Obesity is a serious disease characterized by a person having a bodyweight that exceeds normal levels. Unfortunately, it has become quite widespread throughout the United States over the past several years, with approximately 2/3 of the population being considered overweight. But, what are the causes of obesity and why do some people seem more prone to it than others?

Overeating and Dietary Choices

Without a doubt, simple overeating is one of the primary causes of obesity. Eating more food than necessary – particularly food that is high in fat and sugar – leads to excess weight gain because the body cannot process it quickly enough. Foods that are not very filling, yet are high in calories, are also problematic.

A diet rich in simple carbohydrates, such as soft drinks, fructose, sugars, desserts, beer, and wine, also contributes to obesity. Although researchers are not quite sure of why eating carbohydrates can lead to obesity, there is a clear connection between the two. The most commonly accepted theory is that the carbohydrates cause blood glucose levels to rise, which causes the pancreas to release more insulin. As a result, fatty tissues grow larger and weight is gained.

Even the amount of times you eat in a day can influence obesity. In fact, research has shown that individuals with a normal body weight tend to eat more often during the day than those who are obese. Therefore, most researchers believe it is better to eat four or five small meals per day than two or three larger meals in order to prevent obesity.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Failure to get plenty of physical activity is another of the many causes of obesity. The more physically active you are, the more calories you burn. If you eat more calories than you burn through physical activity, you will ultimately become obese as your body stores the extra energy as fat. Conversely, you will lose weight if you burn more calories than you consume.

In order to prevent obesity, it’s best to complete at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times per week. Simple steps, such as walking instead of driving whenever possible or using the stairs rather than the elevator, can help prevent obesity.

Genetics

Genetics may lead to another long list of possible causes of obesity. If one or both of your parents are obese, you are more likely to be obese as well. Leptin deficiency, for example, is a hereditary trait. For those individuals suffering from leptin deficiency, the body doesn’t realize when it’s full, and so overeating occurs.

Slow Metabolism

Some individuals have a slower metabolism than others, which can be one of the causes of obesity. In fact, women in general have a slower metabolism than men because they have less muscle, which helps burn calories. Therefore, keeping strong muscles is important for maintaining a high metabolism and burning excess calories.

Emotions

Emotional issues can also lead to obesity. Some people eat in response to their emotions, particularly when they are sad, bored, angry, or feeling stressed out. While there are no more overweight people with psychological disorders than those of normal weight, about 30% of people being treated for obesity do suffer from some sort of emotional problem that triggers an eating disorder.

Lack of Sleep

Failure to get enough sleep each night can also lead to obesity. In fact, some research has shown that the body actually feels hungry more often if deprived of adequate amounts of sleep. In addition, lack of sleep results in a lack of energy. As a result, you may not exercise as much, and may resort to eating ready-made meals that are not healthy for you.

Medication

Certain forms of medication can also be causes of obesity. Antidepressants, diabetes medication, anti-convulsants, and oral contraceptives can lead to obesity when used to control other disorders. Some antihistamines and high blood pressure medications can lead to weight gain as well.

Diseases

Some diseases can also be causes of obesity. Common diseases that can lead to excessive weight gain include insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Weight Cycling

Believe it or not, repeated attempts to lose weight can also lead to obesity. This phenomena, which is referred to as weight cycling, is characterized by losing weight and then gaining back more than what was lost in the first place. For this reason, it’s best to avoid fad diets and crash dieting. Rather, you should develop a lifelong plan for healthy eating and exercise that you feel you can stick with.

Kicking the Smoking Habit

Unfortunately, it’s true that some people gain weight after they quit smoking. This is because nicotine is a stimulant and, therefore, gives your metabolism a boost when inhaled into your system. Therefore, it’s best to develop a dietary plan when deciding to kick the habit in order to ensure you don’t give up one bad habit for another.

About the Author

Dr. Edward F. Group III is the founder of Global Healing Center, Inc. He continues to develop, sell and evaluate exclusively high-end natural and organic healthcare products to support a wide range of health conditions. For more information, please visit www.slimirex.com and www.weightlossobesity.com

Being obese is more than just potentially embarrassing and uncomfortable. There are also numerous health risks involved with obesity as well. In the United States alone, approximately 300,000 deaths are attributed to obesity. In addition, being obese makes it more likely that you will develop a number of potentially life-threatening diseases.

Type 2 Diabetes & Insulin Resistance

Type 2 diabetes, also referred to as adult onset diabetes, is one of the most common health risks of obesity. Individuals who suffer from central obesity in which the excessive fat is primarily located around the waist are at the greatest risk. In addition, your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes almost directly corresponds to just how obese you are and how long you have been obese.

Even if type 2 diabetes does not develop, another health risk of obesity is the development of insulin resistance. Insulin is needed to transport blood glucose to the cells in your muscles. Insulin also transports glucose to your fat cells where it is used for energy. If you develop insulin resistance, your body is not capable of properly processing the energy. One of the primary causes of insulin resistance is obesity. This condition is often referred to as pre-diabetes because it is often the precursor to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Cancer

Research has not been conclusive at this point, but anecdotal evidence indicates that obese men and women have an increased likelihood of developing colon cancer. In addition, obese men are more likely to develop prostate and rectum cancer, while obese women are more likely to develop cancer in the uterus and in the gallbladder.

Furthermore, fatty tissue is needed to produce estrogen and some evidence suggests. Therefore, obese women are more likely to develop breast cancer, particularly in women who are postmenopausal, due to the prolonged estrogen exposure that results.

Circulatory Disorders

There are also a number of health risks of obesity that affect the circulatory system. For example: Obese individuals are more likely to develop high blood pressure and to have high cholesterol, both of which place excess stress on the heart. Ultimately, these factors may lead to congestive heart failure and heart attack. An obese individual may also develop an enlarged heart, a pulmonary embolism and varicose veins.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

There are a number of gastrointestinal health risks connected with obesity. For example, individuals who are overweight are more likely to develop fatty liver disease, hernias, and gallstones. They are also more likely to develop gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which can also lead to cancer if left untreated.

