Many people do not realize the seriousness of obesity. Most people who are obese or overweight are at risk of developing the following illnesses.
- Heart Disease
- Strokes
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Respiratory Disorders
- High Blood Pressure
- Psychological Disorders
Obesity has been associated with an estimated 300,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, with the economic cost being $117,000 billion in 2000.
This includes the costs of individuals, of organizations that provide services, and the costs incurred by all of society, even those members who are not obese.
A healthy weight loss program could be very helpful for individuals to avoid the personal and financial hazards of obesity, and to enjoy longer, happier, and more productive lives.
Many weight loss programs today, are promoted as being “fast”, but a healthy weight loss can not be fast. Fast weight loss programs, including supplements, pills, drinks, and expensive exercise equipment, are usually only temporary fixes and do not result in permanent weight loss.
In fact, they can sometimes cause more weight to be gained, a decreased enjoyment of life, and even death.
It is possible to find weight loss programs, plans, and systems to achieve permanent healthy weight loss and to manage your weight for your lifetime.
It would take a book-length article to explain all the possible ways to gain healthy weight. Here are some tips to help you shed your unwanted weight in a healthy way.
Start Exercising.
Getting adequate exercise is one of the most effective ways to lose weight. Even simple, enjoyable activities such as gardening, swimming, or playing in the backyard with the kids can be counted as a serious part of your exercise program.
If you are serious about losing weight, you can do some research on the diverse topic of exercise, to find suitable activities for your weight loss program.
Eat smart.
Use your common sense when it comes to deciding what foods are suitable for you when you are trying to lose weight. There are all sorts of complicated decisions to make, based on good carbohydrates, bad carbohydrates, high glycemic index foods, and low glycemic index foods if you want.
But the best diet menu plans include plenty of fruit, vegetables, some protein, and little sugar. Use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar in your cooking.
Eat smaller meals.
Don’t deny yourself food. Instead eat several small, healthy meals and snacks per day. Your body will react differently when food is denied, than when it is fed regular, healthy food.
Team up with a friend.
If you have a friend who has similar weight loss goals, this person can join you in exercising or for lunch. This friend will understand when you want to order healthy food, instead of “fun” food. A group of people would be even better, to make sure you always have someone available.
Social interaction is helpful for people on diets, to keep them motivated toward achieving their goals. People who are on diets sometimes try to avoid people, and this can be the reason they abandon their weight loss.
Don’t try to lose weight.
This is not as contradictory as it sounds, as it is easier to try to have a healthier lifestyle rather than concentrating too much on just losing weight. A positive goal is more encouraging to gain than a negative one.
Also, it is normal to have setbacks on your journey to a lower weight and healthier lifestyle. Just get back on track by following the healthy habit you have set for yourself.
Get more rest.
In a tired body, there are chemical changes that release substances that will cause weight gain or slower weight loss. You will find that it is easier to exercise efficiently when you are rested.
Have fun.
The reasons you want to lose weight are to feel well and healthy, to be happy with your self-image, and to enjoy life. It also works the other way, as feeling healthy and feeling good about yourself, will help you lose more weight. While you are having fun, you will be more active, which will help with your weight loss.
Drink water.
Sometimes hunger signals can be interpreted as thirst. It is actually a glass of water you need, rather than more food. When you drink adequate water, it flushes toxins out and helps your body perform its various functions more efficiently.
Don’t give up.
If your weight loss is slow, don’t be discouraged and give up if you are losing only one or two pounds a week. This amount of weight loss actually adds up to 52-104 pounds in a year, and 104-208 pounds in two years.
Even if you had gastric bypass surgery, you would still only lose about 75 pounds in the first year, and your weight loss would slow down more than that in the second year. You could achieve similar results just by having a daily 30-minute walk, or by reducing your calories.
You could actually gain some weight when you first begin a healthy weight loss program if you have not been exercising regularly. Don’t be discouraged, as this is the normal way your body prepares itself to lose weight.
Have fun, enjoy life, stick to a healthy lifestyle, and you will lose weight. If you are not happy with your rate of weight loss, add some more exercise to your daily routine.
Don’t disappoint yourself by expecting to return to the weight you were at high school age, or to once again fit into clothes you wore years ago.
You can still be healthy, even if your weight is higher than it was then. Give yourself a pat on the back when you achieve your goals and forgive yourself when you do not. You will only fail at losing weight if you give up trying.
