http://www.healthzine.org/feed/ http://www.healthzine.org/ Every day new articles and updated info on all your health, beauty and fitness concerns. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:00:07 +0200 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:00:07 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/The-link-between-depression-and-obesity http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/The-link-between-depression-and-obesity The link between depression and obesity is analogous to that eternal question between the chicken and the egg—which really came first? Studies have shown that American adults and children have higher rates of obesity and depression than ever before. It has been shown that obese people are most likely to feel left out of any social circle and have a harder time climbing the career ladder, regardless of their capabilities. Experts have seen a connection between people’s weight and their mood. This is because, according to them, obesity causes chemical imbalances in people which can regulate the way they feel. As a result, obesity can transform people to become depressed especially since they not only experience poor health but are also unsatisfied with how they look. Regardless of whether you believe your weight is the cause of your depression, you must know that help is available and easier to get than you think. An effect of depression on people is that they are more likely to become obese. This is due to the physiological changes that occur in their immune systems that affect their hormones when they suffer bouts of depression. People like these find it difficulty to take good care of themselves because they just can’t get themselves motivated to do so. In the case of obesity depression; losing the weight is something that demands a lot of self discipline since you would be tackling not just the weight but also the depression as well—a Herculean task at best. Keep in mind that your attitude determines your altitude so if you already feel like this would be a difficult task to accomplish then it will be so, even when it’s not. The good news is that the solution to obesity is doable and within reach. Seeing as it is a difficult thing to tackle by yourself, try joining a support group. Support groups that remedies obesity can help you cope with your struggle because you will be with people who share the same problem as. Examples such as Weight Watchers and Overeaters Anonymous can provide you with the support structure that you would need to get rid of those feelings of despair. Activities such as exercise and stress reduction can help take care of both obesity and depression. Try not to depend too much on anti-depressants since they may have detrimental effects as well—like exacerbate your weight gain. Throw that rigid diet out the window and try to explore new things instead. Try to change the way you think abut food, especially on how it relates to you, that way you don’t feel guilty or deprived every time you eat. For instance, choose low-fat snacks like popcorn or fruits that can fill you up without leaving you empty in terms of taste or satisfaction. Instead of sautéing veggies in butter try steaming them instead. Change your lifestyle—instead of driving to the corner grocer walk there instead. Take a stroll in the park, do yoga or go out on weekends. In other words do things that are of interest to you and that you get fun out of. In simple terms, try to incorporate physical activity as part of your daily routine. However, make sure you consult your doctor before making any major changes to your lifestyle, way of eating, and before starting any physical activity as they may detrimentally affect your health. Slowly but surely should be your motto—gradually break yourself into your new routine. Find a friend to share the activity with, this way you have someone you can interact with and at the same time motivate you to go on. Lastly do not hesitate to seek professional assistance. Your emphasis is on weight loss so that you can focus on your well being. Remember the world doesn’t have to be on your shoulders. If you can’t bear it, share it. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:55:12 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/Fight-Obesity-and-Emerge-A-Winner http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/Fight-Obesity-and-Emerge-A-Winner Let me start by asking; Are you really sure that your current weight is in proportion to your weight and age? If you are, have you proven it? Then good for you! Keep it up! But if you think that you’re unsure, then this article is for you. You see, nothing can be more beautiful than waking up each morning, and feeling healthy. But if you’re overweight, then there are certain feelings of discomfort that you feel, right? So wouldn’t it be great if these feelings of discomfort will be totally erased from your system? Or would you rather stay in your current condition, where at any time of the day, you would collapse because your blood pressure shoots up? Of course, all of us would choose the first choice, right? If so, then how do you ensure that you become physically fit and healthy? Well one good way to start is you body weight must be proportional with your age and height. This means that you must not become an obese person. So what is an obese person? Simply put, an obese person is someone who is excessively fat. Now that we have defined what an obese person is, let us now know the causes of obesity, well there are many causes of such conditions, but to name just a few; Excessive Food Consumption is one major cause of obesity, another is Family influence which is a major contributory factor of obesity and lastly Reduced Energy Expenditure. Because of these and many more factors, more and more people suffer from obesity. According to obesity statistics twenty percent of children in the United States are overweight and another eleven percent are obese. I remember when I was 21 years old; I was fat and have a very low self esteem. Further more I was diabetic, which later lead me to become depressed. But luckily I met this woman who taught me to take care of myself and my health. She taught me some of what she knew; one of them