I’m Suffering From Obesity. What Should I Do?

Majority of people diagnosed as overweight or obese often find themselves in the gym toiling away or going on crash diets that do more harm than good. Is it the end of the road once you cross the BMI threshold of obesity?

The answer is NO. The only two ways that you can counter, control and maintain not just your weight (and BMI values) but also prevent ailments that obese people draw as a magnet, is increasing physical activity and managing a proper diet. Supportive medications, supplements or surgery (unless medically warranted) can boost your efforts to stay within “healthy” limits.

If “physical” activity conjures pictures of you pounding on the poor treadmill or killing yourself to meet some “self obsessed” trainer’s insane goals, then pop that picture frame shut. Ideally it was the lack of sustained and effective physical activity that got you into this shape in the first place, so any activity that boosts your self-morale and engages you will reap great dividends. Choose the most ancient activity known to man….walking. Walking with people that inspire and motivate you can clear the self doubts about your body and instill strength to fight any motivation dips you experience along the way. Experts believe that moderate exercise (that makes you feel warm, and raises heart and breathing rate) for 20-30 minutes daily (you can break it in 10min slots over the day) is all you need to start.

There is no diet that has been designed keeping you in mind. So you might lose a few pounds here and there but unknowingly your body will store fat thinking you have gone crazy and would starve it to death. The best diet for anyone, but especially someone who is trying to regain the right balance, is proper NUTRITION. Food that can give your body energy and not deprive it of energy needed to keep all systems running smoothly. Do not punish your body, but nurture it to replenish its own energy stores to help bring back the healthy equilibrium. Limit your energy intake sugars and fats (choosing unsaturated fats to saturated ones), and increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts.

Balancing physical activity (calories burnt) with proper diet (calories consumed) should be the goal to not only reduce but keep the weight from coming back. The emotional role of family support and self belief is paramount to sustain this new healthy lifestyle for life.