Prevent Obesity for Good Health

Obesity is a condition of extreme overweight that is becoming a problems of epidemic proportion in America . The problem is an important health issue because obesity can cause disability and premature death from complications. While there may be underlying conditions, such as thyroid or hormonal imbalances that cause obesity, for most people obesity is caused by poor nutrition and physical inactivity.

Overweight is a creeping disease, meaning that extra pounds creep up slowly and seem to multiply. One or two extra pounds can easily turn into 10 or 20 extra pounds if health habits are not changed. That means it pays to prevent overweight before it becomes a health threatening condition.

If fitting into smaller clothes is not a motivation, consider the health complications of chronic diseases related to obesity. Obesity has been linked to cardiovascular (heart) disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancer and osteoarthritis.

People who are overweight also face the stigma of a judgmental society and suffer from feelings of rejection depression as a result. Keeping a healthy weight can also make you feel better about yourself and more confident in life.

As much as people would like there to be a magic pill to prevent becoming obese, the best way to battle the bulge is with healthy lifestyle habits, including proper nutrition and regular exercise.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) American society has become "obesogenic,' meaning that Americans live in an environment characterized by increased food intake, temptation to eat non - healthy foods and low physical activity.

It is easier to grab that bag of chips or drive through the fast food lane than to plan ahead for healthy nutrition. One of the strategies to prevent obesity is to plan your meal time ahead of schedule. Making a meal plan, either on your own or with the help of a nutritionist, can protect you from the temptation to eat fattening foods on an impulse.

A well balanced nutrition plan includes low fat protein, dairy, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Fill up on fruits and vegetables to protect yourself fro succumbing to temptation as a result of hunger pains. If you like to snack, keeping healthy snacks handy can help you to avoid high calorie temptation. Snack on cut up vegetables, fruit , a boiled egg or a small handful of nuts to boost your metabolism and keep hunger pangs at bay.

Exercise helps to burn calories, increases circulation and increasing overall well being. Work a program of regular physical activity into the schedule by planning a daily walk or finding another form of exercise you enjoy. Any physical activity that helps get the heart rate up can help, including dancing, yard work, swimming, aerobics. It is best to have a regular schedule of varied activity to avoid boredom.

Instead of waiting for a magic bullet to cure weight problems, consider adopting healthy lifestyle habits to control weight. So far the best known way to control weight is to eat a healthy diet and to exercise regularly.

Resources:
National Institute of Health NIH
Center for Disease Control CDC

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