Weight Loss

Weight Loss

Millions of people go online everyday looking for the magic solution. Guess what, there are none. There are so many weight loss diets available either in books, online or in various slimming clubs in our respective countries. Being overweight has reached epidemic proportions and so the “quick fix” regimes have appeared to meet the demand. Are you confused by all the choices and not sure where to start? Here are some simple guidelines to be aware of.

To understand why weight loss is such a massive industry we need to look at the conditions under which people get overweight in the first place.

1. Young Children and Weight Loss

Without a doubt, this is perhaps the most worrying group. Weight loss has become a real issue for many young children, but how do they get so over weight in the first place? In many cases it is simply due to bad dietary habits. Too many carbohydrate heavy meals, sugary snacks, sugary drinks, fast foods to name but a few. Once these habits have been established at an early age it is very difficult to break them. There is also an increase in a more sedentary life style. Computer games instead of a game of football or chasing around the park. This lack of exercise is compounding the weight loss problem and storing up major health problems for the future.

2. Teenagers and Weight Loss

Again, obesity is rising in this category too. Historically teenagers have been prone to “puppy fat” This is a time (during puberty) when the sex hormones are working overtime and causing havoc with the metabolic cycle. If care is not taken during this phase then as with young children bad habits are formed and can contribute to weight and health problems in the future. Controlling weight by adopting good dietary habits will not only ensure that the weight loss in permanent but will also help to avoid any health problems cased by eating inappropriately.

3. Pregnancy and Weight Loss

On a more natural note, pregnancy is notorious for causing an increase in weight, not just the weight of the baby and the surrounding fluid but also because pregnant mums either have insatiable cravings for certain foods or they mistakenly feel they must eat for two. It is also the case that when you have a large “lump” in front of you then concern about your slim figure seems to disappear and it becomes an opportunity to eat all those things you may normally be careful to avoid. Of course weight loss in not appropriate in pregnancy for obvious reasons but that doesn’t mean you can’t be sensible about what you eat and ensure that you keep any weight increase to a minimum. Once the baby has been born it is equally important to have a well balanced diet especially if you are breast feeding. A sensible diet along with the appropriate exercises will ensure that any necessary weight loss is achieved safely.

4. Young Mums and Weight Loss

Life gets so busy these days, its hard to keep up with a busy life. In particualr, young mums can be very prone to put on weight for one very good reason, they rarely have time to eat properly and can often find themselves picking at the food they prepare for the children or the food their children don’t eat. This form of “grazing” can be the root cause of many overweight mums and why weight loss and attendance at slimming clubs becomes so important. Ideally if you aim to eat with the children then the need to pick will be reduced. At the end of the day you have to exert some willpower and simply throw away any uneaten food rather than falling into the trap of becoming a human dustbin and making weight loss a real issue.

5. The Third Age (55 +) and Weight Loss

Ah, yes the senior years when we hope to sit back, relax and do nothing. Times have seriously changed and I know many people in this category and are doing all kinds of things to stay young and healthy. Sure its natural as you get older your need for food seems to diminish as you become less active. However what tends to happen is that we become less active but we continue to eat the same amount of food. Also our hormone levels change at this time of life and can cause havoc with our metabolisms. Eating less and maintaining an exercise regime is very important to ensure that weight loss is either not an issue or is dealt with before it becomes an issue. Its all about balance in life. Too much of this and that is not a good thing. Moderation like regular exercise, proper diet and a healthy attitude will make all the difference.

Janet Matthews