“I don’t have the time. I don’t know how. It’s hopeless.” Just some of the excuses that some people give when it comes to losing weight.

“I tell people to focus on the health.” We presented some popular excuses to Registered Dietitian, Elizabeth McCormick to get her take.

Number 1: ‘My genetic makeup is the reason why I am overweight.’ “There is a play in genetics, but it’s a small percentage in the grand scheme of things. You are in control of your weight for the majority. The unfortunate thing is that most families have the same sort of eating and exercise habits so is you are born into a family who eats large portions of food or eats out frequently, especially fast food or don’t really care about exercising, then you are going to also have the same habits as that.”

Number 2: ‘I am too old to exercise.’ “Its true that as we age, probably about every decade, our metabolism slows down about two percent.” I’ve had 60 and 70 year olds successful with losing weight through diet and exercise,” says McCormick.

Number 3: ‘I am too overweight. My metabolism is shot.’ “There’s no special food, no special pill, that’s going to help boost your metabolism. The bottom line is exercise. No matter what age you are, no matter how old you are, exercise is the one way to boost your metabolism.”

McCormick adds that losing just 10% of your body weight can improve your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure readings.

The dietitians at the Lee Center for Weight Management can help you put together an eating plan to help you lose weight. For more information, feel free to call them at 239-573-5720.