Why I Started Dieting
Right now, I am on a diet.
About ten years ago, my regular health checkup results were not very good.
Since then, I have been getting blood tests every three months to monitor my condition.
However, the results from about six months ago were especially bad.
My doctor strongly recommended that I lose weight.
Annual Health Checkups in Japan
Regular health checkups may be unusual in many countries.
In Japan, companies are legally required to provide employees with a health checkup once a year under the Labor Standards Act.
The company covers the cost of the basic examination.
Optional tests are usually paid for by the individual.
This system is possible because Japan has universal health insurance.
It is probably one of the reasons why Japanese people tend to live long lives.
How My Body Changed Over Time
When I was younger, I used to compete in track and field.
I was lean and muscular.
After I stopped competing and started drinking alcohol, I gradually gained weight.
Still, until my thirties, I could lose weight easily just by exercising a little.
Things changed in my forties.
I gained weight more easily and found it much harder to lose it.
Eventually, this started to affect my health.
My love of ramen—especially rich, fatty tonkotsu ramen and Iekei-style ramen—probably didn’t help.
Living with Health Risks
My cholesterol and triglyceride levels are slightly above the normal range.
My doctor warned me that if they get worse, the risk of stroke or heart attack would increase.
I don’t want to die suddenly.
That is why I continue regular monitoring and follow my doctor’s advice to live a healthier life.
Being a “Serious Patient”
I actually have a pharmacist’s license.
(I almost never use it at work, though.)
Because of that, I pay more attention to my health than most people do.
I also consider myself a serious patient who follows medical advice carefully.
What I Changed in My Daily Life
I try to avoid foods high in sugar and fat and eat more vegetables.
I also avoid sugary drinks, even though I love them.
Instead, I drink tea or black coffee.
Ideally, I would exercise every day.
I play golf about once a month, but on regular days, I try to walk 10,000 steps daily.
Because of my job, I can get medicines and supplements at lower prices.
I also take traditional herbal medicines and supplements intended to support weight loss.
Small Progress, Long-Term Goals
Thanks to these changes, I have lost about five kilograms in six months.
I plan to continue this routine, improve my health, and live a long life.
One of my personal goals is to be able to sleep without using a CPAP machine.
I will talk about CPAP another time.
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