Respiratory Disorders

A slew of respiratory disorders are also associated with obesity. For example, you are at a greater risk of developing asthma if you are obese, as well as dyspnea and Pickwickian syndrome. Pickwickian syndrome is characterized by failure to breathe properly, a red face, and a general feeling of drowsiness. You are also more likely to experience obstructive sleep apnea, which causes you to periodically stop breathing while sleeping and results in feeling poorly rested in the morning.

Neurological Disorders

Additional health risks of obesity include neurological disorders. As an obese individual, you are at a higher risk of having a stroke and experiencing headaches. In addition, you may experience dementia. Carpal tunnel syndrome, which is characterized by a tingling or numb feeling in the hands and even in the arms, may also develop as increased pressure is placed on the nerves by the excess fat.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders are also more likely to develop in obese individuals as excessive pressure is placed on the bones, the muscles, and the joints. Hyperuricemia, which then leads to gout, is more likely to develop. An obese individual may also develop low back pain and osteoarthritis of the hips, knees, and back. Ultimately, obesity may lead to partial or complete immobility as the muscles and bones are no longer capable of properly supporting the body.

Psychological Disorders

Of course, there are a number of psychological health risks of obesity as well. Individuals who are obese may experience depression as they feel helpless in their battle against their weight or they cope with low self-esteem due to poor body image coupled with social issues.

Difference Between Being Overweight & Obese

It’s important to note that there is a difference between being slightly overweight and obese. Being slightly overweight implies weighing only a few pounds beyond what is considered to be ideal, while being obese involves being significantly overweight. The exact number of excess pounds that qualify a person as obese, however, varies from person to person in accordance with other body factors such as height, body frame, and muscle mass.

Individuals who are only slightly overweight do not experience the same health risks of obesity. In fact, some evidence shows that being only slightly overweight may be healthier than maintaining what is considered the ideal body weight. So, there’s really no need to fret over a few extra pounds.

However, if you are obese, and not just slightly overweight, please consider the many health risk factors you’re carrying along with that extra weight.

About the Author

Dr. Edward F. Group III is the founder of Global Healing Center, Inc. He continues to develop, sell and evaluate exclusively high-end natural and organic healthcare products to support a wide range of health conditions.

Obesity is increasing worldwide. And while many people recognize that lifestyle changes are a prerequisite for successful long-term weight loss, there is a large demand for weight loss supplements that can aid us in the process. There are numerous obesity weight loss supplements in the marketplace, but not all of them are actually useful to those looking to lose weight and keep it off.

Here is a review of some of the most popular ingredients in today’s obesity and weight loss supplements and a look at the one supplement, Slimirex^®, which can provide the best weight loss results. In fact, of all of the popular obesity weight loss supplements on the shelves, only one, Slimirex^®, contains the nine most popular and well-researched ingredients.

7-Keto: Also known as known as 3-Acetate-7-oxo-dehydropiandrosterone or 7-oxo-DHEA acetate, 7-Keto is a substance found naturally in the body that is plays a role in your metabolism. This nutrient is linked to the immune system, memory, and energy levels. Supplementing a healthy diet with 7-Keto helps to maintain a more youthful metabolism. This nutrient is found in Slimirex™.

Capsaicin: Capsaicin is the fiery ingredient of hot chilies and peppers. It’s found in many weight loss products and also in spicy foods. In theory, capsaicin helps to increase the metabolism and decreases one’s appetite. Recent studies show that capsaicin, when found in low-fat, spicy foods, may add variety to a low energy diet. However, there is no evidence to support taking the substance as a weight loss supplement.

Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, cocoa and cola drinks, which is extracted from the leaf of a South American vine. It helps to increase alertness and decrease fatigue, boosting one’s energy levels. However, large doses can cause nervousness, anxiety, gastrointestinal discomfort, insomnia, heart arrhythmias and mild hallucinations.

Caralluma: Caralluma is an appetite suppressant that has been in use for centuries in India. In fact, Indian folklore documents its use as a potent appetite suppressant and weight-loss promoter. In drought-hit villages, caralluma is still in use as a famine food and appetite suppressant. In a recent study performed at one of the largest hospitals in India, Caralluma extract was tested in a double-blind randomized clinical trial and found to be non-toxic and regarded as safe. It’s a powerful ingredient in the obesity weight loss supplement Slimaluma. Caralluma is found in Slimirex™.

Chitosan: Chitosan is an amino polysaccharide that is derived from the powdered shells of marine crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs. This product is advertised to bind to dietary fat and prevent its digestion and storage. However, there is no evidence to support the theory that chitosan assists weight loss in humans.

Chromium nicotinate: Also known as chromium polynicotinate or niacin-bound chromium, chromium nicotinate is an organic derivative of chromium, an element that plays an important role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. This element helps to increase one’s sense of fullness, increase energy, and promote a healthy body weight. The obesity weight loss supplement ChromeMate is a good source of chromium nicotinate. ChromeMate is found in Slimirex^®.

Citrus Extract: An extract of the citrus fruit, C. aurantium contains a family of nutrients that stimulate the metabolism, increase the breakdown of fat, and mildly suppress the appetite. Advantra Z is the only patented weight loss ingredient that contains this unique citrus extract. Slimirex^® contains Adantra Z™.

Coleus forskohlii: Coleus forskohlii is a member of the mint family that plays a vital role in weight loss. It helps to enhance lean body mass and improve a person’s physical fitness and physique. The obesity weight loss supplement ForsLean is a good source of coleus forskhlii. This nutrient is found in Slimirex^®.

Fucus vesiculosus: Fucus vesiculosus is a species of seaweed that contains iodine. It helps to improve thyroid function and increase energy expenditure. It aids in treating obesity that has developed as a direct result of hypothyroidism. However, if this nutrient is consumed in excess, it can lead to hyperthyroidism.

Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba comes from the leaves of the maidenhair tree. It helps to reduce stress and therefore reduce the incidence of stress-related overeating. However, while some clinical studies support the theory that ginkgo biloba can help to reduce stress, there are no studies showing it affects weight loss.

Gugulipid: An extract prepared from the resin of the gum tree, Gugulipid has been clinically proven to reduce the levels of harmful cholesterol in the bloodstream. Slimirex^® contains Gugulipid.

