Obesity - Beat it!!

Yesterday, I read an article in the Times of India confirming yet again obesity is an epidemic in India. The sad part is my hometown of Bangalore ranks at the number 2 standing in the country. I really felt that I should write this post today knowing that I could possibly reach a lot more people who are struggling with obesity across the world.

What is Obesity?

According to the WHO obesity is defined as 'the abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to an individual's health.'

Are you Obese?

Sadly most people have a very wrong idea of obesity. Obesity doesn't necessarily mean you keep look like this:

Would you accept it if I said this could also be obese?

I know better because I battled the same thing and have a lot of clients who are not bursting at their seams but look very normal and are still obese. Did you know that under-nutrition and obesity can live side by side? There are countries facing that epidemic right now. How is it possible? Lets go back to the definition:

'the abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to an individual's health.'

That means in a body composition of a person if the number of fat cells are abnormally in excess that is obesity. Which is why most fad and weight loss programs just drop body weight and turn a huge fat person into a skinny fat person (read my post on Fat Loss made Simple if you don't understand). One of the first things that gets hit in the body once there are excessive fat cells is the immunity system and energy levels leaving you more prone to disease and lifestyle related diseases.This is why its important to have body compositions tracked. The BMI (Body Mass Index) might not always give you the right indication.

Obesity is caused by:

1. Unhealthy Eating Habits
2. Sedentary lifestyle
3. Negative Lifestyle habits ( this includes everything from irregular sleep and work stress to smoking and   hard drinking)

Risks of Obesity:

1. Coronary heart disease
2. Type 2 diabetes
3. Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
4. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
5. Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
6. Stroke
7. Liver and Gallbladder disease
8. Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
9. Osteoarthritis
10. Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)
11. Asthma

These conditions can cause or contribute to premature death and substantial disability.

Cardiovascular disease - mainly heart disease and stroke - is already the world's number one cause of death, killing 17 million people each year and diabetes has rapidly become a global epidemic - according to WHO projections diabetes deaths will increase by more than 50% worldwide in the next 10 years.

What do I do now?

1) First thing you do is locate yourself. Get your body composition checked. Get a body fat analyzer. If you don't have one go to my resources page and order one. 

2) Get professional help - go to a GOOD personal trainer and nutritionist. Get your diet on track, supplement if you need too and get some good exercise.

3) Track your progress regularly.

Obesity can be reversed and if detected early can avoid a lot of medical bills and lifestyle related diseases. Take care of your health, get the right information on what to eat and how to exercise and start living healthy.

Courtesy: http://temple-of-fitness.blogspot.in/