Obesity prevention is of utmost importance to fend off other chronic diseases and stay healthy. Diet and exercise are the definitive solutions for reducing weight but there are few other natural ways which can help prevent obesity. Before taking a look on these alternative ways, let's understand the risk factors of obesity and why prevention is important.
Risk Factors of Obesity: When your body mass index is 30 or more, you are said to be obese and it often results when you consume more calories than you utilize. Though obesity caused due to genetics and hormonal changes is not preventable, there are some other risk factors which can be modified by you.
Unhealthy or imbalanced diet, lack of exercise, inadequate sleep and uncontrolled stress are the major risk factors which can be modified to overcome obesity.
Why Obesity Prevention is Important? Obesity is an epidemic health condition due to which around 2.8 million people dies every year globally. It is not only associated with high-income countries but it is also prevalent in middle-income and low-income countries.
At an individual level, obesity can lead to an increased risk of chronic health conditions such as;- Heart disease
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Arthritis
- Gallbladder disease
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
Above factors explain the necessity of preventing obesity. You should take preventive steps as early as possible. Some Important Natural Ways to Prevent Obesity:
- Diet: A healthy and balanced diet not only helps prevent obesity but it also keeps you fit for long time. A balanced diet should include all the essential nutrients according to standard recommended intake. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and dairy in a right proportion where USDA healthy plate can help you. Curb the intake of salt and high fat foods or even choose low fat options over high fat whenever possible.
- Physical activities: You should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise such as brisk walking on minimum five days of the week. And if you are going for high intensity exercise such as fast cycling, you should do it for 30 minutes on 3 days of the week.
- Yoga: It is a mind and body practice which influences the positive thoughts and makes you adopt healthy lifestyle. You are more concentrated about what you eat, how much to eat and how it satisfies you. It stimulates the hormone which sends signals to the body to utilize fats rather than storing it.
- Acupuncture: Research studies indicate that acupuncture is an effective alternative treatment for weight loss. It stimulates various hormones and neurotransmitters that send signals to the brain to metabolize stored fats. Acupuncture also improves circulation and maintains overall health.
- Tai-chi: Including a two hour weekly session of Tai chi in your weight management program will give effective results. Studies have shown significant reduction in body fat percentage after performing tai-chi.
- Herbal remedies: Herbs are tried-and-tested remedies for many ailments including obesity. There are several natural wonders or herbs that help prevent and cure obesity. Green tea, ginger, acai berry, cinnamon and nettle leaf are few of the important naturally available herbs. AyurSlim from Himalaya is an herbal preparation which has positive results in reducing weight.