Hydroxycitric Acid: This active ingredient is obtained from the rind of exotic citrus fruits. It’s known to reduce the appetite and reduce the conversion of carbohydrates into fat. Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington DC and India’s Andhra University found that hydroxycitric acid can help to curb the appetite, burn fat, stabilize blood cholesterol levels, and promote significant weight loss results. Hydroxycitric acid is the active ingredient in Super CitriMax. Super CitriMax is found in Slimirex^®.

L-Carnitine Fumarate: This amino acid like nutrient is found naturally in the body. It’s also found in meat and dairy products. L-Carnitine Fumarate plays a major role in the process of burning fat for energy. It helps to increase muscle strength, boost energy levels, stimulate the immune system, lower cholesterol levels, and increase fat metabolism. Slimirex^® contains L-Carnitine Fumarate.

Pepper: Piper nigrum L (black pepper) and Piper longum L (long pepper) contain 95 % piperine, an ingredient that helps to improve the bioavailability and absorption of other nutrients. Bioperine is a supplement that provides a good source of piperine. Bioperine is a component of Slimirex^®.

About the Author

Dr. Edward F. Group III continues to develop, sell and evaluate exclusively high-end natural and organic healthcare products to support a wide range of health conditions. The products we promote are free of toxic tag-along herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, heavy metals, fumigants, irradiation, liver-toxic glues, binders, or gelatin capsules with animal-source risk and toxic preservatives.

I never intended to get fat! I am not exactly sure how it happened, but there I was a 6′2″ thirty-four year old pushing close to 270 pounds. My cholesterol was high, my triclecrides were high, and my blood pressure was high. I was on a direct course for developing diabetes, increased risk of heart disease, increased risk of cancer, and a ton of other diseases related to obesity.

It gets worse. I am a doctor, a sports chiropractor to be exact and my office is located inside a health club. Unfortunately, like many other doctors and other health professional out there, I was not practicing what I was preaching.

Living in sunny Arizona, land of the endless summer, sooner or later you have to go to the lake, the water park, or you are invited to a cookout and pool party. That is when all my excuses caught up to me. Despite knowing the health risks associated with being overweight, it was the feeling of low self-esteem and embarrassment that finally drove me to action.

So there I was, a doctor, ready to get the weight off. I hate to admit it; I tried some of those quick fix gimmick supplements. I tried a bunch of the fad diets. I bought a bunch of books from all the “weight loss experts”. Sure I would lose a little weight, but I could never stick with the diet for any length of time. When I went off the diet I would gain the weight right back. Then tried working my butt off in the gym, running almost every day. That got real boring, and I found that running everyday is not the best thing to do when you weigh close to 270 pounds.

There I was again, still no direction, no focus, no drive, nothing to guide me. Frustrated about not getting any results and what to do, I thought I was just going to have to accept that I was overweight and deal with it. I gave it a real effort and it did not work.

During all of this, the chiropractor that I bought my office from mentioned that he was beginning a weight loss program at his office, which was based on his experience with triathlon training. That got my attention. I really wanted to give the program a try, but I lived too far from his office to come in on a regular basis. So I began researching the sport on the Internet.

The more I read about triathlons and triathlon training, the more sense it made to me as a way to help me lose weight. If you are going to do an event that involves swimming, cycling, and running you obviously are going to have to train that way. The idea about jumping into the pool for an exercise swim was not something I was looking forward to, and the last thing I wanted to do was to put on a swimsuit and workout. Then I remembered how painful my knees were from running around, and swimming would be easier on my joints.

I also began reading about using heart rate monitors and the affects of exercising at different heart rates. Many of the authors of the books on heart zone training were triathletes themselves, and they gave numerous examples on how using heart zone training you can track your progress and maximize your exercise program.

The more I searched the triathlon Internet sites, the more I became interested in the sport. The people who competed in triathlons looked really fit, it was inspiring. That is when I decided to take my commitment to losing weight to the next level. Weighing close to 270 pounds, I signed up for my first triathlon. Five months away, I was going to do a sprint race, which was a 500m swim, a 15-mile bike, then and a 3-mile run. This was a much shorter distance than many triathlon races, however at the time I could not do even one of the events let alone all of them back-to-back.

Using a combination of what I learned about heart zone training and from the triathlon Internet sites, I started my program. I my alternated exercise sessions between swimming, cycling, and running. I also did about an hour of weight training a week. This really added a variety to the exercise program, and it never got boring. One day I would just bike, then next maybe run 10 minutes, do a weight session, then bike for 25 minutes. Then the next day I would just swim. The next day I would swim then follow it up with a run. My knees were holding up very well with little, if any pain. At the same time I started eating better, no real diet, just common sense stuff, avoiding the sugars and white breads.

The use of the heart rate monitor became a very useful tool. It kept me from working too hard or too easy. The monitor I was using, the Polar 610, also came with software. I was able to download all of my exercise sessions into a computer. Then I was able to objectively document my exercise sessions. The software was able to track my calories burned during exercise, my average heart rate, hours spent exercising per week, and much more. After every exercise session actually looked forward to downloading my session to see how I did.

It also allowed me to exercise at different heart rates. One day I would run at 70% of my maximum heart rate for 10 minutes, then bike at 80% of my maximum heart rate for 10 minutes, then go back to running at 70% for another 10 minutes. The next day I would just bike for 40 min. But I would again exercise at different heart rates, 10 min at 70%, and 5 minutes at 80%, and 10 minutes at 75 %, and 5 minutes at 80%, and then 10 minutes at 70%. This was a fun way to exercise and I actually began to look forward to exercising, the whole process was less boring.

I kept up with this type of training for five months. On the day of my first triathlon, I was forty pounds lighter.

Some how, some way, I did it. I finished my first triathlon, and as crazy as it sounds I really enjoyed myself. I was feeling good about my accomplishment, but I still had some serious weight to lose. So I found another triathlon race six months later, signed up for it and continued training. The weight just kept coming off and coming off.

At the time of my second race, eleven months after learning about triathlons, I had lost sixty pounds.

It seemed like every week one of my patients, whom I had not seen for months, would come in for a treatment. The reactions were always the same, doc what the heck happened to you, you look like a totally different person!

I felt like a different person too, I was running without knee pain, I was happier at work, my relationship with my family was better, I was no longer embarrassed to go to a pool party or the water park, in fact I looked forward to them.

