Diet

What are overweight and obesity

Overweight refers to an excess of body weight compared to set standards. The excess weight may come from muscle, bone, fat, and/or body water.

Obesity refers specifically to having an abnormally high proportion of body fat. A person can be overweight without being obese, as in the example of a bodybuilder or other athlete who has a lot of muscle. However, many people who are overweight are also obese.


Click herefor weight loss advice by Dr Phil

Benefits of Losing Weight

There is a strong relationship between your personal sense of involvement and investment in weight loss and the potential for succeeding on any weight loss plan. One way to increase your sense of investment in this issue is to learn how losing will reduce your risk of having some health problems that we all would like to avoid.

How are overweight and obesity measured - What is BMI ?

A number of methods are used to determine if someone is overweight or obese. Some are based on the relationship between height and weight; others are based on measurements of body fat. The most commonly used method today is body mass index (BMI).

BMI can be used to screen for both overweight and obesity in adults. It is the measurement of choice for many obesity researchers and other health professionals, as well as the definition used in most published information on overweight and obesity. BMI is a calculation based on height and weight, and it is not gender-specific. BMI does not directly measure percent of body fat, but it is a more accurate indicator of overweight and obesity than relying on weight alone.

BMI is found by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. The mathematical formula is:
weight (kg) / height squared (m²).

To determine BMI using pounds and inches, multiply your weight in pounds by 704.5,* then divide the result by your height in inches, and divide that result by your height in inches a second time. (Or you can use the BMI calculator at http://www.halls.md/body-mass-index/av.htm)

* The multiplier 704.5 is used by the National Institutes of Health. Other organizations may use a slightly different multiplier; for example, the American Dietetic Association suggests multiplying by 700. The variation in outcome (a few tenths) is insignificant.

Click here to read a great diet success story "Awaken the Diet Within: From Overweight to Looking Great-If I Can Do It, So Can You"

Should I worry about weight?

No, because just worrying is a pointless exercise.

What you should do is:
• try and eat healthily and take some regular exercise, whatever your weight
• recognise that being overweight or obese is bad for your health and that the heavier you are, the worse it is
• know whether you are overweight or obese
If you (or any of your family) are overweight or obese, you should also learn what you can do about it, even if you choose to do nothing now.

It is strongly recommended that:
• people who are overweight or obese should try to eat a healthy diet and take regular exercise - this will help keep you fit, whatever your weight
• people who are overweight or obese should avoid putting on more weight
• people who are overweight or obese should aim to lose weight
• parents should help their children avoid being or becoming overweight or obese

And remember - even if you are happy with your weight, eating well and taking regular exercise will help improve your health and protect you from coronary heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

How can I lose weight?

A matter of energy balance
Being overweight comes down to a seemingly simple relationship between your intake of food and physical activity.

Excess fat is stored when people take in more energy (food) than they are using up (by walking, doing exercise, cleaning, running etc.) We live in a society where calorie-dense, convenience foods are available at relatively low prices, and where people do very little physical activity. For example we drive to work, take the lift rather than walk up the stairs, spend hours on the internet or watching television.

In general, most women will lose weight if they eat or drink between 1,200 and1,500 calories per day, and most men will lose weight if they eat or drink between 1,500 and 1,800 calories per day.


Click here to read more advice on healthy eating - "Eat, Drink And Be Healthy" by Walter C. Willett, M.D.

Eat, Drink And Be Healthy - Watch What You Eat

The following are some of the steps, from the nutrition and weight-management book "Eat, Drink And Be Healthy" by Walter C. Willett, M.D., (Click Here)
Chairman of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, can help you maintain a healthy BMI or lower one that's high.

Watch What You Eat
The two factors that influence what you weigh are amount of physical activity and how much you eat. Dr. Willett suggests focusing on the following dietary practices to monitor and control the calories you consume.

Keep track of your calories
To maintain your current weight, you have to burn more calories than you consume. Writing down what you eat is the first step toward making a change. Right now, you may have no idea how many calories you take in each day. (The average number used by health professionals and the food industry is 2,000 calories per day.) Keep a notepad with you and jot down what you eat throughout the day, and the approximate portion sizes of each item.

Practice defensive eating
In our "super-size it" society, overeating is easy, automatic and nearly inevitable. To protect against the onslaught of messages tempting us to eat more food and larger portions, Dr. Willett suggests these steps:
• Stop before you're stuffed.
"Clean your plate" was not good advice. (Sorry, mom.) Walk away from your plate feeling satisfied but light.
• Don't eat things just because they're available.
If you stock your pantry with high-calorie snacks, chances are that you'll eat them. Make life easier for yourself and don't bring tempting items into your home. Instead, stock fruit (apples, grapes) and whole-grain crackers.
• Choose small portions.
You can control portion size at home. Dining out, however, requires some planning. Know that the portions you get in restaurants and fast-food joints are often double (at least) a normal portion size.
• Eat slowly.
Your digestive system sends signals when it's had enough. If you eat too quickly, this process can't keep up, and you end up eating more than you need.
According to Dr. Willett, most people can control their weight by being conscious of what they eat and by getting daily exercise. The reward is a longer, healthier life.

Want to find out more? - Search Here

Want your own web site and a FREE domain name - Click here - From $9.90 per month plus FREE domain name.

Read other health related sites

Prescription drugs and Tramadol Buy cheap Tramadol from Pharmacy Center

Please read our Disclaimer

This site does not provide medical or any other health care advice, diagnosis or treatment. The site and its services, including the information above, are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information on this site. Medical information changes rapidly and while we make efforts to update the content on the site, some information may be out of date. The information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor.