their clients and potential clients in order to solidify their loyalty to the company and its products. Your friend may not know any better, but it sounds like they are passing on some of the fearmongering and nonsense that Herbalife distributors often pass on. It's one of the reasons the title "health coach" is not to be trusted at all. They often have no knowledge beyond a company brochure and some dubious claims passed down through message boards or the upper levels in their pyramid scheme.13 -
IMO you look really good for your weight. I'm 12 lbs lighter and look chubbier for about the same height!
Could you benefit from losing weight? Sure. Is it life-threatening to be 15 lbs in the overweight range? Absolutely not.2 -
I just want to say thanks to everyone for their input, it's helped a lot and made me feel a lot better. I'll just continue on my journey and take whatever she has to say with a gain of salt. If he comments get any worse, then I think I'll stop doing weigh ins with her, but for the time being, I'll just track my progress with her, and politely tell her that I don't need the 3rd degree if she starts with it.
Thanks again guys, really appreciate the support. Really feeling the MFP love.9 -
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I have a friend who was pushing supplements at me, $300 a month. I finally asked her for a list of ingredients (caffeine and a boatload of herbs) then told her my doctor, reviewing my history, doesn't want me to take unregulated, non-prescription pills. We're still friends but she can't understand how I'm losing weight faster than she is without using her product.
The doctor excuse is a good one to get yourself out of the HL scheme. Any decent doctor is going to tell you not to put mystery products in your body.
This article will explain the pressure she is getting from Herbal Life to keep you as a customer and develop you into another seller.
http://www.slate.com/articles/business/moneybox/2016/05/the_government_is_finally_closing_in_on_herbalife_herbalife_will_fight_back.html6 -
While having more body fat than desired INCREASES RISK for disease, it doesn't necessarily mean one will have it happen. Body fat is just part of health issues. Stress, lack of rest, genetics, risk behavior, happiness with yourself, etc. all attribute to one's overall health.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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