My patients and the members of the health club where my office was located were constantly asking me about my weight loss. I remember one of the gym members walking up to my desk and looking at my before and after pictures. He pointed to my fat picture and said, “That is me” then he pointed to my fit picture and said, “That is the way I want to look”. Wow, what a great feeling, I could not believe it.

As I am sitting here writing this article, it has been a year since my first triathlon. Just a few weeks ago, I raced in my third race and I actually managed to finish second in my age group.

As a result of getting into triathlons, not only do I have a new body, I have a new life.

About The Author:

Dr. Jeffrey Banas is a Chiropractic Sports Physician practicing in Mesa, AZ. If you would like to contact Dr. Banas, he can be reached at his office at 480-633-6837, or by visiting his web site at www.personal-weight-loss-help.com.
drjeffbanas@yahoo.com

Fat Loss in General

This morning I conducted a search engine “search” on the word fat loss. “Fat Loss” and “Fat Loss Supplements”, being the most popular keywords, came up with a combined 1800 links, in one search engine. I went to the next search engine I ran a word count on “fat loss” rather than a link count. The results came up as 46106! WOW! Why is it that fat loss / losing body fat related information and products are so much in demand, yet obesity and being overweight are on the up and up, and are actually at the highest rate ever. With the health and fitness industry booming it seems absurd that this is occurring. Doesn’t it?

Temptation and Obstacles Effecting Your Attempts at Fat Loss

The fact is that losing body fat or fat loss is not easy. We are tempted every day with fast fatty and sugary foods with super deals of quick easy meals involving drive through access and home delivery. These fast food meals are “fast” and often “affordable” with meal deals for a family of four sometimes costing under $10 – $12. Who wouldn’t pass this up! Before you know it, it’s the end of the day, the family is hungry, dinner time is drawing nigh and your beat. I can fully understand why people choose this option when our lifestyles are so hectic.

The Alcohol “Social and Relaxation” Temptation

An odd heading for this paragraph, I know, but I needed to draw your attention to the fact that alcohol will not help your fat loss efforts. I know we hear the saying so often that “doctors say that it’s healthy to have one or two wines per day”, however this is in regards to the properties of red wine assisting in the prevention of clogged arteries – not a fat loss miracle! If red wine is necessary for medicinal purposes and perscribed by a doctor then obviously your health comes first. However the topic here is fat loss……………………

My views are “everything in moderation”. BUT I DO KNOW THAT if you want to make a genuine effort to lose body fat that a couple of alcoholic drinks per day could easily effect your fat loss attempts. So unless your’s is the case above then I would seriously think about “cutting back”.

Since I began as a trainer years ago I have found that it is usually junk food or alcohol that prevents my clients from losing body fat. Just going without those few EXTRA drinks after work or consuming less alcohol at social gatherings will make a considerable difference to how much body fat you lose.

Quit Fooling Yourself

Do not fool yourself by thinking that if you just fat burn or exercise for one extra session per week you can rid yourself of all those extra calories and fat from alcohol and food. Unfortunately our bodies aren’t that easily fixed.

Why Most People Don’t Succeed at Losing Body Fat

Other than the temptations mentioned above people tend not to succeed at fat loss because they are either not committed, not well informed on fat loss or they are committed for the wrong reasons. In other words you either aren’t abiding by the rules, or have been mislead by some other belief or you are trying to lose body fat because you are trying to keep other people happy by doing so rather than yourself.

Making Sure You are Trying to Lose Body Fat to Please YOU, Not Everyone Else.

Think about why it is you want to lose body fat. Make sure you really want to put in 100% effort.. You want to feel great about making this decision not obliged to do it. Losing body fat can help increase your self-esteem as well as boosting your health so giving it your best shot with a positive frame of mind is always the “way to go”.

Things that You Should Do Before You Get Started!

First you may want to make notes on what time of the day, when and where that you will most probably find it the most difficult to stick to this program. If, say for instance, “calling in at the drive thru for fast food on the way home from work or picking the children up” is where you find that you are most likely to go wrong then be prepared for it by making the appropriate changes. eg Having a meal which is already partly prepared in the fridge so that it will only take an extra 10 – 15 minutes to cook. Being organised with food preparation is very very important. It is exhausting coming home after a long day and realising you have to then organise something for dinner (amongst other things) You can bet the children would jump for joy if you offered them Mac’s – so you do – at least there is no washing up the dishes after dinner either…Sound familiar?

Re-orgnanising Your Lifestyle – Don’t Make it Difficult on Yourself!

Re-orgnanising your lifestyle may be quite a challenge for most people and families. But if you want to succeed at fat loss I am sure you want to be able to do it without tearing your hair out. Your goal is to re-arrange and plan your day so that you, your family and your new lifestyle can run smoothly. Such as planning your low-fat meals and recipes in a diary. Planning your grocery shop with a shopping list to prevent you from buying unnecessary junk food is also a great idea. Pre-preparing meals, making appointments for your exercise time slot etc all needs to be written into your appointment book or diary. You can tick each appointment off as the day progresses. When planning your shopping list remember, that unless you have the time, don’t go getting all creative with lowfat banquets etc for lunches and dinner. Choose simple to prepare ingredients and meals.

What Exercise Should I be Performing to Burn Body Fat?

There seems to be alot of controversy over what to do and what not to do when it comes to “fat burning” exercise. Mostly it depends on your fitness level and if you have any type of injuries, back pain or medical conditions that may affect what you can and can’t do. Make sure you check with your doctor first before starting any type of exercise or eating program, so he / she can indicate and provide you with a letter verifying that it is “ok” for you to start exercising and at what level.

Different Types of Exercising for Fat Burning

Treadmills, indoor cycles, cardiovascular machines etc any of these are great for performing fat burning exercise, provided your doctor says it’s cool to go ahead with it. If you enjoy being outdoors then walking and cycling are also great. Finding a program that suits your bodies needs and fitness level is important. Make sure you add variety to your fat burning program as you advance adding hills, inclines and speed rather than increasing the time. A reasonable time for fat burning is approx 20 – 30 mins.