is weight management which is basically how to do weight loss safely. I can never forget that woman, simply because she became the light in my once dark world, and she showed be the right and proper way to overcome obesity. So going back to the subject obesity; I believe that this is a global epidemic, but the good thing is, it can be treated. If I did it, then there is no reason that you can’t. Motivated now? Great! Now, I will teach you how to act with your battle with obesity. Here’s step number one, “You need to control your Calorie Intake” this simply means that it is necessary for you to consume a controlled number of calorie intake. Do this by reducing your consumption of fatty foods. Then reinforce this act by doing regular exercises like jogging, brisk walking, swimming or sports like basketball, volleyball or any ballgames where you can sweat, the main purpose of all this is to burn calories from your body. Another fun way to exercise, which I really like is dancing, it’s fun but very effective in burning fat. The next step is to eat more meals in a day in order to lose weight. Sounds odd, well I beg to disagree, to qualify my stand you need to eat four meals of small amounts with a 3-4 hour interval, this way you won’t feel any cravings for food but in reality what you eat are little amounts of food. The above mentioned will help you on your battle against Obesity, but a word of advice, all this are for nothing without your cooperation. So go ahead, Fight Obesity and Emerge a Winner! After all, wouldn’t it be great if you can someday possess a body that you have been dreaming, right? About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:59:44 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/obesity-and-depression-in-women http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/obesity-and-depression-in-women Women can be put to much stress, especially as they are expected to manage both work and home issues and matters. Familial, professional and hormonal changes can come to the point of being distressing for this gender. The distress, called “stress” in simple terms has massive consequences, emotionally and health- wise. One of the most common consequences of stress is weight gain. It comes as no surprise why a large number of women suffer from a weight problem. Obesity is a common dilemma among the fairer sex. And this again causes further emotional health problems such as depression. That’s why they say obesity and depression go hand in hand in women. Then it spirals- the further havoc of stress and obesity and depression. As a woman becomes depressed because she is obese, she begins to manifest low self-esteem. Because of low self-esteem, she loses confidence in herself and her will power weakens. With a diminished will-power, weight loss then becomes a struggle. This is the vicious cycle of obesity and depression in women and why it is such a Herculean task for them to break free from. Middle-aged women are especially prone to get caught in the predicament. Studies have shown that obese women are twice as much more likely to suffer from depression. Much undue pressure is often put on women to be attractive. And having a weight problem causes frustration on their part in this regard. The predominant problem is especially low self-esteem- a by- product of a beauty-obsessed society. Is there a means of addressing this particular problem? The root of the problem must primarily be dealt with- depression brought about by low self-esteem. A woman’s self-esteem should basically be boosted, making her believe in herself. She then bolsters her will power, especially for losing weight. With a rebuilt belief in herself, a woman would then have the initiative to pursue weight loss effort. And when somebody really takes action, it is when weight loss has the best chances of success. This is a crucial means for breaking free from the obesity and depression dilemma among women. You may be caught up in this vicious cycle. You ought to be informed of why it is essential for you to step out of this spiral. Obesity and depression not only cause you emotional unhappiness. Your mental health can suffer, too. Overweight and obesity discrimination is prevalent in the current setting. More than the mental and emotional consequences, obesity and depression threaten your physical health. Due to obesity and depression, a person can develop cardiovascular disease. Infertility can result in the same manner with poor weight management. Gout, gall bladder disease, ovarian cancer and other types of cancer can arise as well. Sleeping problems such as sleep apnea is also a consequence of obesity. Obesity and depression can result to an overall negative impact in a woman’s life. Being overweight causes mobility problems. But more than physical immobility, her social life can be stalled as well. If obesity and depression beset you and have you feeling trapped, begin the battle with the thought that you are in control. That the outcome of your health depends on you and you can do something about beating obesity and depression and paving the way towards happiness. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 04:57:36 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/Obesity1 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/Obesity1 Obesity is now considered as a serious health problem because aside from the health risk it poses, the number of obese people is increasing. Other than being a health risk, obesity also affects a person’s mental and emotional well being. It is common to many people of any age and many of them have difficulty trimming down their body weight. Many think that obesity is more serious in adults than in children, but they’re not actually correct. In fact, it could be more serious in children. Studies have shown that obese children are likely to develop low self esteem and they carry this as they grow old. Because of their tender age, they easily get affected when their fellow children make fun of their weight. Their interaction with other people is also affected. Aside from these, they could also be prone to other deceases caused by obesity such as heart ailments. Adults, on the other hand, are different. They are more matured