Being overweight clearly has its share of health issues. About 300,000 people die each year due to weight or obesity related complications according to reports. People with a BMI or body mass index of 25-29 are, according to many experts, considered overweight. More than 30 on the BMI scale and you are classified as obese. Obesity now affects over 25% of the US population and more and more people are realizing that obesity kills.
People that are overweight struggle with sleep problems, breathing problems, susceptibility to disease and illness and chronic fatigue – not to mention low self-esteem because the of society norms and the media which portrays people who are obese as abnormal and those that are skinny as the ideal.
Obesity is a result of a number of causes.
- One of them is eating more than the body is breaking down through the normal metabolic function. This causes excess fat to accumulate in many cases in the tummy area and causes someone to be overweight.
- Some people don’t eat copious meals and snacks but they eat the wrong kinds of foods – calorie-rich foods with little nutritional value. The result is a satisfied mouth but a body that can’t cope with all that poor quality food.
- Then there are people that are overweight not because they over-eat, but because they have a genetic malfunction which causes their overall body metabolism to slow and food to be digested slowly.
- Others get overweight because of a combination of all of the above.
- Oh and there is the sedentary life factor. This means a life that is pretty much devoid of exercise and movement. There are some exercises that one can do no matter their starting point to battle weight gain.
Any activity is the best way to start an exercise plan.
- If you can run, go for it if you have a medical clearance.
- If you can walk, you can start by walking anywhere for as long as you can and keep going for longer each time.
- Some people like the gym and that can be great for variety, all weather conditions and for some social interaction.
- If you can’t do any of those, start with something you can do. A couple of weights (cans of beans will do it) and start lifting them as often as you can. Sitting up and down if you can.
- Use your imagination and just push a tad beyond what’s comfortable for you.
Hey, I’m talking from experience. I have hated exercise. Yet I’m doing more movement each day just to get going. I know from when I was smaller that my body actually enjoys exercise and loves being outdoors and functioning as it was meant to. It’s my mind that doesn’t like it! But I’m pushing myself and every day gets a little easier.
There is no growth (or weight loss) by staying in your comfort zone!
Please share ..
I love swimming, and that’s so good for weight loss. It’s something that many people can do too, and the water helps to support the weight. Just getting moving more, such as walking further when parking for your grocery shop, is better than nothing at all to start off with!
Try as hard as I might I’ve never learnt to swim to save myself! But it’s all about what works for you and building in incidental exercise. Congrats on your previous weight loss, Alexandria 🙂
I was always told that swimming was good. I once did an aerobic class in a swimming pool and I felt great after, but it was really hard!
Good points here!
True! They say water is weightless but not when you’re pushing against it! Great exercise though. Hope you get back to it 🙂
These are some great tips! I’ll be needing these in 6 months after I have my second baby!
Baby-weight is a killer! Focusing on the newborn plus dealing with the first-born and juggling everything else often means you come last. Squeak a little time out to focus on you then too 🙂
Even people who don’t struggle with weight issues can lack motivation to exercise. But with our increasingly sedentary lifestyles making time to exercise is extremely important for both bodily and mental health. I love to take a brisk walk through my neighborhood. Not only is it great exercise but it’s very relaxing too.
Not only that but you get to catch up on the local gossip 🙂
You’re absolutely right – exercise is important for everyone these days. Thank you for stopping by.
Thanks for sharing this. I know that small steps can have big rewards regarding my weight. You have inspired me that I need to get moving both physically and with eating healthier.
Excellent! Love hearing that 🙂 Pop back in and let us know how you get on.
I absolutely love to dance. That is when I can exercise without it feeling like exercise. Can’t wait to head back out on the dance floor. Party night is coming soon 🙂
Dancing is great for your weight and your spirit! Get those endorphin’s pumping, baby!
I love swimming too and it is great when you are dealing with sore, stiff muscles and a pinched nerve! Have just started adding in some light weights too. Feeling the difference already.
Consistency is the key, Sue. You’ve been making some great changes for your health – well done 🙂
Sedentary lifestyle and a bum thyroid have led to a whole lot of extra me. Fortunately, a change of job has afforded me lots of exercise to reverse the trend. Thanks for making these tips available to so many of us who are wondering how to trim the fat.
Glad that you’ve taken advantage of the chance to improve your lifestyle, Rob. Keep at it 🙂