Overweight people are becoming the norm and unfortunately this is very unhealthy. The reward for losing weight is not only a better looking body but also a body that is alert, energetic, strong and healthy. Couple this with a more positive self esteem and on the whole, the world would be a better place.
Unfortunately, people try to lose weight by crash dieting and ingesting medicines that might have nasty side effects. Many do not know why they are overweight and merely treat the symptom (weight gain), often with little or no result. Like all challenges, we should look at the cause of a problem in order to better know how to remedy it. Here then are some common causes of weight gain followed by common weight loss solutions used today.
Genetics
Obesity and weight gain tends to run in families. This is closely related to poor family eating habits as well but research has shown a genetic link.
Metabolism
Little exercise and crash diets actually slow down the metabolism. This makes weight loss even more difficult.
Crash diets
When food intake is drastically reduced, our bodies slow down metabolism in order to conserve energy. The body becomes convinced that food supply is unreliable and will start to store as much fat as possible. A person will then pick up weight, even when back onto a normal healthy diet.
Psychological
Comfort is eating is quite common. Food is often associated with reward and pleasurable feelings. In time, food becomes related to emotional addiction.
Socio-cultural factors
Due to inactivity and years of eating incorrectly, people become overweight. Diets, fast foods and quick energy fixes make a huge contribution to weight gain.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions result in people picking up weight. Some examples are: Hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome...
Side effects
Certain medications cause weight gain as a side effect. These include some oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, corticosteroids, lithium and anti-seizure agents.
Pregnancy
Although weight gain is normal during pregnancy, many women struggle to lose weight after giving childbirth.
Methods in use for losing weight
Drug treatment
Prescription and over the counter drugs are used to control appetite. However, many of these products contain stimulants which cause anxiety and numerous other health problems. The body ultimately suffers and lost weight often returns when use of the product is stopped.
Psychotherapy
If weight gain is linked to emotional issues, it would be better to deal with those emotions. Psychotherapy helps identify emotional triggers and to discover positive ways to deal with them.
Lifestyle change
Even though changing bad habits is difficult, it is much easier than most people think. Healthy and balanced diets, irregular exercise, a positive mental approach and a positive emotional quotient do much for a healthy body. This is a gradual process so immediate results are not expected. On the other hand, the results are very long term.
Natural Remedies
Herbal and homeopathic remedies help people lose weight in a healthy manner. They boost metabolism and stimulate the digestive system. They provide a rich source of minerals and maintain healthy metabolism. Natural ingredients assist in the breakdown of dietary fat and rid the body of harmful toxins. The result is a slimmer, energetic and healthy body. Results are noticed quickly but are very long term. The best part is that there are no harmful side effects!
Now you should try to identify exactly why you are gaining weight. Be realistic with yourself. Then decide which would be the healthiest solution for you to reach your goal weight. Remember that the body heals naturally given time (lots of time) but sometimes needs a helping hand due to the lack of nutrients in our modern diets. You should not concentrate only on losing weight but being healthy as well.
Important note
Always consult a doctor or dietitian before subjecting yourself to medicinal or drastic lifestyle changes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can she accept
By: voterperson | 24-07-2008
Can I ask you something is Darla reading into this and can she accept Phyllis?s answer when Phyllis said that Darla is thin and thin everywhere?
Phyllis and Darla went to see a movie When they were on the bus going home Phyllis saw a girl on flag outside a Karate school in a bikini.
Phyllis said "If you take Karate you can look like her too".
Darla: ?Who are you talking about?
Phyllis: ?YOU as meaning people in general? (She said this when she pointed to the woman in the bikini
(Darla thought Phyllis meant that Phyllis did not think Darla was thin)
Darla: ?Do you think I am thin?
Phyllis: ?You are on the thin side?
They spoke about something else for about five minutes and then:
Darla: ?Do you think I am thin??
Phyllis: ?You have a thin face?
Darla: ?But I am thin every where?
Phyllis: ?Yes you are. You know I have a friend who is thinner than us?
Darla: ?But am I thin?
Phyllis: ?No one would ever call you fat?
Darla: ?What happened if I said if you do Karate you can look like her as well?
Phyllis: ?I would have laughed?
Darla: ?Do you think I am thin?
Phyllis: ?Yes you can accept the fact you are thin?
Then they arrived at their destination and got off the bus. As they were walking the following conversation took place
Darla: ?People are always telling me I don?t look like I eat?
Phyllis: ?I would not go that far?
Darla: ?You mean I don?t look anorexic?
Phyllis: ?Yes you look healthy?
Darla: ?Do you think you look healthy?
Phyllis: ?Yes?
Darla: Everyone always tells me I look skinny?
Phyllis: ?Well it is better than every one telling you that you are fat"
Darla is over the part about the Karate. But Darla keeps saying to herself if Phyllis just said "yes you are thin" then Darla would not have pursued it. But when they were sitting on the bus and Phyllis said "you have a thin face" which made Darla feel as if Phyllis did not think Darla was thin all over, HOWEVER, when Darla said ?I am thin all over? PHYLLIS AGREED. Also Darla?s cousin Beth told Darla when Darla told Beth the story: No one would ever mistake you for being anything other than thin
Then two days later on the phone PHYLLIS confirmed that she thinks DARLA IS thin
I have about 1 and a half stone to loose and i am ...
By: becky | 24-07-2008
i have about 1 and a half stone to loose and i am seriously considering liposuction the weight is around my tummy and hip area ,would you recommend anything different
I can't stop eating, help!
By: Tanya Mancini | 24-07-2008
I can't stop eating, help!
Wieght loss tips PLZ!
By: taekwondogirlx72 | 23-07-2008
I only have one month to lose at least 10 pounds...... what do i do!!! i need to look good for the newe school year!!!!
When to disconnect ventilator after the patient is ...
By: Jose Diaz | 23-07-2008
when to disconnect ventilator after the patient is declared brain death
Birth Control Effect Weight Loss?
By: mealybug1010 | 23-07-2008
I have tried to lose weight all summer and the scale only budges a pound or two. I am on LoEstrin 24 birth control and that is the only reason I can think of as to why I have not been losing. Anyone else have this problem with bc? I would rather not go off of it, but if it meas not losing the weight I will.
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