Conquer Obesity by Changing Your Lifestyle
- By:Sue Brubaker
Obesity is a widespread condition that is plaguing many individuals today. It is so rampant in today`s society that it is now considered a public health concern.
When a person`s intake of energy, which he gets from the food he eats, exceeds that of the energy burned or expended, the excess energy is stored in the body as fatty tissues. Over time, the amount of fat accumulates. When the accumulation of fat posses a serious risk to one`s health, the condition is known as obesity.
One way to tell if a person is obese is to use Body Mass Index or BMI. The BMI is computed by dividing a person`s weight (kilograms) by their height (meters) squared. If the BMI is 30.0 or higher, the person is classified as obese. Other methods involve measuring waist circumference or body fat percentage.
The Department of Health and Human Services has a Body Mass Calculator available for adults and children.
Obesity is a dangerous and life-threatening condition. Obesity can lead to other health problems such as diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, and various other afflictions. Obese people have a shorter life expectancy than people with normal weight.
Obesity can also negatively affect one`s mental and social wellbeing. People suffering from obesity are more likely to have self-esteem issues as well as suffer from depression.
What accounts for the rapid increase of obesity within society today? The culprit is the current lifestyle. People are living in a world of fast-food restaurants and broadband internet connections. This results in an imbalance where there is more intake or consumption than energy expended.
In order to conquer the growing obesity epidemic, it is vital to live a healthy lifestyle. Doing this will result in a longer life expectancy, as well as improving the overall quality of life.
To conquer obesity, you must simply expend more energy than you consume. This means practicing healthy eating habits as well as engaging in physical activity.
With all the available diets today, choosing one which is right for you can be a difficult task. It is important to remember that different diets work well for different people.
To help you choose which diet is right for you, and for information on the top diets of 2007, go to www.AntiAgeCenter.com
When choosing a diet, pick one that suits your particular needs. More importantly, choose one that you can maintain for a long period of time. Don`t go for the trendy short-term diets that promise quick weight loss. Eating right and losing weight takes time, effort, and dedication.
Some good eating habits to practice are:
1) Avoid eating food that are rich in fat and carbohydrates. Overeating can greatly contribute to the fat stored in your body.
2) Eat a balanced diet, consisting of a variety of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables.
3) Have meals regularly. Avoid impulsive eating, especially late night bingeing.
4) Take your time when eating. Chew food thoroughly before you swallow in order to facilitate digestion.
In order to maintain balance, you need to burn the nutrients that you have taken in. This can be done by engaging in physical activities. This means watching less television and doing more exercise.
Exercise can encompass a variety of activities that include cycling, swimming, playing sports, jogging, etc. Just like choosing a diet, pick an activity that is right for you. It must be something that you can enjoy and do often.
Take note: the activity does not have to be overly strenuous. Just walking around the block a few times a day can be greatly beneficial.
To help you choose which exercise program is right for you, and for information on the top exercise programs of 2007, go to www.AntiAgeCenter.com
It is also a good idea to incorporate physical activities in your daily routine. Here are some ways to achieve this:
1) Try to get some household work done. Things like cleaning or doing improvements in the house are good forms of exercise and will make the surroundings more pleasant.
2) Avoid driving short distances. If it is possible, try to walk or ride a bike instead.
3) Avoid using elevators or other lifts. If possible, use the stairs.
4) Don`t waste another day mulling around, eating potato chips while watching TV.
Obesity is a real problem in today`s society, but it can be beaten. By incorporating these simple lifestyle changes into your life, you can conquer obesity with ease.
About the author:
Sue Brubaker is the creator of http:www.antiagecenter.com where she shares information gathered from years of study