and can manage as well as overcome their insecurities. They also know how to discipline themselves to shed their excess fat. Usually, obese children grew up obese also. Adults who are obese during their childhood often find it difficult to fight obesity because their bodies are used to carry those excess fats. Therefore, in order to effectively fight adult obesity, it must start during childhood. This is where your role as parents would come in. As parents, you want to see your kids grow so you want them to eat more. You are happy to see them growing bigger because you thought that they’re healthy. You cannot be blamed for this. But what you don’t know is that they’re not healthy anymore. Check their weight. They might already be obese! Fighting childhood obesity is your job. It should start from you. You should not leave it to them because they cannot do this alone. Children are not health conscious as compared to adults. They lack self discipline when it comes to eating. They don’t care of what they are eating as long as it tastes good. To prevent them from becoming obese, you should do your job as parents. Discipline them. Be conscious of what kind of foods you prepare. Don’t feel sorry when they feel that you’re torturing them. As much as possible avoid giving them chocolates and stuffs that are known to cause obesity. Let your kids get some exercise everyday to burn those fats in their bodies. You could also give them household chores on weekends like cleaning their rooms. Don’t allow them to sit all day in front of television sets or computers. If they have to, give them only an hour or two or just enough time for them to finish their homework. Give them water instead of softdrinks. Water helps a lot in flushing out toxins from their body. It also helps in stopping their cravings for sweets. These may be difficult at first, but they’ll get used to eat. They are young and it’s easy for their bodies to adjust to these things. All you need is discipline and determination. If you love your kids, you must do these. Do not allow them to fight obesity in their adulthood. Instead, fight adult obesity during childhood. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 07:15:55 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/self-esteem http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/self-esteem You’ve heard the word time and again in almost all self-help texts- self-esteem. But what does this word really mean, and why does it seem so crucial? In the most simple understanding, self-esteem is feeling good about yourself or liking yourself. Sounds so easy, doesn’t it? But many people actually have self esteem issues, and quite a number of factors could cause them. One vital factor which can make or unmake a person’s self-esteem is their physical appearance. People tend to acknowledge a person according to how they look, and this is one of the major drawbacks of those suffering from weight problems. You can imagine how much the percentage of overweight people there is. Especially as healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits are most often neglected these days. The result is an obesity epidemic which only presents far too many consequences on the populace concerned. Accurate data has yet to be gathered on what the real causes of obesity are, or what the root is behind this condition. But one of the facts determined regarding this is the role of self-esteem in the obesity condition. A vicious cycle is actually involved. It is called the obesity-self-esteem cycle. When a person is obese, chances are they would suffer from low self esteem. And when a person has issues with how they perceive themselves, it is possible that they would suffer from a weight problem as well. It’s apparent why an obese person would most likely dislike how they look, and so it results to them having a negative perception of themselves. But what of a person having issues with themselves developing a weight problem? Self esteem issues fall under the category of emotional issues. And emotional issues can lead to a person engaging in emotional eating. Overeating, binge eating and other unhealthy eating habits often stem from emotional issues. These eating disorders are more apt to lead to weight gain, and eventually a weight issue or obesity. That’s how crucial self-esteem is- it can be the root of happiness or misery. But behind negative self perception can be yet other deep seated causes, one of which is emotional traumas. If a person happens to have suffered from bad experiences which significantly impacted their self-esteem, then the core of their personality may be negatively affected. And if somebody happens to have a problem from within, chances are, problems would manifest on the outside, too. Emotional issues can cause a person to live an unhealthy lifestyle or neglect taking care of themselves. If the problem or the negligence persists, then consequences can arise, possibly health-wise. And then again, obesity can be among these consequences. To prevent the vicious cycle, emotional traumas or issues have to be primarily addressed. It means a person should first strive to be emotionally healthy. Our emotions consist a major part of our personality, and if we care for our emotional well being, we care for an important aspect which contributes to our total well-being. Negative beliefs about ourselves have to be done away with, and emotional issues sorted out. There are several means for doing this, one of which is the Mind Resonance Process or MRP. MRP is a relatively new kind of therapy process. Other than this, there are mind and emotional therapies which have their own approaches in inculcating healthy self esteem. The internet can guide you in gaining knowledge about more therapies and healing methods. If you happen to be resourceful enough, you might find the right therapy which could be the life-changing key to your happiness. