Green Tea - Accelerates Weight Loss
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Thursday, May 6, 2010 | Published in
Benefits of Green Tea
Because of its high polyphenols content, green tea has been endorsed to having all kinds of health benefits – right from normalizing blood pressure, lowering your risk for cancer, keeping you mentally alert, preventing or alleviating rheumatoid arthritis, eliminating heartburn, lowering cholesterol levels, helping with weight loss, to fighting various diseases. Known for its high levels of antioxidants, green tea helps reduce the level of damage caused by free radicals.
Lose Weight with Green Tea
Green tea’s calorie-burning properties lie in its mechanism of action to increase thermogenesis, or heat production, necessary for effective weight loss. This is done by influencing the enzymes involved in the metabolic process. The EGCG present in green tea increases the amount of calories burned throughout the day; this happens with all activities, which include food digestion to climbing stairs through to typing. However, the effect of green tea is not likely to melt pounds off overnight; this means that you will not see instant results with it.
Green Tea Increases the Metabolic Rate
The effect of EGCG on weight loss and metabolism has been studied; it shows encouraging results. In one study, the green tea extract caused a 4% boost in metabolism. In another study, people who used green tea fortified with EGCG saw more pronounced weight loss as compared to people given unfortified tea.
If you enjoy drinking green tea and want to lose weight, you are likely to gain from your tea drinking habit. If you want to try adding green tea to your diet plan, keep in mind that the biologically active polyphenols in it may interfere with the medications you take. Your pharmacist or doctor can advise you on this issue. Continue to enjoy your daily dose of green tea and wait for the weight loss to occur over time.
Obesity and Depression
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Monday, May 3, 2010 | Published in
What’s the correlation?
Obesity, if considered to be an inflammatory state, this state can enhance the risk of depression. It contributes to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem which in turn places individuals at increased risk for depression. Conversely, depression may increase weight over time through interference with the endocrine system or the adverse effects of antidepressant medications.
Obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30 or higher, increases the likelihood of major depression by 25%. Although the risk of depression over a lifetime is about 20%, the study indicated that it can go up to 55% in people who are obese, a statistically significant difference. In fact, one expert even suggested that the two conditions are bi-directional and so inter-linked. In addition, increased desire to eat and weight gain are common symptoms of depression. Also, medications prescribed for depression or anxiety disorders can encourage weight gain.
Can this shorten life spans?
Both depression and obesity are wide spread problems and both come with major public health implications. Because of the high prevalence of both these conditions, and the fact that they both carry an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, it has been presumed that a person’s life span is affected by both of them.
It is a well established fact that the loss of self-esteem is associated with the stigma of obesity; this can contribute to depression, especially among women. In addition, excess weight increases the risk of psychological problems, because it also increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, kidney disease and cancer. If obesity and depression are left unchecked, health experts fear that it could lead to a general decline in the life expectancy of people suffering from both health conditions, so in case of obesity people must consult a doctor for proper weight loss treatment.
Obesity And Diabetes Epidemic
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Friday, April 30, 2010 | Published in
Obesity and its associated conditions such as diabetes lead to a reduced quality of life and reduced life expectancy. As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, so do the chances of related conditions such as diabetes. Most of the life-threatening conditions associated with both obesity and diabetes include coronary heart disease and stroke.
Obesity generally results in type 2 diabetes; in this condition the pancreas does not produce enough insulin for the body’s needs. Presence of insulin is essential as this helps carry the glucose from our blood to our cells to be used as energy. So, if glucose transportation is not managed properly, diabetics are likely to suffer from elevated blood sugar levels. This can be harmful to their health. Complications that arise from diabetes include nerve damage, kidney disease, heart disease and vision complications.
A critical link between obesity and the onset of Type 2 diabetes is established by Monash University study in Australia. Researchers have discovered that fat cells release a novel protein called PEDF (pigment epithelium-derived factor), which triggers a chain of events and interactions that lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes. When the release of PEDF is blocked, the body again returns to being insulin-sensitive.
It has been studied that the more fat tissue a person has, the less sensitive they become to insulin. So a greater amount of insulin is required to maintain the body’s regulation of blood-glucose. Diabetic patients can benefit from knowing that the two conditions are linked. Adequate weight-loss generally improves the management of blood glucose levels in diabetes patients.