You should also know that if you increase the time of your fat burning session, and not the intensity and other variations, you will find that as you advance your program your sessions may become too long. This will only encourage you to think that your exercise is becoming too time consuming and a chore – which will lead you to “throwing in the towel”. So keep up the variety to keep it interesting.

The Wrong Program for You: A Common Mistake that Leads to Lack of Fat Loss

Have you ever read a successful fat loss story that you, and everyone else you know, tried only to find that it didn’t work that well for you or them? Did you stop to think that maybe the person in the success story had their program specifically designed for their body type, not yours! If you really want to “kick some fat loss butt” you need a program that is designed to suit your body type and fitness level. Don’t expect super results from a program that someone else used, remember they may have had a different metabolism, fitness level, body shape and eating program to you, which makes it very difficult for you to reach the same levels of fatloss as they did.

FREE FAT LOSS EXERCISE Sample Program:

http://www.virtualfitnesstrainer.com/articles/Fat_Loss_Cardio_Program.htm

This program is a sample program to give you an idea of the variations you can use for your fat burning programs.

Where to go from here………….
After reading this article you should have a greater knowledge of where you may be going wrong with your fat loss or how to get started on a new fat burning program.

If you are keen to get started on your own personally designed health and fitness program please feel welcome to visit my web site: http://www.virtualfitnesstrainer.com.

I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Happy Training!

Kind Regards
Yours in fun, health and fitness
Mandy Gibbons
Virtual Fitness Trainer

http://www.virtualfitnesstrainer.com

Persons who are of good health, suspect of their health or are aware of any conditions, physical deficiencies or diseases should always consult a physician before undertaking any eating or exercise program. Mandy Gibbons, Virtual Fitness Trainer, www.virtualfitnesstrainer.com.au and www.virtualfitnesstrainer.com disclaims any liability or loss in connection with the above program or advice given in this article.

About The Author:

This article was written by:
© Mandy Gibbons 2001
Personal Fitness Trainer & Consultant

VIRTUAL FITNESS TRAINER
“Make your Health and Fitness Program a Success today!”

12 month Online Personal Training & Health and Fitness Membership. Workouts, Exercises, Low Fat Eating Plans,
complete with instructions, all designed to suit specific health and fitness goals. Better yet — it’s all included in the one affordable membership package!

mandy@virtualfitnesstrainer.com
http://www.virtualfitnesstrainer.com

There are those that walk amongst us who have followed all the advice, diligently dieted and exercised with genuine effort for long periods of time, yet still fail to lose their excess weight.

Even more heartbreaking for those of us who genuinely struggle with obesity are the accusations of sloth and laziness from those thin people who eat junk all day long and show no physical sign of their own gluttony. “Why can’t you just be like everyone else?”, they demand. “It must be all your own fault.”

“After all,” they say in derisory voice, “Losing weight is easy. Just eat less and exercise more. If you don’t lose weight, you are just weak willed.”

Every person who has never had a real problem thinks they know all the easy answers. All those underlying unwarranted generalisations we face from others just about every day of our lives is a little recognised yet very real and severe form of discrimination, based on the same types of wrong thinking as prejudice against race, skin color, creed, gender, and other well recognised forms of hatred.

In fact, life experience has taught me that the less a person actually knows about obesity and weight loss, the more they think they know.

I spent time a few years ago under the care of some of the most distinguished and knowledgable internationally renowned Professors researching weight loss and obesity from the University of Sydney and the Royal Prince Albert Hospital’s Obesity Clinic in Sydney, Australia. I will always remember what Professor Ian Caterson told me one day:

The more we learn about obesity, the more we realize how little we really understand and how much more there is to discover.”

Would any of those permanently thin critics care to explain a man with whom I shared many physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions during my time on the program at the Obesity Clinic? He was normal down the left side of his body, though obese down the right side of his body only.

Next time someone verbally berates you for carrying excess body weight and tries to tell you how easy it is to be lean & trim, try asking them what they would recommend to that man that some of the top obesity researchers in the world don’t yet know.

Then, while your critic is looking dumbfounded and fumbling for some feeble explanation, hit them with a few more questions, such as:

1. Why do large birth weight babies have a dramatically higher rate of obesity than normal birth weight babies?
2. And, given the above, just what control do you think I’ve got over my birth weight?
3. Do you know what your metabolic rate is? If not, why do you presume to think you know mine?
4. Do you think everyone has identical norepinephrine levels? Oh, you don’t even know what norepinephrine is, huh?
5. Why do some people gain weight during stressful times while other people lose weight, irrespective of their eating patterns?
6. How do you expect an overweight person to even be capable of greater physical activity than a normal weight person?
7. Name me five minerals (not vitamins) that are vital for hormonal function, and explain which of these hormones has a different effect on brain signals related to appetite and metabolism.
8. Tell me what you know about Insulin Resistance Syndrome, what causes it, what its symptoms are, and how to treat it.
9. What has the least nutrient value to the human body – (a) 100 calories of pure fat, (b) 100 calories of pure protein, or (c) 100 calories of pure carbohydrate? (By the way – Your critic will probably answer Fat. The correct answer is C. The human body actually requires fats and proteins for various metabolic and physiological functions. Pure carbohydrate has no known unique use in the human body as the body can convert either fats or proteins as required into blood glucose, as it does with carbohydrate.)
10. Some of the most successful business people, scientists, philosophers and artists in the course of human history have struggled with obesity. Why do you think such successful and influential people who have changed the course of the world as we know it today are weak willed?

When you see the jaw of your critic drop to the floor, as they turn pale and look like they’ve been hit by a runaway train, when their silence shows that their ignorance and prejudice has been thoroughly exposed, just calmly walk away.

At this point, both of you now know that, even though you may be carrying excessive body weight, it is your critic who has the bigger problem.

About The Author:

Trevor Johnson is a Masters qualified researcher cum electronic publisher with over twenty years personal experience in the battle against obesity. Objective information and the pros and cons of many types of weight loss therapies is found at his Weight Loss, Dieting & Obesity site: http://www.DietWords.com.

Health problems resulting from overweight and obesity could reverse many of the health gains achieved in the United States in recent decades, according to former Surgeon General David Satcher.

A report issued in December titled The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity outlines strategies that communities can use in helping to address the problems. Options include requiring physical education at all school grades, providing more healthy food options on school campuses, and providing safe and accessible recreational facilities for residents of all ages.