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 6 Oct 2008 06:37:44 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/overweight-discrimination http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/overweight-discrimination A large number of the population is suffering from weight issues. Having to suffer from a weight issue has many disadvantages. Of all these disadvantages, one which can pose a dilemma is overweight discrimination. Discrimination anywhere and in any form is unacceptable, yet it has long been a reality. Of the many forms of discrimination, there is one- overweight discrimination- which is quite prevalent in the workplace. One of the questions often asked by overweight people is : “Can I be fired because of my overweight condition?” Legally, a person cannot be fired for being overweight. But then again, the fact must be noted that considerable cases of overweight discrimination have been filed and gone to court. For all these number of cases, very few have proven discrimination in the workplace. Factors such as looks, weight and state of overall health can have significant influence over a person’s career advancement. That’s how it is often played in the American Corporate arena. Human Resource departments have kept tidy denied promotions, awkward stares and whispers in the workplace pertaining to physically or weight “disadvantaged” employees. But discrimination in the workplace can almost be impossible to prove, at best. In 1989, Pan American Airways paid $2.35 million to over 116 women who were discriminated for being overweight. During the next decade, hundreds of similar cases followed suit. In subsequent years, however, such cases in Corporate America have become extinct. In the recent years, healthcare costs have risen. In fact, they have significantly escalated. As a result, corporations were forced to flip the bill for their employees. A large percentage of companies agreed to increase premiums for certain employees. They are those who are overweight, habitual smokers, those suffering from hight cholesterol as well as workers with other health issues. The increase on premiums was based on the premise of rewarding healthy behavior and at the same time helping those who have habit-related problems. Such a measure may seem discriminatory, although healthy workers would disagree. Healthy workers who visit their doctors 1-2 times annually as well as unhealthy ones visiting their doctors 9-13 times a year have been paying the same premiums. The thought of overweight discrimination or any form of discrimination is frowned upon. It is generally unacceptable, but its existence and manifestation in society is a fact. For some, being overweight is a choice, for others, it is an illness or condition which requires medical attention. More than being discriminated upon, being overweight performs a vital role in a person’s happiness and well-being. And more than getting promotions and being popular in the workplace, being fit and healthy can bring rewards. Such is why engaging in a health and fitness program is a worthy endeavor. Healthy and happy more often go together, not only in terms of a successful career but in living in general. It can be challenging to go on a healthy diet and engage in physical activity regularly. But choice is the crux of the matter concerning discrimination, being overweight and deciding to be happy. Much is yet to be said on what corporations and companies have to consider, but on an individual scale, a person can take responsibility on taking a stand and in choosing to live healthier and happier. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 06:03:18 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/morbidly-obese1 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/morbidly-obese1 Obesity brings many disadvantages to a person. Primarily, it has to do with the aesthetic. Society now views “slim and trim” to be more attractive, which brings about feelings of low self-esteem to overweight or obese people. And then there is the more threatening consequence of obesity which are the health risks it puts a person to. Obesity can shorten the life span of a person, or cause fatality early on. This is especially the case in morbid obesity. Morbid obesity is a chronic condition, a severe case of obesity to the point that it may even be to the extreme. The morbidly obese population is actually twice the number of those with Alzheimer’s disease. Quite a large number of people is affected by this alarming condition. Put together the total number of morbidly obese people in one state, and they would actually be the 12th state in terms of population. The morbidly obese are put to so much risk, especially health wise. Numerous conditions are associated with morbid obesity, and ultimately it can lead to a shorter life span. Other than that, it will also have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life. What are the contributing factors towards a person becoming morbidly obese? The exact causes of this chronic condition is still unknown. But certain factors were considered and they are genetic, hereditary and environmental factors. Metabolic and eating disorders are also possible causes. Certain medical conditions can be culprits as well. A person taking steroids or suffering from hypothyroidism may suffer from this health and weight issue. Many surveys have come to conclude that a person’s genetic make-up may cause them to gain excess weight. For instance, it has been found that the body weight of adopted children is not related to those of the parents who taught them how to eat. Their weight primarily has to do with their biological parents’. Then there are environmental factors which can lead to a person becoming morbidly obese. Being exposed to too much fast food and consuming it excessively is a common cause. And so is a sedentary lifestyle, or if a person stays seated in a desk for hours for most of the days. This is lack of physical activity, which makes a person prone to gain more weight. Much of the public knows of the disadvantages and threats of obesity. It can bring about a range of conditions which people would avoid. Among them are hypertension, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer and asthma. Chronic as it may seem, a morbidly obese person can take steps towards improving their plight. They can be baby steps as it may, but with regularity and focus, results can happen. The basic means of combating obesity still remain. And that’s controlling the diet and engaging in regular physical activity. Weight loss pills can be resorted to for faster results, and this is best supervised by a health care practitioner. The last recourse is surgery, which is a drastic measure. In the goal of losing weight, essential is a well-planned and effective program supervised by an authority on the matter. Along with this is the willingness and motivation of the overweight person to work hard towards losing weight and improving the quality of their life. