Facts About Obesity
A lot of people face the struggles of losing weight, especially when it comes to reducing unwanted fat in common trouble areas.
An increase in weight is a common problem among many people in North America. A recent research study showed that 54% of Americans are obese; this means that 1 in 2 adults suffer from the complications of being excessively overweight.
In addition, studies have shown how people that live in North America are 23 pounds heavier compared to their ideal and recommended weight.
This trend is now being seen with children that are been introduced to bad lifestyles and diet choices because of the lifestyle that their parents choose to live in.
However, the good news is that there are simple ways that you can adapt your lifestyle to help reduce the risk of obesity.
Why is Being Overweight Concerning?
It is important to understand that having some fat is healthy, as it protects the stomach, intestines, bones, and other internal organs. However, having too much fat does not only look unattractive but also is linked to many serious health problems.
It can cause the fat to wrap around your internal organs including the heart which can cause a heart attack. In addition, too much fat can increase risks of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and a stroke.
Furthermore, having too much fat can cause active tissue to develop harmful inflammatory substances that can also contribute to other health problems. It is also important to note that even skinny people can have hidden unhealthy fat as well.
Why Do People Have Weight Issues?
There are many health factors that can result from people having excess fat that can become dangerous.
Some of them include: (Facts About Obesity)
Metabolism: Metabolism plays a big role in regards to why some people develop fat and put on unwanted weight. This is because some people, unfortunately, have a poor metabolism rate which results in accumulating fat at a much faster rate.
This poor metabolism increases fat storage in the belly. Women often face this problem more often than men.
Genetics: Sometimes people experience unwanted weight and fat cells even when they eat the right foods and exercise regularly. This is because fat cells develop on their own and are stored because of genes that have been passed down.
No Physical Activity: Many young adults will develop excess fat because they do not incorporate daily physical activity into their everyday routine.
This is because the majority of young adults come from sitting in the office for 8 hours and then go home to eat, watch tv, and sleep. This bad habit can result in unwanted fat which can be connected to many health issues.
Over Eating: People who tend to eat more and especially eat an unhealthy diet with no exercise can over time put on weight which includes gaining more weight and developing other health concerns and/or illnesses.
Stress: People who have stress tend to eat more and/or eat unhealthy to cope and to deal with stress that they may have. This can result in increased cholesterol and can increase fat and gain weight.
In addition, having stress can cause certain diseases and illnesses that can also be connected with increasing weight gain.
Ways to Lose Weight
The bright side if you are suffering from unwanted fat and weight issues there are solutions and ways that can help you reduce fat and even get rid of it. (Facts About Obesity)
Not only will you look good and feel confident but you will also maintain a healthy body that you will be confident with. There are two main ways to help get rid of unwanted fat and lose weight; this includes a healthy diet and exercise.
Exercise
Increase Muscle – Adding muscle to your body will help lower body fat significantly. By developing and gaining muscle it will allow you to become stronger and get that ideal body shape. This is because it increases your metabolism by burning fat faster.
The more muscle you have the more calories you will burn within a day. This will help you lose weight and avoid becoming an overweight statistic. (Facts About Obesity)
Cardio – This can be in the form of walking, jogging, running, biking, and even swimming. Almost any form of cardio will allow you to reduce and get rid of unwanted fat.
This is because cardio is a fat burner for the entire body and removes excess body fat. In addition, cardiovascular exercise over time will tone your body as well.
Diet
Avoid Junk Food: Junk food is a major reason why so many people experience unwanted fat. This is because it has bad fats that are high in calories (Facts About Obesity).
Therefore, by cutting out or even reducing junk food in your diet it will reduce calorie intake. Instead, you should eat foods that are higher in fiber content because it takes longer to digest and makes you feel full longer.
Smaller portions: Eat 3 to 6 light meals throughout the day, instead of eating three big meals or even skipping a meal. This will allow you to eat more often throughout the day but less food overall.
It is also a good idea to incorporate vegetables within your diet to help increase your metabolism.
Drink Lots of Water: Water not only clears out toxins from your body and keeps you hydrated, but it is a great aid to help people lose weight.
This is because it has zero calories which means you can drink as much as you like without gaining weight. In addition, it helps make you feel full longer which will stop the snacking in between meals.
Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can promote weight gain. Not only will it make you gain weight but, there are many health issues and concerns that are attached to drinking and smoking. For instance, lung and liver cancer.
Which Foods Promote Weight Loss?
- Apples
- Almonds
- Fish
- Green Vegetables
- Avocado
- Cucumber
- Beans
- Green Tea
Home Remedies
There are home remedies that you can incorporate into your diet which can help promote weight loss.
Some of them include: (Facts About Obesity)
Lemon Water – Lemon water hot or cold increases enzymes that detoxify your liver so that it may carry out its basic functions and helps burn off unwanted fat.
What do you need?
- Glass or water bottle of water
- Few slices of lemon
When: To get the most out of your lemon water it is best to drink as soon as you get up in the morning.
Cranberry Juice – Cranberry juice has active acids that help with getting rid of stubborn and unwanted fat. In addition, it digests unwanted wastes which help with reducing fat in the body.
What do you need?
- 1 cup of 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
- Water to dilute cranberry juice if you find it too strong
When: One cup a day, either at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Chia Seeds – Chia seeds have omega 3 acids, antioxidants, iron, calcium, and fiber which help you feel full for longer. When you are less hungry you are less tempted to overeat and snack throughout the day. (Facts About Obesity)
What do you need?
- 1 tablespoon of Chia Seeds
When: You can eat chia seeds at any time of the day. You can put it in your smoothies, salads, and yogurt.
Ginger Tea – Ginger tea is considered a digestive aid which has thermogenic agents to increase body temperature and help burn off fat. Ginger tea helps with the many issues that may be cause people to be overweight.
This includes overeating, age-related reduction of hormones, lack of exercise, or stress.
What do you need?
- 4 cups of water
- Ginger sliced
- Lemon sliced or squeezed
- Tablespoon of honey
How: All you need to do is: Boil water, add ginger and simmer for 5 – 10 minutes, remove from stove add lemon and mix a tablespoon of honey.
Herb Water – Herb water is great as it cleanses the body and helps people with losing weight. It also boosts the metabolism as ginger; mint and cucumber are all fat burning agents.
What do you need?
- 2 Liters of water
- Cucumber sliced
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1 lemon sliced
- 10 mint leaves
How: Soak overnight and drink throughout the day.
Conclusion
Even though obesity and people being overweight is a growing concern there are simple changes that you can do in your daily routine to overcome this ongoing health concern.
It is important to start with healthy habits when you are young so they become routine the older you get. (Facts About Obesity)