Fighting Obesity

An estimated 29% of adults in the UK are classified as obese, representing an increase of 3% from 2016 figures. Obesity has severe physical and mental implications for those who are affected. Finding sustainable ways to combat the prevalence of obesity is critical to reducing the health burden on economies, improving people's health, and enhancing the quality of life. Engaging in moderate to vigorous physical training can drastically improve the physical condition and self-esteem of those with excess weight.

The effects of being overweight or obese

Being overweight or obese has many consequences. You are at a high risk of contracting chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, certain forms of cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Evidence suggests that obese people are 80 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than someone with a healthy BMI.

A gradual increase in weight can already impact your health in the short term, and if nothing is done about it, it will continue to have lasting effects on your body. Hence, addressing the problem immediately before it escalates into something irreversible is critical.

Diet and physical training go together

The good news is that overweight and obesity can be prevented. The key is to find the right balance between the calories you consume and the calories you use. 

Studies show that many factors affect body weight. Genetics, lifestyles, physiological factors, and food intake are just some of them. Therefore, a well-balanced diet of less saturated fats and sugars, more fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains and nuts is a good way to limit energy intake.   

Another vital component of your daily life is to subscribe to moderate-intensity training or activity. This can be done in a formal or informal setting, such as signing up for a training programme or enlisting the help of a training coach.  What matters is that for you to lose weight, you must commit to exercise and physical activity. 

Set realistic expectations

Many start to exercise and stop halfway or fail to follow through. The most significant barrier to physical activity is a mental attitude. Hence, to sustain your training, you must enjoy it and not see it as a painful activity that bores you to tears.

It may be challenging to commit to a training programme

that you can stick to, but you can find an activity or a sport that you love doing to ensure that you can sustain your physical activities. Setting realistic targets is also essential to avoid disappointment.

Battling obesity and the extra weight that you carry is no easy feat. However, with the right mindset and realistic expectations, you can sustain your training programme and manage your weight well.