“Overweight and obesity may soon cause as much preventable disease and death as cigarette smoking,” says Satcher, whose term expired Feb. 13. “People tend to think of overweight and obesity as strictly a personal matter, but there is much that communities can and should do to address these problems.”

About 300,000 U.S. deaths a year are associated with obesity and overweight (compared to more than 400,000 deaths a year associated with cigarette smoking). The total direct and indirect costs attributed to overweight and obesity amounted to $117 billion in 2000.

In 1999, an estimated 61 percent of U.S. adults were overweight, along with 13 percent of children and adolescents. Obesity among adults has doubled since 1980, while overweight among adolescents has tripled. Only 3 percent of all Americans meet at least four of the five federal Food Guide Pyramid recommendations for the intake of grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meats. And less than one-third of Americans meet the federal recommendations to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week, while 40 percent of adults engage in no leisure-time physical activity at all.

“Overweight and obesity are among the most pressing new health challenges we face today,” says Tommy G. Thompson, secretary of Health and Human Services. “Our modern environment has allowed these conditions to increase at alarming rates and become a growing health problem for our nation. By confronting these conditions, we have tremendous opportunities to prevent the unnecessary disease and disability they portend for our future.”

While the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased for both genders and across all races and ethnic and age groups, disparities do exist. In women, overweight and obesity are higher among members of racial and ethnic minority populations than in non-Hispanic white women. And, Mexican-American men have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than non-Hispanic men, while non-Hispanic white men have a greater prevalence than non-Hispanic black men. Members of lower-income families generally experience a greater prevalence than those from higher-income families.

Already, these trends are associated with dramatic increases in conditions such as asthma, and in type 2 diabetes among children. Satcher says failure to address overweight and obesity “could wipe out some of the gains we’ve made in areas such as heart disease, several forms of cancer, and other chronic health problems.”

In preparation of the report, Satcher convened a listening session in December 2000 and held a public comment period to gather ideas from clinicians, researchers, consumers and advocates. The sessions generated a number of community-based strategies that were subsequently reviewed for their proven scientific effectiveness.

The strategies include:

• Ensure daily, quality physical education for all school grades. Currently, only one state in the country-Illinois-requires physical education for grades K-12, while only about 1 in 4 teen-agers nationwide take part in some form of physical education.
• Ensure that more food options that are low in fat and calories, as well as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or non-fat dairy products, are available on school campuses and at school events.
• Make community facilities available for physical activity for all people, including on the weekends.
• Create more opportunities for physical activity at work sites.
• Reduce time spent watching television and in other sedentary behaviors. In 1999, 43 percent of high-school students reported watching two hours of television or more a day.
• Educate all expectant parents about the benefits of breast-feeding. Studies indicate breast-fed infants may be less likely to become overweight as they grow older.
• Change the perception of obesity so that health becomes the chief concern, not personal appearance.
• Increase research on the behavioral and biological causes of overweight and obesity. Direct research toward prevention and treatment, and toward ethnic/racial health disparities.
• Educate health-care providers and students in health professions on the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity across the life span.

The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity is available at:
www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity.

Article syndicated from U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/202_fat.html

FDA Consumer magazine: March-April 2002

The competitive world we live in puts much pressure on us leading to stress. This stress could be personal or professional but it has one major effect on the body: weight gain. Yes, stress adds to the weight, creates weight loss stress, and makes us feel worse as a result. Thus, stress and weight share a direct relationship. More stress leads to more weight, and the cycle of weight loss stress becomes a vicious circle.

The reason for an increase in weight resulting from stress is production of a hormone called cortisol, which is actually for helping the body combat with physical stress. Since, the professional or personal stress does not really need any major physical activity, this leads to deposition of fat around the abdomen. In addition, since you are under constant stress, the body does not know when to stop and continues to produce this hormone leading to an imbalance. The constant pressures and subsequent weight loss stress lead to continued depression, loss of self esteem, and lower energy levels.

Therefore, the trick for all those trying to loose that extra fat is to curb weight loss stress. This will help you stick to your weight loss plans and get control of your stress, improve morale, and gain momentum to help your path to losing weight and improving your physical and mental health. Think small steps – instead of losing 25 pounds, set a goal this month of losing 5 pounds. Perhaps the goal for this week is to achieve a level of physical activity, or to complete a nutritional education plan. Small achievements, done regularly, will help your mental outlook and weight reduction goals.

Some online diet plans now provide great online help and communities of those coping with weight loss stress. You’re not alone, and the online plans not only provide education and detailed health and wellness plans, but also support groups. We recommend eDiets, the Bob Greene Diet as seen on Oprah, or the Glycemic Index Diet.

This article has been reprinted with permission by Diets Reviewed.com

About 2 out of 3 U.S. adults are overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s roughly 129 million people who are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some forms of cancer, and other disabling medical conditions.

The CDC also estimates that 15 percent of children and adolescents ages 6 to 19 are overweight–almost double the rate of two decades ago. Overweight and obesity disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority populations and people of lower socioeconomic status. The total economic cost of obesity in the United States is about $117 billion per year, including more than $50 billion in avoidable medical costs.

A new CDC study shows that deaths due to poor diet and physical inactivity rose by 33 percent over the last decade, and may soon overtake tobacco as the leading preventable cause of death among Americans.

“The fact that more than a third of deaths in America each year are related to smoking, poor eating habits, and physical inactivity is both tragic and unacceptable, because these are largely preventable behaviors,” says CDC Director Julie Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H.

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson says the findings should motivate all Americans to take action. “Americans need to understand that overweight and obesity are literally killing us,” Thompson said in announcing an HHS initiative to fight obesity in March 2004. “We need to tackle America’s weight issues as aggressively as we are addressing smoking and tobacco.”

Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference provide useful estimates of overweight, obesity, and body fat distribution. The location of fat on your body is significant. If you carry fat mainly around your waist, you are more likely to develop health problems than if you carry fat mainly in your hips and thighs. This is true even if your BMI falls within the normal range. Women with a waist measurement of more than 35 inches or men with a waist measurement of more than 40 inches may have a higher disease risk than people with smaller waist measurements because of where their fat lies.

