I’ve struggled for over a decade with my weight. Although I proclaimed last year that I wanted to get back down to my high school weight, but my efforts have been far less than successful. I know I could try harder, but I haven’t found the key to motivating me to eat better and lose weight faster.
In order to better motivate myself, I started listing all the ways I could save money by losing weight:
Life Insurance
Last week when we met with the insurance agent to discuss our life insurance needs, we discovered that I didn’t qualify for the best rate due to my weight. When I get my weight below 175, I can qualify for the lower rate as long as all of my other risk factors are still well-managed. Besides, weighing less will make it less likely that I will die due to a weight-related issue and that’s always a good thing.
Health Expenses
I believe I’ve isolated last year’s gastrointestinal issues to my weight and eating habits. Because of these issues, I’m on a long-term prescription and may need to undergo more frequent colonoscopies. And recent research I’ve read about points to the possibility that my migraines are also weight-related. If I get my weight back down into the “normal” range, there’s a chance I can forgo at least a good portion of those ailments and the related expenses.
Food Cost
Obviously, by eating less and eating smarter, I’ll spend less on food. We’re already doing a good job at home, but my snacking at work is sabotaging not only my weight, but my wallet.
Auto Fuel Usage
Just as you can save on gas usage by taking out unnecessary cargo and lightening your car, the 40 lb “spare tire” I’m carrying with me is cargo as well. If I can jettison that weight, I’ll use less fuel on every car trip. And by working to lose that weight by riding my bike more, I can further reduce my fuel consumption.
Water and Soap
Ok, this is a bit of a stretch, but I believe I can save in the shower as well. Since I’ll have less surface area to clean, I’ll require less soap and less water to get clean. Maybe I’ll save a few pennies each shower, but it still adds up!
What Did I Miss?
This is a quick list that I put together and I’m sure I missed something. How else can I save by losing weight? Please tell me in the comments!
Photo by: chrisphoto
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I was quite the fatty in high school. College lead to some weight gain but not a lot. I’d like to get back down to my 18 year old weight before getting married this fall. It won’t be enough to save money, but it feels good too!
I’ve been on a bit of the same page lately. I’ve been feeling a bit sluggish and I gained some “winter weight” that I would love to lose. I’ve been walking in the evenings the last couple of nights and one thing that I can add to your list is increased stamina. I have a lot more energy when I make myself exercise than when I don’t, I’d think it would be the opposite – exercise would wear me out, but nope! It gives me a huge boost and I have been super active lately.
Great stuff… I love this. I need to drop a 40 too,
This is the other side of the equation, but exercising and getting into shape will inspire confidence and creativity which can translate into better work performance. Studies also indicate that “good looking” people also earn more.
I also look at all the clothes in my closet that I hope to fit back into one day. I’d essentially find a whole new wardrobe if I started shedding some weight.
Stop that snacking at work! Also, many health insurance carriers are basing premiums on your current health status. They check your weight, BMI, tobacco and alcohol use, etc. Those indicators can increase or decrease your premiums. Although my husband’s weight was fine, one point on his BMI increased his premium by $10 a month.