I have lost 40 pounds over the past two years and I work out four to five days a week. When I stepped onto the InBody device, which measures where fat is distributed on your body, I knew in advance, or thought I did, that the results would be fantastic for a 61-year-old female. I walked in for the test feeling downright cocky. I wanted to have the test because heart disease and stroke run rampant in my family. My mom had five heart attacks between ages 50 and 75 and my dad had a stroke at 30. Some of the women in the family had bypass surgery or their carotid arteries cleaned out well before my current age. I am aware I am at risk, which is why I lost weight and I exercise. I thought I had done a good job of protecting myself from my family history. I was wrong.
I was surprised to discover that my results were not good. Even after my weight loss, I am carrying way too much belly fat. Although I find that fact disheartening, it is something I can change. I also, in general, carry too much fat on the rest my body. This isn’t about looks. It’s about staying alive and living the best life I can. Still being at risk is not something I would have even considered prior to the test. Like I said, I walked in feeling pretty cocky.
I will be working on reducing my belly fat and having a retest next year. I expect the results to be better now that I know and understand the risk. I have a grandson I want to see grown and married before I go, and lots of things I want to do with my life. I’m glad I had the test. Life is just too short not to fix the things you can. Â
Joni Grant has lived in Springfield for 27 years and works in the field of technology. She has a daughter and a grandson. She developed an interest in getting fit at age 58 and now enjoys competitive powerlifting.
This article appears in Jan 26 – Feb 1, 2017.