Source: Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2000.
Infographic: FDA/Ren饠Gordon

Small Steps

“Healthy Lifestyles and Disease Prevention” is a national educational campaign that encourages long-term weight control through public service announcements (PSAs) and an interactive Web site. Nongovernmental partners in the HHS initiative include Lifetime Television, Sesame Workshop, and the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association.

Consumers don’t have to join a gym or take part in the latest diet plan to be healthy. This campaign shows Americans that they can take small, achievable steps. “Each small step does make a difference, whether it’s taking the stairs instead of an elevator or snacking on fruits and vegetables,” Thompson says.

Designed for all media outlets, the PSAs provide tongue-in-cheek examples of the power of small steps. They show typical Americans finding “love handles,” double chins, and other unwanted body parts in public places, apparently “lost” as people used the stairs, got active on the beach, or walked to the office. The ad agency McCann Erickson worked through the Ad Council to create the ads for HHS.

“We know that gloom and doom messages warning against weight don’t work,” Thompson said. “These messages are provocative and attention-getting, but they are also empowering and achievable.”

Obesity Research

Thompson says that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is developing a strategic plan for obesity research. NIH director Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., says the strategy coordinates the funding of obesity research across 25 institutes, centers, and offices at the NIH. The NIH budget request for obesity research for fiscal year 2005 is $440.3 million, a 10 percent increase from the current year’s funding.

“There is no single cause of all human obesity,” Zerhouni says, “so we must explore prevention and treatment approaches that encompass many aspects, such as behavioral, sociocultural, socioeconomic, environmental, physiologic and genetic factors.”

The NIH also is reviewing public comments on a draft plan and preparing the final version. The NIH plan is organized into four major themes related to obesity prevention and treatment:

• lifestyle modification
• pharmacologic, surgical, or other medical approaches
• the link between obesity and its associated health conditions
• crosscutting research topics, including health disparities and technology.

Calories Count

Another critical element in HHS’ comprehensive obesity strategy is a new report by the FDA’s Obesity Working Group. The recommendations in the report are centered on the scientific fact that weight control is primarily a function of caloric balance, so the main message is “calories count.”

“Our report concludes that there is no substitute for the simple formula that ‘calories in must equal calories out’ in order to control weight,” says Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Lester M. Crawford.

The FDA’s recommendations highlight various approaches the agency can use to help consumers make wise food choices at home, at supermarkets, and in restaurants. The recommendations include:

• Evaluating how the “Nutrition Facts” panel on food labels can be revised to highlight the critical role calories play in consumers’ diets. This could involve increasing the size of type and adding a column to list amounts of calories as a Percent Daily Value (%DV) for the entire package.
• Considering the authorization of health claims on certain foods that meet the FDA’s definition of “reduced-calorie” or “low-calorie.” An example might be “Diets low in calories may reduce the risk of obesity, which is associated with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.”
• Encouraging manufacturers to use dietary guidance statements, such as “To manage your weight, balance the calories you eat with physical activity; have a carrot, not the carrot cake; or have cherry yogurt, not the cherry pie.”
• Defining such terms associated with carbohydrate such as “low,” “reduced,” or “free,” as well as giving guidance for use of the term “net” in relation to carbohydrate content of food.
• Encouraging the restaurant industry to launch a national, voluntary effort to include nutritional information for consumers at the point of sale. The report recommends that the FDA seek restaurants to participate in a pilot program to study options for point-of-sale information.
• Increasing the FDA’s focus on enforcing accurate serving size declarations and advising manufacturers when the agency identifies errors in declared serving sizes. The FDA is issuing a letter to encourage the food industry to review its nutrition information for accuracy.
• Revising and reissuing the FDA’s 1996 draft “Guidance for the Clinical Evaluation of Weight-Control Drugs.” This item reflects the fact that some obese people are likely to need medical intervention.
• Strengthening the coordination of research into obesity and the development of foods that are healthier and lower in calories.

Thompson says that HHS has long spearheaded initiatives to motivate Americans of all ages to become more active and learn more about healthy living. He is calling on individuals to maintain a healthy weight and on corporations, communities, and others to join in this national effort to reverse the obesity epidemic.

The BMI ranges shown at right are for adults. They are not exact ranges of healthy and unhealthy weights. However, they show that health risk increases at higher levels of overweight and obesity. Even within the healthy BMI range, weight gains can carry health risks for adults.

Directions: Find your weight on the bottom of the graph. Go straight up from that point until you come to the line that matches your height. Then look to find your weight group. Obese people are also overweight.

Article syndicated from U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2004/304_fat.html

FDA Consumer magazine: May-June 2004

More than 60 percent of Americans aged 20 years and older are overweight. One-quarter of American adults are also obese, putting them at increased health risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and some forms of cancer.

This article provides basic information about obesity: What is it? How is it measured? What causes it? What are the health risks? What can you do about it?

What is obesity?

To most people, the term “obesity” means to be very overweight. Health professionals define “overweight” as an excess amount of body weight that includes muscle, bone, fat, and water. “Obesity” specifically refers to an excess amount of body fat. Some people, such as bodybuilders or other athletes with a lot of muscle, can be overweight without being obese.

How is obesity measured?

Everyone needs a certain amount of body fat for stored energy, heat insulation, shock absorption, and other functions. As a rule, women have more body fat than men. Most health care providers agree that men with more than 25 percent body fat and women with more than 30 percent body fat are obese.

Measuring the exact amount of a person’s body fat is not easy. The most accurate measures are to weigh a person underwater or to use an X-ray test called Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). These methods are not practical for the average person, and are done only in research centers with special equipment.

There are simpler methods to estimate body fat. One is to measure the thickness of the layer of fat just under the skin in several parts of the body. Another involves sending a harmless amount of electricity through a person’s body. Both methods are used at health clubs and commercial weight loss programs. Results from these methods, however, can be inaccurate if done by an inexperienced person or on someone with severe obesity.

Because measuring a person’s body fat is difficult, health care providers often rely on other means to diagnose obesity. Weight-for-height tables, which have been used for decades, usually have a range of acceptable weights for a person of a given height. One problem with these tables is that there are many versions, all with different weight ranges. Another problem is that they do not distinguish between excess fat and muscle. A very muscular person may appear obese, according to the tables, when he or she is not.

