How to dodge obesity

People battling with their weight has become a common feature of modern society.

Much of this started with fast-food restaurants which have changed the conduct of consumers drastically since the 1970s.

More and more such eateries have popped up over the years, providing super-size portions of take-away food.

The downside was unhealthy eating habits – and a society of overweight and unfit people.

Gert Coetzee, co-founder and owner, of The Diet Everyone Talks About, said today’s fast food contained more sugar and fat than in the 1960s.

Women were especially vulnerable as they tended to become overweight easier than men.

Men were usually prone to be in more physically active roles in the working and home situation.

Women’s hormones were also likely to slow down their metabolism, which could increase water retention as well.

Coetzee said men’s metabolism, on the other hand, tended to be faster.

Obesity in children often resulted from them being put on a diet at an early age, which affected them psychologically.

Coetzee said many young children were not obese at all.

They merely had “baby fat” that could easily be shed by becoming more active instead of watching television.

Coetzee offered some tips on how children and adults could avoid obesity:

– Take control of your life, health, activity, family life and religion. Start by making better food choices, looking at your portion sizes and exercise more.

– Make a choice of how you want to see yourself and work towards that goal.

– Be realistic about what you see in the mirror – what you can change and what not.

– Become a label reader, know what you’re eating.

– What is healthy? Something that is healthy for your colon might not be healthy for your weight.

– Be informed and know your foods.

– Avoid high sugary foods, processed foods, foods with high salt content and high fat (saturated fats) foods.

– Beware of false and misleading adverts.

– Always rather choose the healthier preparation methods.

– Choose a healthy option where moderation is the key like a carbohydrate-controlled diet where you eat medium carbohydrates and medium fats and oils.

Also read:

9 Reasons to keep your kids away from fizzy drinks

Heart attacks the biggest killer in South Africa

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