Obesity affects approximately one in four adults in the UK. Carrying excess fat can impact health and put you at greater risk of developing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke as well as some forms of cancer. We know how hard it can be to lose weight and keep it off but it’s never too late, or too early, to make changes that will have a lasting impact on your health.
The most basic method used to calculate obesity, and perhaps the most common, is the body mass index (BMI). If you think you may be overweight or underweight, doctors can calculate your BMI with a formula using your height and weight.
Your BMI can be broken down into different categories. A normal, healthy weight is generally a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. If you are overweight your BMI will be above 25 and if you are classed as ‘obese’ your BMI is 30 or greater. People whose BMI is 40 or higher, are 100 pounds over their ideal weight or have a BMI over 35 with an obesity-related condition such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes can be classed as morbidly obese (or class 3 obesity).
If you want to get fitter and slimmer, a long-term healthy eating plan is one of the best things you can do to lose weight, as well as prevent and control health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. With some easy changes to your diet and lifestyle; you can lose the excess pounds as well as boost your fitness and energy.
Make an appointment with our weight loss expert for a plan tailored to your needs. 01787 376479
* Studies suggest that long life is associated with eating fewer calories and that over-indulgence accelerates ageing. Cut back on calories by eating fewer refined carbohydrates (anything with sugar and/or white flour), don’t overdo red and cured meat or alcohol and replace with a Mediterranean diet including plenty of fruit, veg and fish, all known to help promote a long healthy life.
*Go easy on sugar. Late-onset diabetes is now reaching epidemic proportions and is often a direct consequence of over-consumption of sugar; it’s also a major cause of skin losing its vital elasticity and plumpness accelerating the signs of ageing.
* Be mindful at mealtimes. Don’t snack on the run, eat breakfast on the way to work, munch lunch at your desk or watch television during dinner as you‘ll eat more junk food and you’ll eat more quickly, leading to bad skin and weight gain.
*Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water flushes out toxins, aids in weight loss, fights off headaches, and can improve the complexion of your skin.
*Paired with your regular cardiovascular exercise, two days of strength training per week are essential for fat melting. The extra muscle you build will assist the cardio work in burning more fat, which gives way to those toned and sculpted abs and biceps.
*The stress hormones affect the hormones that control hunger and fullness so weight gain can often be attributed to comfort eating. Keeping active will help you to destress and boost overall health, but help weight loss – aim to do 30 minutes of exercise every day.
*Up your oil intake. Not the bad type found in pies and cakes but the good type – the omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish (such as salmon and mackerel), olive oil, linseed oil, and nuts (in particular, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts and almonds). A good intake of oil helps your body burn fat, according to studies, especially around your stomach.
