The Matter of Weight.

May I offer an idea on this vexed question, not to those whose obesity or whose thinness may be a danger to health and consequently requires treatment by a specialist, but to those of average proportions.

So often, when speaking to friends, one hears them say, “I never felt so well as I did that summer …. or year … or at that age.” They content themselves usually with remarking on the fact. Sometimes they attempt to give reasons, chiefly that of climate. “I was living by the sea then. It suited me so well.” Occasionally they go so far as to admit that diet had something to do with it.

Very few endeavour to recreate the conditions which gave them, as they admit, the greatest physical well-being they have experienced. The blessings of good health are such that one would think it well worth pursuing. Most people, unfortunately, do not worry about health until they are ill.

The idea I suggest, is that well people should endeavour to approximate the weight they were when feeling nearest “100%.” That is a definite aim—and it is easier to work towards a weight than towards a remembered feeling of fitness.

The attainment of the aim will entail the consideration of diet, exercise and sleep. The matter of diet (for well people) is fairly simple. It is well known that plenty of milk, fruit and vegetables are essential. Increase these, and the poorer foodstuffs are cut out. A better balanced diet will not only reduce an overfat person, but also put flesh on the too-thin.

Regular and adequate exercise and sufficient sleep are matters of common sense.

Aim, then, for the ideal weight and regain the utmost in physical and mental well-being.