5 Weight Loss Questions

5 Weight Loss Questions

“The optimal way to lose weight is to follow a healthy eating pattern and to incorporate daily physical activity into your lifestyle. These habits must become a way of life. ” Kepha Nyanumba- Afya Pap Nutritionist

1: What is obesity?

Obesity is a complex disorder involving excessive storage of body fat. Obesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. It increases your risk of diseases and health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Those who have a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 are said to be obese, but when it comes to disease risk, it’s also important to look at fat distribution: those who carry their fat around their stomachs are at the highest risk.

2: What is the best way to lose weight?

To lose weight (and importantly, to keep it off), healthy eating and daily physical activity must become a way of life. Successful weight loss starts with taking an honest look at your eating patterns and daily routine. Keep your destination in mind and remember that you're planning to change your life. This takes time and effort, but the results will be worth it.

3:  What is the importance of monitoring body fat percentage during the weight loss journey?

When it comes to weight loss, the goal is always to lose fat and build muscle, but that is not always what happens. There are certain situations where you can actually be losing muscle instead of fat, which means your weight might be decreasing on your scale, but this is not weight loss success. It is only by achieving and maintaining a healthy percent of body fat that will help to lower your risk for chronic disease. While body fat percentage is difficult to test at home, speak to your doctor as they can help.

4: What is the role of exercise in weight loss?

Exercise plays a key role in weight loss. To lose weight, your energy expenditure should be more that energy intake, and exercise will help you burn the extra calories off. If you think you don’t have time for exercise, rest assured, it doesn’t have to be complicated: taking a walk is one of the best and easiest things you can do for your health. Walk instead of taking the bus, and it will help you lose weight, de-stress, lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of many chronic diseases. Whether you are trying to lose weight or maintain it, you should understand the important role of physical activity and include it in your lifestyle.

5: What are the dangers of starvation weight loss diets?

Starvation diets refer to dietary regimens based on extreme calorie restriction, generally geared towards drastic weight loss. Starvation diets have dangerous health effects. For instance, if you have diabetes, starvation diets can throw off the important balancing act between food intake and medication. The result is blood sugars that are too low (hypoglycemia) or too high (hyperglycemia) and that's dangerous. If you desire to lose weight, a healthy, balanced lifestyle, coupled with regular physical activity is a safe, proven method. Before attempting weight loss seek approval and guidance from a trusted nutritionist. Keep in mind that no amount of weight loss is worth putting your life at risk.