Two co-workers have discreetly inquired about my health. The concern stemmed from my weight loss. The past five months I've lost about 30 pounds.

I was hoping people would notice my slimness (well, my slimmer-ness. I still need to drop about 20 more pounds to be within the recommended weight for my 5-foot-1 (and one-half) inches).

It never occurred to me that losing weight would be equated with ill health. Granted, I've been pudgy (my euphemism for overweight leaning toward obesity) for the nine years I've worked at The Fresno Bee -- so I can understand people's surprise at my dropping pounds. But to link weight loss to illness?

With all the attention on obesity and body-fat ratios on television and in magazines and newspapers and on computer health sites, wouldn't we think someone was in better health rather than poorer health when they have lost weight?

Check out MedlinePlus if you want to learn more about how good health goes hand-in-hand with a healthy weight loss.