Can Problems Occur During Weight Loss?
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Wednesday, April 28, 2010 | Published in
Hunger Pangs
You might think that hunger pangs are a very ordinary sort of problem. But the fact that you have this increasing need to eat something, might throw cold water on your carefully formulated weight loss plan. Controlling hunger pangs will take a lot of effort. So, if you are on a weight loss plan and are always feeling hungry, you need to understand that you are doing it for the greater good of your body. Look at the end result and not what you are facing currently.
Inadequate Weight Loss
You might feel that your weight loss goals are not being met. You might have thought of losing two pounds by so and so date, but you haven’t. This might disappoint you big time. Enough to make you want to quit your weight loss program altogether. But you need to be persistent when it comes to losing weight. You might have set goals, but at times, you will need to rework those goals.
Psychological Side Effects Of Weight Loss
Some people going through a weight loss routine might suffer from a nervous breakdown or display changes in their behaviour. People trying to lose weight can experience anger, frustration and irritation and might want to take it out on the people around them. There is no doubt that there are psychological effects of weight loss. But, there is also no doubt that you can control them by developing a positive outlook to life. If you have a positive feeling about weight loss, you will only look at the benefits of obesity treatment and weight loss and not get bogged down by the difficulties.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Common Cause For Weight Gain
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Monday, April 26, 2010 | Published in
Alcohol and Calories
You are able to maintain your body weight, if your body can actually burn a sufficient amount of calories. But, if you take in more calories than your body can burn, you start gaining weight. Studies indicate that only around 5% of the calories that are present in alcohol you drink are converted by your body into fat. The majority of the alcohol that is consumed is actually converted into a substance known as acetate. Excessive intake of alcohol increases the levels of acetate in your blood; an immediate effect of the rise in levels of acetate is seen in the form of reduced weight loss.
Alcohol and Your Appetite
There is no doubt that an excessive intake of alcohol also increases your appetite. Alcohol is the most potent form of appetizer; thus, you increase your food intake when drinking. Many people have a tendency to combine alcohol intake with a meal that is high in fat content. The problem is that your body is unable to cope with this increased intake of food, which in turn leads to weight gain.
It’s also seen that an increase in the consumption of alcohol can lead to a reduction in the levels of testosterone in your body; as a result your body is unable to develop muscles. Therefore, your weight continues to increase and the majority of your dietary intake continues to add to the existing fat deposits in your body.
This is why it’s important to limit your alcohol intake. Drinking in moderation will definitely help you limit weight gain.
Prescription Slimming Pills v/s Herbal Pills
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Wednesday, April 21, 2010 | Published in
Prescription Pills
As the name suggests, prescription pills can only be prescribed by your doctor. Such slimming pills are appetite suppressants, fat burners or fat blockers. An appetite suppressant works by inhibiting your appetite as it works in the brain to increase your levels of satisfaction. Fat burners improve your body’s metabolic activity while ensuring that the fat in your body is burnt at a faster rate. Fat blockers prevent a certain percentage of your dietary fat from being absorbed by your body. Prescription dugs have been clinically proven to help obese people lose weight. However, they also have some common and uncommon side effects linked to them.
Herbal Pills
Herbal pills bring to you the power of potent herbal extracts to help you lose weight. These are the kinds of herbs that have been used since ancient times to help people lose weight. If and when you do choose to use herbal pills its important that you choose herbal pills that have a reputation for effectiveness. Understand their working and whether they have proven to be effective in other people. One reason why many people choose to go for herbal slimming pills is that they have no associated side effects.
You can either choose to go for prescription slimming pills or can go for herbal slimming pills; this choice remains with you alone. It’s your personal decision, but making sure that it’s also an informed one will also provide for your safety.
Achieving weight loss with slimming pills
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Friday, April 16, 2010 | Published in
The popularity of slimming pills
The convenience factor with respect to slimming pills makes them a very good option for facilitating weight loss efforts. All one needs to do is take the pill (in the required dosage) orally and experience the results. There is nothing else that needs to be done. Also, the fact that many of these pills have shown good results has also endeared them to a lot of people who want to lose weight.
