Obesity is fast becoming an epidemic worldwide with many becoming overweight at a very early age. With high fat, high sugar processed foods being easily accessible and the more sedentary lifestyle that is becoming the norm, it is no wonder that obesity is ubiquitous. Although there are a few cases due to genetic abnormalities where weight is more difficult to lose, in most cases it is a matter of modifying the diet and increasing exercise.

Many of us have, or know someone who has lost a significant amount of weight in a short time, but did you/they keep it off? If the weight was lost quickly, then the answer to that is most probably no. It is far easier to lose weight for a goal such as a upcoming holiday or wedding but because the emphasis is on losing weight for that event, as soon as it is over there is much less motivation and the weight is piled back on. To lose weight permanently, the whole picture must be taken into consideration, for example, can you maintain this 1200 calorie diet? Obviously not and it would be extremely unhealthy for anyone to go on such a diet. No matter how much weight is needed to be lost, it is far safer and more achievable to reduce the energy intake to a realistic amount but incorporate more healthy food such as fruit and vegetables and increase exercise levels.

This may seem obvious to some, but it is putting it into action that is the problem. Many are put off when they are not losing lots of weight right away. When embarking on a losing weight regime that will change eating habits for a life time, patience is needed, even if it appears that not much weight is being lost, if the weight loss regime is being followed correctly, the weight will come off. After all it is just arithmetic, if the energy requirement of the body exceeds the energy intake even by a little then weight will come off and the slower the weight loss the more likely hood of it staying off.

The beauty of slow, steady weight loss is that there is no huge calorie reduction so it is still possible to enjoy a favourite takeaway every now and then or a bar of chocolate.

If the problem is motivation in deciding to lose weight then future health concerns such as heart disease should be taken into consideration. Obesity is the one of the leading causes of coronary heart disease and also the onset of type 2 diabetes. Even those who are a bit overweight can more susceptible to developing Type 2 Diabetes. That is not to say everyone should be skinny with a flat stomach, it is just important to note that if heart disease or type 2 diabetes runs in the family then a larger waist circumference and elevated BMI may increase the risk.

Most people who are overweight want to lose weight so it is just a matter of getting the right information and advise to put this into action and have a healthier, more satisfying lifestyle.
 

Yves Kelly writes on health and fitness related issues. You can learn more by visiting my blog:
http://yves.bezoogle.com/pp/weight-loss/