Take care of yourself to avoid obesity
“Drinking more water instead of fizzy drinks will fast track your weight loss.”
Kwatsaduza – According to insights by the Discovery Vitality ObeCity Index 2017, more South Africans are obese today than they were twenty years ago.
It is claimed this is costing South Africa R701-billion a year.
September marks National Childhood Obesity Month and National Obesity Week is commemorated between October 15 and 19.
National Obesity Week is commemorated to increase awareness about the impact of obesity in the lives of South African.\
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In a statement released by Discovery Vitality ObeCity Index 2017, globally, 604 million adults and 108 million children are obese.
“In general, obesity was found to be more prevalent in women than in men of all age groups.
Non-executive chairperson at Cambridge Weight Plan, Renny Letswalo, says doctors use Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine how much of your body weight is fat.
“Guidelines can fluctuate but you should keep your BMI score as far below 25 as possible.
“A score of 25-30 is medically overweight, and 30 or more is considered obese.
“Waist ratio is another measurement you can use to check just how much unhealthy fat you are carrying.
“Obesity’s effects can be felt in one’s organs – impacting every aspect of the body.
“From liver causing diabetes, to the heart making it pump harder than it should, to brain health, to hormonal imbalances to certain cancers,” adds Letswalo.
It’s important to remember that the first step to losing weight, and keeping it off, lies with you.
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“You need to make an unequivocal decision to change the course of your health as obesity is a loaded gun waiting to trigger fundamental health conditions that the entire body system will be forced to fight.
“This kind of weight loss requires a complete lifestyle change,” adds Letswalo.
Letsoalo says they are advising those who are obese to start by changing their lifestyles and start being active.
“Breaking old bad habit is never easy, but is necessary when looking to achieve lifelong health.
“More water instead of fizzy drinks will fast track your weight loss. More vegetables and a healthy breakfast are habits that offer lasting results.
“Start being active. Being physically active is an important part of your weight loss journey. It is key to managing your new weight long term.
“Choose a workout plan that is best for you, and stick with it, whether you choose to brisk-walk, jog or take up a class of aerobics – exercise is vital,” he says.
