Obesity is a loaded gun waiting to trigger fundamental health conditions

GLOBALLY 604 million adults and 108 million children are medically obese.

In general, obesity was found to be more prevalent in women than in men of all age groups, and in sub-Saharan Africa in 2013 the highest prevalence of obesity was recorded among South African women – a staggering 42%.

Doctors use Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine how much of your body weight is fat, and though guidelines can fluctuate, you should keep your BMI score as far below 25 as possible.

A score of 25-30 means you are medically overweight, while 30 or more is considered obese.

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‘Obesity’s effects can be felt in ones organs – impacting every aspect of the body, including the liver, heart, lungs and even brain,’ said Renny Letswalo of Cambridge Weight Plan.

‘You need to make an unequivocal decision to change the course of your health, as obesity is a loaded gun waiting to trigger fundamental health conditions.

‘This kind of weight loss requires a complete lifestyle change,’ she says.

Start with the basics

• A low calorie diet gives enriched sustenance and balanced nutrition with safe fat-burning properties

• Drink water regularly instead of fizzy drinks, which will fast-track your weight loss

• Increase the size of your fruit and vegetable portions, and ensure you start the day with a healthy breakfast.

• Being physically active is an important part of your weight loss journey and is key to managing your new weight long term. Choose a workout plan that is best for
you and stick with it. Doctors recommend that adults exercise at least five times a week for thirty minutes.

• It is highly recommended that you avoid alcohol or reduce consumption considerably, as it is very high in calories and has no significant nutritional value.

‘Losing weight and maintaining your desired weight is not without its challenges, and it is a commitment you have to make every day,’ said Letswalo.

Statistics Source: Discovery Vitality ObeCity Index (2017)/Cambridge Weight Plan

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