Food and Nutrition - Curbing Obesity

The health, economic and social costs of being overweight and obese are high to both the healthcare system and to the individuals.

 

In general, individuals who are overweight and obese are highly susceptible to the risk of a range of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, gout, gall stones, colorectal cancer and breast cancer.

 

Those with a BMI (body mass index) of 25 or higher are considered overweight while those with BMI of 30 or higher are considered obese.

 

In order to stop overweight and to curb obesity, it is a must to change one's lifestyle as well as to modify one's eating habits.

 

Lifestyle

  • Physical exercise and activity which include sporting activities help to build muscle mass and increase physical metabolism in turn helps to burn calories;

     

  • Unfortunately 25% of the population exercise regularly;

     

  • Taking supper is an unhealthy habit which has to be halted as this habit depress the secretion of growth hormones during sleep, which leads to increased fat storage;

     

  • Consumption of packaged fruit juices, cereal or bread/jam based breakfast also depresses metabolism for several hours;

     

  • Chronic stress also promotes weight gain.

Unhealthy Food Cravings

  • Obese  have a higher addiction to processed carbohydrates and sugar;

     

  • Obese feel compelled to eat more high energy foods like sweets to feel satisfied to compensate for their low dopamine state;

     

  • Anxiety and depression can promote food cravings;

     

  • Avoid food that contain artificial sweeteners and preservatives;

     

  • Drinking powdered cocoa may be more healthy due to its rich antioxidants than eating chocolates.

Dietary Habits

  • Avoid consuming excessive amounts of processed carbohydrates and sugar as it causes hormonal imbalances, fat gain, fungal infection, skin disorders and mood disorders. It also slows metabolism, which lead to further fat storage;

     

  • Consume more of wheat germ, wheat bran, peanut, pumpkin seeds, almond, pecan nuts, cashew nuts, parsley, and egg white. Sufficient complex carbohydrates from vegetables and whole grains slows the release of sugar into the blood stream and normalize insulin levels;

     

  • Starting a meal with protein-rich food causes the release of leptin, which is an appetite-suppressing hormone.

Beverage

  • Green tea catechins (polyphenols) raise metabolism and antioxidant defense without causing palpitation and hypertension and is very effective in achieving fat loss. Exercising together with consuming catechins will help to lose even more fats;

     

  • Virgin coconut oil raises metabolic rate to burn more calories. It contains unique medium-chain saturated fatty acids, which are also found in human breast milk.

 

Disclaimer
 
Information on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or attempt to prevent any disease without the advice of a qualified physician or a qualified medical professional or a qualified health practitioner. If you suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Wellness N Recreation.com does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this website. Wellness N Recreation.com disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information. None of the statements or products have been evaluated by FDA and we do not claim to cure, prevent or treat any illness or disease.

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