In recent years, body mass index (BMI) has become the medical standard used to measure overweight and obesity.

Body Mass Index

BMI uses a mathematical formula based on a person’s height and weight. BMI equals weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (BMI = kg/m2). The BMI table that follows has already calculated this information.

Although the BMI ranges shown in the table are not exact ranges of healthy and unhealthy weight, they are useful guidelines. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicates a person is overweight. A person with a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

Like the weight-to-height table, BMI does not show the difference between excess fat and muscle. BMI, however, is closely associated with measures of body fat. It also predicts the development of health problems related to excess weight. For these reasons, BMI is widely used by health care providers.

Find your weight on the bottom of the graph. Go straight up from that point until you come to the line that matches your height. Then look to find your weight group.

Body Fat Distribution: “Pears” vs. “Apples”

Health care providers are concerned not only with how much fat a person has, but also where the fat is located on the body. Women typically collect fat in their hips and buttocks, giving them a “pear” shape. Men usually build up fat around their bellies, giving them more of an “apple” shape. Of course some men are pear-shaped and some women become apple-shaped, especially after menopause. If you carry fat mainly around your waist, you are more likely to develop obesity-related health problems. Women with a waist measurement of more than 35 inches or men with a waist measurement of more than 40 inches have a higher health risk because of their fat distribution.

Causes of Obesity

In scientific terms, obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than he or she burns. What causes this imbalance between calories in and calories out may differ from one person to another. Genetic, environmental, psychological, and other factors may all play a part.

Genetic factors

Obesity tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic cause. Yet families also share diet and lifestyle habits that may contribute to obesity. Separating these from genetic factors is often difficult. Even so, science shows that heredity is linked to obesity.

In one study, adults who were adopted as children were found to have weights closer to their biological parents than to their adoptive parents. In this case, the person’s genetic makeup had more influence on the development of obesity than the environment in the adoptive family home.

Environmental factors

Genes do not destine people to a lifetime of obesity, however. Environment also strongly influences obesity. This includes lifestyle behaviors such as what a person eats and his or her level of physical activity. Americans tend to eat high-fat foods, and put taste and convenience ahead of nutrition. Also, most Americans do not get enough physical activity.

Although you cannot change your genetic makeup, you can change your eating habits and levels of activity. Try these techniques that have helped some people lose weight and keep it off:

• Learn how to choose more nutritious meals that are lower in fat.
• Learn to recognize and control environmental cues (like inviting smells) that make you want to eat when you’re not hungry.
• Become more physically active.
• Keep records of your food intake and physical activity.

Psychological factors

Psychological factors may also influence eating habits. Many people eat in response to negative emotions such as boredom, sadness, or anger.

Most overweight people have no more psychological problems than people of average weight. Still, up to 10 percent of people who are mildly obese and try to lose weight on their own or through commercial weight loss programs have binge eating disorder. This disorder is even more common in people who are severely obese.

During a binge eating episode, people eat large amounts of food and feel that they cannot control how much they are eating. Those with the most severe binge eating problems are also likely to have symptoms of depression and low self-esteem. These people may have more difficulty losing weight and keeping it off than people without binge eating problems.

If you are upset by binge eating behavior and think you might have binge eating disorder, seek help from a health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker.

Other causes of obesity

Some illnesses can lead to obesity or a tendency to gain weight. These include hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, depression, and certain neurological problems that can lead to overeating. Also, drugs such as steroids and some antidepressants may cause weight gain. A doctor can tell whether there are underlying medical conditions that are causing weight gain or making weight loss difficult.

Consequences of Obesity

Health Risks

Obesity is more than a cosmetic problem; it is a health hazard. Approximately 280,000 adult deaths in the United States each year are related to obesity. Several serious medical conditions have been linked to obesity, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Obesity is also linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer. Obese men are more likely than non-obese men to die from cancer of the colon, rectum, or prostate. Obese women are more likely than non-obese women to die from cancer of the gallbladder, breast, uterus, cervix, or ovaries.

Other diseases and health problems linked to obesity include:

• Gallbladder disease and gallstones.
• Liver disease.
• Osteoarthritis, a disease in which the joints deteriorate. This is possibly the result of excess weight on the joints.
• Gout, another disease affecting the joints.
• Pulmonary (breathing) problems, including sleep apnea in which a person can stop breathing for a short time during sleep.
• Reproductive problems in women, including menstrual irregularities and infertility.

Health care providers generally agree that the more obese a person is, the more likely he or she is to develop health problems.

Psychological and social effects

Emotional suffering may be one of the most painful parts of obesity. American society emphasizes physical appearance and often equates attractiveness with slimness, especially for women. Such messages make overweight people feel unattractive.

Many people think that obese individuals are gluttonous, lazy, or both, even though this is not true. As a result, obese people often face prejudice or discrimination in the job market, at school, and in social situations. Feelings of rejection, shame, or depression are common.

Who should lose weight?

Health care providers generally agree that people who have a BMI of 30 or more can improve their health through weight loss. This is especially true for people who are severely obese.

Preventing additional weight gain is recommended if you have a BMI between 25 and 29.9, unless you have other risk factors. Obesity experts recommend you try to lose weight if you have two or more of the following:

• Family history of certain chronic diseases. If you have close relatives who have had heart disease or diabetes, you are more likely to develop these problems if you are obese.
• Pre-existing medical conditions. High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or high blood sugar levels are all warning signs of some obesity-associated diseases.
• “Apple” shape. If your weight is concentrated around your waist, you may have a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, or cancer than people of the same weight who have a “pear” shape.

Fortunately, a weight loss of 5 to 10 percent can do much to improve health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In addition, recent research has shown that a 5- to 7-percent weight loss can prevent type 2 diabetes in people at high risk for the disease.

How is obesity treated?

The method of treatment depends on your level of obesity, overall health condition, and motivation to lose weight. Treatment may include a combination of diet, exercise, behavior modification, and sometimes weight-loss drugs. In some cases of severe obesity, gastrointestinal surgery may be recommended. Remember, weight control is a life-long effort.

Article syndicated from National Institute of Diabetes and & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK):

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/unders.htm

NIH Publication No. 01-3680 – October 2001