Losing weight is not just a matter of looking better. It is about having a better life.
It is a fact that being obese for a long period will stress the body and bring about serious health problems in the future.
Being obese means that as well as the fat sitting just under the skin (the fat you can pinch), fat is also inside the body and wrapped around the organs causing stress and damage.
Research has shown that as weight increases to reach the levels referred to as "overweight" and "obesity," the risks for the following conditions also increase: Heart disease, Type II diabetes, cancers (endometrial, breast and colon), hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, stroke, liver and gallbladder disease, sleep and respiratory problems, joint problems (such as a degeneration of cartilage and bone within a joint), gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility).
There are many everyday choices that we have to make that affect our long term health.
Obesity, as I have often written, is an outward sign of problems to come. In fact, scientists are consistently discovering new facts linking obesity to many different health problems.
Generally speaking, men whose waist circumference exceeds 40 inches, and women whose waist circumference exceeds 36 inches are at increased risk of getting these diseases.
cancer risk
Scientists believe there are several reasons to the link between body fat and cancer.
For example, research shows that fat cells release hormones such as estrogen, which can increase the risk of cancers, including breast cancer.
Studies have also shown that fat, particularly if stored around the waist, encourages the body to produce 'growth hormones'. Having high levels of these hormones is linked to a greater risk of cancer.
After choosing not to smoke, staying in shape is the most important way you can reduce your risk of cancer.
Type II diabetes
Although the exact mechanism behind it is not yet known, it is known that over 80 percent of patients with type II diabetes are overweight.
A recent male patient of 52 years who developed type II diabetes lost 2 stones of weight and his sugar level is now normal; and he is feeling great simply because he helped himself. Diabetes does develop over many years and in time he might require added help. But losing the weight has delayed his need for medication, and the complications of diabetes; if not for good, for many years at least.
So, if you have diabetes and want to lose weight, you need to know that it’s possible. It’s never too late to start. I’d suggest you talk with your doctor.
He can work with you, and make sure your medication is adjusted appropriately as you progress.
joints
Our joints carry the weight of our bodies. The more weight we have to carry, the harder it is for our joints to work properly. Losing weight helps your joints. Obesity is one of the top ten causes of osteoarthritis, and makes healing more difficult should joint replacement surgery be required.
blood pressure
One-third to one-half of all individuals with high blood pressure are overweight. Your blood pressure rises as you gain weight, and usually begins to drop as you start losing weight.
Give time to your to health.
I hope that knowing about the risks of being overweight may give you the motivation to lose weight, but unfortunately it does not make losing weight any easier. There is good news though; research shows that losing just 10 percent of your body weight reduces the risk of these diseases significantly.
Tips for healthy weight loss
One step is to avoid fast food and sugary drinks.
Keep an eye on portion size.
Try to stop eating before you feel too full.
Always say no to seconds
Be physically active. Start your day with exercise
Ask Alva
Can you suggest any quick natural solutions to hair loss as I am losing my hair rapidly since moving here?
— Maureen
There are three things to look at:
First look at your diet and make sure you are getting sufficient protein in your diet, I would also suggest a high quality supplement for hair, skin and nails.
Secondly I would look at stress because moving to a new country is stressful. When people are stressed they often carry the stress in the scalp, which restricts the blood flow to the hair roots that can cause the hair to fall. So a two-minute head massage before washing your hair would relieve stress and feed the roots. Finally, in areas where the tap water is desalinated water it is a good idea to use an Anti-Sal shampoo: It stops the water damaging the hair.
— Alva
Healthy Weight Can Prevent Chronic Illness
