I am an active member of a weight loss forum, and I say a topic posted today asking people why they want to lose weight. The obvious reason is to be healthy, but that begs the question “Why do you want to be healthy”. It took me a minute, but I have a litany of reasons why I want to lose weight and be healthy:

• First and foremost, my wife and I are finally ready to have children and I want to be healthy for kids. I want to be around as long as possible!
• I don’t want to have sleep apnea anymore. I don’t want the medical implications of lack of oxygen while I sleep.
• I have gout. I don’t want to have to worry about gout. Gout is awful.
• I am scared of Type 2 Diabetes
• I want to go to a pool and feel comfortable taking off my shirt. I’ve never felt good about it…ever.

As I look at my list of reasons, it strikes me that all of these reasons are for me. None of them are for anyone else. This makes me feel good and gives me a sense that I am on the right track. If nothing else, I want to be healthy for myself. To feel good about myself. To be happy.

What are your reasons for wanting to lose weight and be healthy? Are your reasons for you or are they for other people?