Basic Need To Lose Weight

Obesity is a chronic condition of excess fat stored in the body. The human body stores fat naturally under the skin and around the organs and joints. This is done to insulate the body as well as ensure an emergency supply of energy when all other sources of nutrition become unavailable. This fat gets stored when the body has excess calories which remain unconsumed. If an individual eats more calories than he or she normally needs or more than he or she burns, the fat stores exceed required quantities. Failing to correct this imbalance leads to chronic obesity.

As you may have realized, the build of fat is dependent on the calories we consume, to a large extent any way. A calorie (Cal) is a measure of energy we get from the breakdown of food. Specifically, it the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by one degree Celsius. The energy is released from the food through a process called metabolism; the breakdown of food within the body to release energy. The rate at which the body generates energy is called the metabolic rate. It is faster when the body is performing vigorous activities; it slows down when the body is in a state of rest.

When the body has greater mass of fat tissue stored in it, which is inherently inactive, the body has a slower metabolism. This makes the release of energy slow and leads to increased fat storage. When the fat stored on organs such as the heart increases normal quantities, its functioning gets impaired. This is where heart diseases stem from.

Obesity is the one chronic condition which is now fast gaining the status of the mother of all ailments. Research has shown that being overweight can greatly increase the risk of many life threatening diseases such as strokes, diabetes, heart attack, high blood pressure, etc. Genetics also have a role to play in a person's chances of developing excess body fat. If you have a family history of obesity or diabetes, you are more likely to have both of these conditions. This is all the more reason to be watchful of what you eat and how much you weigh.

Tips to lose weight:

Now that you're informed about the need to lose weight, here are a few tips to get you started on the right path. Remember, successful weight loss is not caused by abrupt changes in diets, it's the result of healthy lifestyle changes.

1. Drink more water: water is a natural appetite suppressant and will help you lose weight as well as a natural cleanser. Water removes toxins from the body and maintains body temperature. Drinking water throughout the day keeps your body from getting dehydrated. Water retention, which is the body's defense against dehydration, leads to increase in weight. Drinking plenty of water removes the water retention from the body cells. It helps speed up the metabolism as well.

2. Walk: whenever you can, walk. Whether it's to the grocery store or the Laundromat, walking will help speed up your metabolism, burn calories, build stamina and improve heart and lung strength.

3. Avoid Junk Food and Soft Drinks: junk food and soft drinks are all high on the wrong things; simple carbohydrates and saturated fat. Junk food raises cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar. Soft drinks raise the acidity of the blood and both of these dehydrate the body. When it's snack, go for fresh fruits and vegetables. If you're thirsty, circumvent the soda machine and go for a nice cool glass of water or some fresh juice. You're body will thank you for it.

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