Weight loss is about more than simply controlling what you eat and when you eat it. Even the most restrictive diet will need to be backed up with an increase in your level of activity. If you eat too few calories, you will have little energy, which means that exercise will not be an option. It is far better to eat a healthy diet, which will keep your body in peak condition, so that you can benefit from an increase in exercise also.................Read More Here
British women fattest in Europe
It's official girls, we British women are the fattest in Europe. We can hold our hands up in horror and deny it but you only have to look around the UK high street to find proof of this latest report. The latest damning figures follow a European Union led report. The information was gathered by Data agency Eurostat. Its finding were that in the UK, 23.9% of women were recorded as being obese in the year 2008 to 2009. Since 2009 the UK has faced more swingeing government cuts and pay cuts. However it is doubtful that will have helped the figures. Cheaper foods which fill you up are often fattening. There are many other factors though.....Read More Here
How to count calories in your food
Most of us are lucky enough nowadays to be able to read labels on products, which clearly state the nutritional value, ingredients and calories in packaged foods. It is always important to remember that if the calorific value relates to a 100g portion that amount will need to be what you eat in order to add up your calories correctly. If you increase the portion you must increase the calorie count......more here
52-year-old Paul Mason, from Ipswich, Suffolk, in the UK, was once called the fattest man in the world, but not any more. Paul has slimmed down from a rather large 70 stone, or 444kg, to a mere shadow of his former self at 24 stone. Paul knows he still has work to do but he deserves a pat on the ........more
UK and US obesity epidemic predicted by 2030
As many around the world face severe famine, and poor diet due to poverty, all too many other people in the West have a different problem. A more sedentary life added to a more affluent life-style, than that of years gone by, is steadily increasing people's overall weight. There is of course more to it than that, but those two factors are a good place to start. To understand obesity though you need to know its definition.
What is obesity?
Obesity is more than simply carrying around a few extra pounds of weight. That said you may surprised at the level of weight which can be classed as obese. In general these days medical professionals use a BMI, or Body Mass Index, to calculate whether a person is underweight, the correct weight, overweight, fat, obese or morbidly obese. That word morbid should tell you that too much weight is not good for you. It can shorten your lifespan and also ruin your quality of life.
A BMI calculates where you fall in those categories using your weight to height ratio. It takes into account the difference between men and women also. In general an obese person has so much fat accumulated around their body that it compromises their health.
Getting it into perspective.
Weight is just one factor of health and a good quality of life. It is important that you do not become over anxious about a few excess pounds. Under pressure some people find they diet to excess damaging their health of even become anorexic or bulimic. A sensible long term approach is the best way to reduce weight and ensure that the extra pounds stay off.
Natural body weight and genetics.
We may all be "what we eat" but we are also the product of our parents. Family failings such as fat thighs can be inherited. Luckily good family traits such as a slim waist could also be. However, remember not to simply blame genetics. They just mean that your natural healthy body weight could be a little more than another persons. We can always improve our weight and appearance with a little effort but if you have inherited short, stumpy legs you are stuck with them. Even those though will look better with less excess weight on them.
UK and US obesity Study
Today the results of a recent study into obesity have been revealed. They send out a stark warning. If we carry on as we are right now the levels of obesity by 2030 will be frightening. The figures estimate that the number of obese people will rise from 99 million in 2008 to 164 million by 2030 in the US, and the number of obese people in the United Kingdom will increase from 15 million to 26 million. A nation of fatties on both sides of the Atlantic.
Causes
Apart from a more sedentary life added to a more affluent life-style, as discussed earlier, other contributing factors in the increase in obesity include:
An increase in fast-food such as ready-microwavable-meals
An increase in junk food
Poor diet
Limited diet
Spoiled children
Cheap non-essential food such as sweets, candies, chocolate and take-away foods
Excessive use of a personal vehicle
More disposable income
More food stuffs readily available
Cheap supermarket foods
People choosing the wrong foods.
Poverty, which means people often buy the cheaper alternatives no matter how unhealthy they are
Ignorance
There are many reasons for obesity and for some it will simply be greed. With so many different, tasty foods on offer these days it can be hard to resist.
Statistics.
The increased incidence in overweight people in the UK and US has led to many other problems. Obese patients are more likely to develop diabetes, heart problems, joint and bone problems, cancer and much more. This leads to a drain on resources as people require more medical intervention and become unable to work. All in all obesity, in a way similar to smoking and alcohol abuse, costs countries such as the UK and the US, a small fortune. If they continue to increase it will be a large fortune.
Government involvement in tackling obesity
As the staggering figures sink in the government is looking at various means available to tackle this weighty problem. These include a "fat tax" on certain foods. However, that hits everyone and infringes on people's freedoms.
Fighting the Flab
Losing weight slowly and steadily is the best way. Lose too much too soon and it will return quickly. Plus this is about getting healthier. Plan a sensible diet which allows you a life also. Diets which are too restrictive can cause health problems. Include some regular exercises and the pounds will shift. With age it can be harder to lose weight. Hormones play havoc with a woman's weight and body shape. It is still possible to lose weight but requires more determination and time.
On the whole remember if you eat more than you burn off each day you will put on weight. The odd pound or two here and there can soon be moved but if you are not careful a few pounds may become a few stones. It is easier to keep on top of a weight problem that have lots of weight to lose.
Some people find though that to lose weight they simply need to change their lifestyle. It is all about finding the right balance for you. Alcohol is fattening but in moderation it is ok. We all need some pleasures in life. However if you don't want to be part of the INCREASE IN OBESITY STATISTICS, heed the warning NOW.
Disclaimer: Articles are based on personal experiences. They are not aimed at misleading the reader nor excluding a consultation with a health care professional. Please contact you health carer for professional advice.
