Weight Problems and Obesity And How Social Networking Can Help

There are approximately 1 out of 3 people are overweight. If this doesn't ring alarm bells, well it should, as people are at risk of developing serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. Obese people are often teased and excluded from team activities, leading to low self-esteem, negative body image, and even depression. But here's the good news: with the right support, encouragement found in online communities like Social Medicine, you could reach and maintain a healthy weight, and live a happier life.

Diagnosing weight problems and obesity

Obese people are at a greater risk of developing serious health problems such as: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, bone and joint problems, asthma, restless or disordered sleep patterns, liver and gall bladder disease, depression and low self-esteem. Body mass index (BMI) can be used to determine obesity, as it uses height and weight measurements to estimate how much body fat a person has stored. See what other people have said about their BMI within the online community.

Causes of weight problems and obesity

Understanding how people become obese or overweight, is an important step toward breaking the cycle.
Many factors contribute to obesity have been discussed with the online community, and include of the following:

Busy families are cooking less and eating out more
Easy access to cheap, high-calorie fast food and junk food
Food portions are becoming bigger
People spend less time actively playing outside, and more time watching TV, playing video games, and sitting at the computer
Myths and truths about weight problems and obesity

There are many myths that people have discussed within the online community, and include:

Obesity is genetic, so there's nothing you can do about it. The truth is that some people are more prone to gaining weight than others, that doesn't mean they're destined for weight problems.
People who are obese or overweight should be put on a diet. The truth is that unless directed by your doctor, treatment for obesity is not weight loss but stopping weight gain.
Healthy habits

Make small, easy changes over time. The best way to prevent obesity and weight problems is to get the whole family on a healthier track. Making better food choices and becoming more active will benefit everyone, regardless of weight. Suggestions on social networking sites advise that family members take a walk together after dinner instead of turning on the tv.

Making choices

Start by changing your eating habits. Cut back on fats, fast food, junk food, sweets, juice and soda. Focus on fruit as a treat. Keep a bowl of fruit out to snack on. Consumption should proportional and include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, such as red food (beets, tomatoes), orange (carrots, squash), yellow (potatoes, bananas), green (lettuce, broccoli). Make breakfast a priority. People who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight or obese, and focus on healthy choices such as oatmeal, fresh fruit, whole grain cereal, and low-fat milk.

Watch portion sizes

People on social networking sites are discussing the strategies they use to watching portion sizes. One of the most talked about strategy is limiting portions to the size of your fist. People who have found relief are advising others to read food labels. Information about serving size and calories can be found on the backs of packaging. You may be surprised at how small the recommended portions are or how many calories are in the dish.

Get moving

Play active indoor/outdoor games. Regular exercise maintains your weight and can improve your insulin sensitivity. One of the easiest moderate-intensity activities is walking for 30 minutes five or more times a week, swimming or riding a bike.

Social-medicine.org/weight-problems fosters a community support experience, where real people in similar situations come together, to circumvent negative feelings like disconnection and loneliness, and focus on improving self-esteem, understanding, communication, relationships, and peer support.

Please also find further information on the about page http://social-medicine.org/about/ and a YouTube video on Social Medicine's functionality at http://youtu.be/MSz1sfJoa2o

1. Prev:The Scary Facts About Child Obesity and How to Avoid it Pronto
2. Next:Flat Belly Remedies