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Addicted to fast food? It's time to weigh the health risks of obesity
Splurging on fast food and juggling between cups of coffee and lack of sleep seems to be the mantra for survival in modern cities. It seems to have done more harm than good with obesity levels rising at a fast pace all across the globe.
With no time for exercise or physical activity, energy levels sink down and there is limited scope for weight loss. Little do people know how it can go on to affect their overall well-being. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease and many seem to be falling into its trap.
Sheryl Salis, Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator, says, “Most lifestyle diseases like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol levels are insidious in nature. The main causes of lifestyle diseases are the sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating practices, stress, alcohol, smoking, anxieties, and genetics.”
“Body fat around the waist (central obesity) is a common culprit of lifestyle diseases. You are more predisposed to lifestyle diseases if your waistline is more than 35 inches if you are a man or 32 inches if you are a woman. Remember ‘longer the belt, shorter is the lifespan’,” she adds.
Wondering what you should do to cut down the extra belly fat? “The American Heart Association & the American Diabetes Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on at least five days of the week,” Salis suggests, adding, “Balance the number of calories you eat with those you use up each day. To lose weight gradually, you may need to reduce your intake by about 500 calories each day or increase your physical activity to 150 minutes each week. Also, it is essential to monitor eating habits and eat ‘right’, without which it is impossible to curb lifestyle diseases. Avoid being dependent on packaged food such as chips, burgers, pizzas, jams, pastas, etc.”
Genetics and hormones also have a certain amount of effect in fluctuating weight levels of the body. If you feel nothing seems to work in your battle against obesity, it may be time to visit your family doctor, a good nutritionist or health care provider. After all, as Jess C Scott once said, “A fit, healthy body—that is the best fashion statement!”