Types of slimming pills
There is a range of slimming pills available on the market. The range is immense and you can choose from prescription pills or even herbal pills, especially designed for achieving weight loss. Prescription slimming pills are available in the form of appetite suppressants or even fat blockers. Appetite suppressants help you lose fat by reducing your appetite while a fat blocker helps block a certain percentage of fat that you consume as part of your meal. A number of people also look at herbal pills for losing weight. These pills are a popular option because they have no associated side effects.
Making a careful choice
Weight loss with slimming pills is a good option if you can make the right choice and make the requisite lifestyle changes that go hand in hand with this treatment method. Consulting your doctor with respect to the choice of your slimming pill is a good idea if you want to zero in on a pill that suits all your needs and requirements. But whatever pill you choose, it’s important that you understand that these medications should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and a disciplined exercise regimen.
Get Rid of Obesity with Exercise and Diet Control
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Monday, April 12, 2010 | Published in
To get rid of obesity successfully, it is essential to give top priority to healthy weight loss as part of your daily routine. One easy and healthiest way to lose weight is neither extreme exercise nor crash diets. Body does not like fast changes in terms of exercise and food. Make exercise a part of your daily routine, start your day with little exercise and then gradually increase its duration.
There are a lots of benefits associated with exercise. Some of them include:
- During exercise body burns calories that help in maintaining a healthy weight.
- Exercise improves your blood circulation and lowers the blood pressure.
- Exercise also prevents many diseases like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease etc.
Same is applicable in the case of diet control. Normally obese or overweight people suddenly stop eating normal food and also restrict themselves to minimal calories. It is not at all a wise move as it causes deficiency of nutrients and vitamins in the body. So, it’s recommendable for a person to gradually decrease the amount of calories from the diet plan, so that body got time to easily adopt that change. But make sure that you are on healthy diet even during the diet control!
Why Are There Increasing Incidences Of Obesity In Children?
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Friday, April 9, 2010 | Published in
No control over diet
If you give your child whatever he/she wants, when it comes to their diet, your child becomes an ideal candidate for obesity. Children are easily attracted to unhealthy foods, especially junk foods. So, it’s up to you to exercise control over what they eat. Moreover, it’s also necessary that you keep a watch on the amount of food they consume in a day. If they are consuming more than what is considered healthy, you need to restrict their portions. So, limiting their intake of junk food and ensuring healthier portions will go a long way in helping them keep obesity at bay and stay fit and healthy.
A sedentary lifestyle
More and more children are leading sedentary lifestyles these days. The concept of playing outdoors has all but disappeared. Children spend more time on their computers or in front of the TV, which has led to them leading a lifestyle that has very little physical activity. This means they don’t get the kind of exercise that their body requires. This is one of the most common reasons for weight gain and obesity in children.
It runs in the families
If you suffer from obesity, chances are that your child might suffer from obesity because of his/her genetic predisposition. Following in your footsteps, your child is going to eat the same food that you are going to eat and more importantly develop the same unhealthy lifestyle habits that lead to obesity. So, if you are obese, it’s doubly important that you keep a watch on your child’s weight. Also, get started on a weight loss program to ensure that you are able to lose weight and your child does not suffer from obesity.
Is Menopause responsible For Weight Gain?
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Tuesday, April 6, 2010 | Published in
It has been seen that during this period maintaining weight becomes more difficult. Weight gained after the menopause typically settles around her abdominal area rather than her hips and thighs.
Reasons behind weight gain after menopause
- Slow metabolism rate: Metabolism rate of body slows down as the age increases.
- Less activity: During menopause women tend to exercise less and eat more, which can lead to weight gain.
- Genetics: Genetics can also be a factor responsible for weight gain after menopause.
- Hormonal changes: Estrogen is female sex hormone, which is responsible for monthly ovulation. During menopause, estrogen declines rapidly. It is one of the main reasons, which may lead to menopausal weight gain.
The ways for maintaining a healthy weight are same for all age groups. Although, reducing weight after menopause is quite difficult due to slow metabolism rate of body. To prevent weight gain or reduce weight after menopause, women must increase physical activities and exercise. It boosts metabolism of body and helps to burn fat. Reduction in consumption of calories and dietary fats also help to put off extra pounds.
