The average Australian family is faced with a variety of challenges in every sphere of life. One of these challenges that cause worries for many families is the weight problem. There are two types of weight problems, the first being overweight and the second being obesity. Obesity is a disease that causes an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and other health conditions which can harm your health.
There is no quick and easy way to get rid of those extra kilos. There are several weight loss products on the market, diet pills that promise you will lose weight quickly and other methods that claim to provide results within days. These all have side effects. This article is about how you can healthily shed those extra kilograms.
What causes weight gain?
Many factors can contribute to weight gain. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of eating too much and not exercising enough. Other times, there may be an underlying medical condition to blame. Here are some common causes of weight gain:
Overeating:
This is the most common cause of weight gain. People often eat more than they are required to without realising it. They may mindlessly snack throughout the day or overeating at meals.
Not exercising enough:
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain. People who don’t exercise burn fewer calories than those who do. As a result, they may slowly start to gain weight over time.
Certain medical conditions:
Several medical conditions can cause weight gain. These include hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Medications:
Certain medications can cause weight gain as a side effect. These include steroids, certain antidepressants, and some diabetes medications.
How does excess weight affect your body?
Excess weight, especially around the waist, can have serious health consequences. It increases your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Excess weight also strains your joints and can lead to arthritis. Even simple activities like walking can be difficult and painful to do.
Losing even a small amount of weight can improve your health. If you’re looking to shed some extra kilos, there’s no need to crash diet or go overboard at the gym. You can start to lose weight and improve your health by making simple changes to your lifestyle.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Cut back on calories
The best way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories than you burn. You can do this by reducing the portion sizes of the foods you eat and choosing lower-calorie options when possible. For example, instead of a 300-calorie slice of cake, you could enjoy a 150-calorie piece of fruit.
Exercising
Exercise is important to stay fit. It helps to burn calories and can also help to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Eating breakfast every day
Skipping breakfast may seem easy to cut calories, but it makes losing weight harder. Skipping breakfast makes you more likely to crave high-calorie foods later in the day.
Cut back on added sugar
You’ll find sugar in unexpected places, from salad dressings to loaves of bread to so-called “healthy” snacks. Reducing sugar intake is a great way to slash calories and promote weight loss.
There are several simple and healthy ways that you can reduce excess weight. Here are a few tips:
– Eat more fruits and vegetables.
– Cut back on processed foods.
– Get more exercise.
– Avoid sugary drinks.
– Eat smaller meals more often throughout the day.
Conclusion
Losing weight can be difficult and daunting, but it is possible with the right mindset and approach. Once you adopt a healthier lifestyle and realise how healthy you feel, you’ll want to keep following it for the long term. There is no shortcut to healthily losing weight. Going slow and steady will help you be healthy and happy in the long run!
