Weight Loss

Why are some overweight, and what are the best methods of weight loss?

Being overweight is a major cause for concern in the UK and is on the increase. Eighteen percent of the UK adult population are classed as obese and that is a large percentage. Obesity is the second most common cause of preventable death after smoking and increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancers. Fortunately some are now realising that they need to lose weight and are attempting to do something about it.

There are many misconceptions that have arisen over weight loss such as "exercise will make you lose weight". Although exercise is very important it will never cause you to lose weight if you are eating more energy from food than you are expending. Did you know that you would have to cycle about 11 miles in the gym to burn off the calories in a 60g Mars Bar! Exercise does however play a very important role in a key weight loss factor that is unknown among most who are trying to lose weight.

Another misconception is that saunas and steam baths etc. help lose weight. All these do is contribute toward water loss through sweating. As soon as you have a drink the weight will go straight back on.

There are a few basic points to think about when considering any weight loss plan:

1. Never go on a crash diet, why? They don't work.

2. Spread the weight loss over a period of time so your body can adjust metabolically to your new weight. If you do not the weight will just go back on when you stop your plan.

3. In order to have maximum effect any weight loss plan should take advantage of all the most modern nutritional aids available.

4. Any weight loss plan must include a balanced and structured diet that incorporates all the essential nutrients to stay in optimal health. Remember weight loss should not be about depriving your body of nutrients it needs to survive but applying proven factors that will promote weight loss whilst staying healthy.

In the meantime, stay healthy.