Shed Some Extra Pounds with Water and Look Good
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Friday, April 2, 2010 | Published in
How water helps weight loss:
Drinking water is important. It helps to reduce weight in two ways:
First, it works as appetite suppressant as it helps to reduce craving.
Second, it works as purifier, it filter toxins from body and boosts our metabolic rate. Doctors recommend that a person should drink at least 8-9 glasses of water in a day because all functions within the body works well in the presence of water. Improved metabolic rate further helps in losing weight effectively.
People can fulfill the requirement of water in body by taking juices and fruits like watermelon, lychee, orange, berries etc. which have good contain of water in them and are less calorie dense.
Drinking warm water is more effective in weight loss and maintaining weight loss than normal temperature water.
We all know that water is a perfect beauty therapist. Water flushes out impurities from your skin and makes skin more clean, clear and glowing. With increase in age, skin becomes saggy year after year. Water keeps skin cells tight and helps you look younger than your actual age. So drink more water to look good and keep you fit!
Can Obesity Cause Infertility?
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Monday, March 29, 2010 | Published in
A research conducted by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) indicates that men with high BMI (Body Mass Index) have a greater probability to become infertile. Obese men have three times low sperm count in comparison with men of the same age/weight conditions and tend to have lesser sexual intercourse due to lower sex drive. So, obese men may not have sex as frequently.
As obesity affects fertility in men, in the same way it can affect women fertility as well. Obese women, who try to become pregnant, experience longer time to conceive, although they are young and have a regular ovulatory/menstruation cycle. Obesity in women makes alterations in their ovaries. These alterations might be responsible for poorer reproductive outcomes like inability of egg to make an embryo. Fat might alter metabolism of egg and this change is unsafe for embryo formation. So, obese women are significantly less likely to conceive naturally. Obese women are at higher risks of experiencing miscarriages and other complications during pregnancy.
So if you are obese according to your BMI level, then this is the high time to do something about it. Losing weight not only keeps your body fit and free from future health risks but also improves your sex life!
How Can Women Lose Weight In a Healthy Way?
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Wednesday, March 24, 2010 | Published in
1) Would it be easy for me to lose weight?
2) What would be the best and comfortable way to lose weight?
Women are always busy taking care of children, family with little or no time left for them. They definitely look for some easy ways to maintain a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle to keep that extra pounds off and look fit.
Here I am trying to highlight some healthy ways that can help a woman to lose weight:
1) Eat like a child: - Instead of having food two to three times in a day, women should try to eat four to five times in a day. Break your whole day diet in four to five parts and take it in small intervals of time. It would help to lead better weight management.
2) Eat only when you are Hungry: - Avoid having food, when you are not hungry.
3) Balanced diet: - Balanced meals that consist of proportionate amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and a little fat will provide you all the nutrients that your body needs and keep you satisfied for a longer time.
4) Make fiber a part of your diet: - Include fiber rich food like apples, broccoli, black beans etc in your diet. Try to get 40 grams of fiber every day.
5) Take more liquid and water: - Take more liquid like juices than solid diet, which are full of nutrients and energy and try to drink water as much as possible.
These are some simple diet solutions, I hope it would help you to lose weight and keep yourself fit.
Obesity - Affecting All Age Groups
Posted by : Nicole Smith | Tuesday, March 23, 2010 | Published in
Now the question arises- is obesity and overweight same? Generally people, treat the terms “over-weight” and “obesity” interchangeably. But in fact, these are two different terms. The condition, in which BMI (Body Mass Index) of a person ranges between 25 - 29.9, is recognized as overweight. While People, whose BMI is 30 and more than 30, are considered as obese.
Young generation is especially attracted to junk food. We all know that junk food have high percentage of fat and hardly having any nutritive value, hence contributes as main reason of obesity among youngsters. While in adults the main reason behind obesity is increased consumption of more energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods with high levels of sugar and saturated fats, sedentary lifestyle and less physical activities. Sometimes obesity could also be hereditary, genes plays an important part in determining a person's susceptibility to weight gain.
At initial level obesity can be easily controlled with regular exercise and diet control but to overcome from severe obesity, only regular exercise and diet control is not enough, in this condition obesity control treatment could be very helpful.
The effects of obesity can lead you to serious health problems and it is also the reason behind many premature deaths across the world.
