It is no secret that many Americans, from adolescents to the elderly, are overweight or obese, and a number of factors have been identified as the leading causes of this trends. In fact, by now, about one in three adults is overweight or obese, and health problems related to obesity rank second among causes of preventable death behind smoking. The good news is that most American adults are at least aware of this problem and are making an effort to take control of their health, although it as been found that 50% of Americans who fail to lose weight lack the discipline to achieve effective weight loss. Various diets and exercise regimens exist, and while there is no single ultimate program to cause effective weight loss, there may be general trends and common ground among most weight loss programs, from eating better to a comprehensive fitness program. Above all, a person intending to start effective weight loss should bear in mind that losing weight and keeping it off is a matter of lifestyle adjustment, not just a short-term goal to lose X pounds by a certain date. A personal health coach or a nutritionist can help with this, and with the right guidance, effective weight loss won’t be far away.
Why Obese?
Two common factors may explain the majority of obesity cases: poor diets and inadequate exertion. Today, Americans consume more fast food and highly processed foods than ever, and this means that a lot of added sugars and fats are being consumed, and these unhealthy, excess calories quickly add pounds of fat on a person’s body. Often, such foods are designed this way to look and taste better and sell effectively, but this comes at the cost of patients’ waistlines. The other factor is not enough exercise for kids and adults alike. Kids and teenagers spend a lot of time on electronic screens, more than ever, and this means they are not outside playing sports or performing cardio like bike riding or swimming. This, combined with the sedentary lifestyle of office job-working adults and poor diet, often result in the rates of obesity seen today. Various other factors like genetics may also play a role, but bad diets and sedentary lifestyles are arguably the two biggest factors by far. What can be done about it?
Weight Loss Now
Americans of different ages, lifestyles, and medical conditions may undergo different programs for effective weight loss, and a person with particular medical needs or conditions such as recent surgery or childbirth, a heart issue, chronic pain, or more will definitely need to visit a doctor first. Anyone undergoing a thorough weight loss program should consult a doctor to make sure that their intended regimen will be both effective and safe, to help prevent fainting or workout-related injuries.
A good diet means eliminating fast foods and processed foods and replacing them with organic, natural, and whole lean meats like fish and eggs, vegetables and fruits of all kinds, protein like nuts and beans, and whole grains like wheat and rye. A person’s exact diet and caloric intake may vary based on age, sex, and activity level, and a nutritionist can help with this. Such a diet will be nutritionally whole and can open up whole new areas in cooking and flavor, too.
A good diet should be complimented with proper exertion. Cardio is a popular and fun route, anything from jogging and bicycle riding to swimming. Other activities like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and more can be great ways to burn calories and have great fun and learn teamwork with others. Martial arts like Muay Thai, kickboxing, and karate can also work out many different muscles, burn fat, and teach valuable self-defense skills, and all of these can help contribute to a more healthy, fit, and active lifestyle that can be very rewarding. In fact, good exercise and a healthy diet may boost self-esteem and confidence, and also eliminate some of the ill health effects of obesity such as sleep issues or even depression or mood issues. Being obese versus being fit and healthy can make a big difference in the mind as well as the body, and what improves or harms one will affect the other, too.
