What the scale didn’t tell me

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.  

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.