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 8 Jul 2008 08:52:27 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/beer-belly http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/beer-belly Flat abs is certainly sexy and everybody wants to have it. But not many people can actually get hold of it. For one thing, it takes a great deal of effort to have flat and sexy abs. And for another thing, a great number of people are simply overweight or obese. Most likely, these people have that unpleasant beer belly. Most people think that having a beer belly is all about excess weight and fat. But then again, that’s just one part of the story. Countless of people ask the question “How can I get rid of my beer belly?”, Or “What would really work for me to reduce the size of my belly?” Most would go on a low fat, high fiber diet in the hopes of getting what they want. Others would incorporate regular exercise with this, or even exercising on end. Well these are good and healthy weight loss measures. They could help in getting rid of beer belly. But it’s not all there is to it. So people are often under the notion that abdominal fat is due to a poor diet and lack of exercise. And for some, they think it’s because of taking in too much alcohol. But the real story behind beer belly? It’s the fact that your intestines are clogged up with faecal matter, simply known as “poo”. When faecal matter is clogging up in your intestines, they would swell. As a result of the swelling bowels, the belly is pushed up and out. And what would you get? Yup, you got it- a beer belly. When you have this condition, food will not be digested properly and your metabolism will be slowed down. Weight gain is then bound to happen in which abdominal fat is one of the symptoms. In this sense, it is crucial that faecal matter is removed from the colon, or the body. The body ought to be cleansed and detoxified for weight loss to effectively take place. And when you lose weight, fat in your abdomen will also be reduced. Elimination of toxic waste and undigested food from the body is vital. It is in fact as essential as proper digestion and assimilation of food. To lose excess weight and to get rid of beer belly, intestinal and body cleansing is important. But on the other hand you might think that no, my bowels cannot be impacted. I regularly go to the toilet and move plus I am never constipated. But you don’t have to be constipated to have excess faecal matter lining your bowels. Detoxifying and cleansing are health measures that have to be regularly done. That way, your body as a system would run smoothly. There are many colon cleansing products in the market that you can avail of, and it’s better that you resort to something natural. And while you’re at it, make sure that the product is of good quality. When it comes to health matters, sometimes you shouldn’t just treat what you see. But rather take a look at what’s behind it and deal with the root cause. Chances are you would find a better solution for your problem this way. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 05:44:01 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/teen-obesity http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/teen-obesity Obesity rates are rising to alarmingly high proportions, and this is a cause for concern. This condition can affect anyone regardless of age, status and gender, and this goes to say that children and teens can suffer from it as well. Take the case of teen obesity whose rate has basically tripled since the 1980’s. Fifteen percent of the total population, or about 9 million children and teenagers are obese, specifically those under the age of 15. As much as obesity statistics are quite discouraging, it is expected to become worse in the coming years. When a person is obese, it means that they have an excessive accumulation of fat in their body. Obese people are generally those which are 20% heavier than their body weight. The problem of obesity needs to be addressed promptly, especially as it’s expected to increase by 20 to 30% from 2007 onwards. How can the problem of childhood and teen obesity be dealt with? Parents have a crucial role and responsibility when it comes to this. Primarily, they have to teach their children good habits, especially good eating habits and physical activity. Habits which children learn are basically acquired from parents. And it’s best that parents teach by example- by being healthy eaters and physically active people themselves. Children should also be made aware of the importance of being physically active and of having good eating habits. The concept of good health and a healthy lifestyle should be brought into their awareness. Whether kids become healthy or not is mostly due to how the parents have molded and conditioned them. And eating fast food- the most convenient way of becoming obese- ought to be limited or controlled. There may be times when parents would be too tired to cook or prepare dinner, and their immediate substitute would be to buy fast food. Fast food is loaded with much calories as well as harmful fats. It’s one of the major contributors to teen obesity. The average daily calorie intake of an individual is around 2000 calories. But one meal of fast food alone contains about 1200 calories. When one does the math, the results would actually not be a good picture. Parents should take time to be healthy people themselves. Health and fitness is the best legacy that parents can give to their children. And when their kids become obese, they should be there for support. Obese kids have to be taught to be emotionally strong, especially as they can be objects of ridicule among their peers. But even more so, these kids have to be motivated to exercise and eat healthily. They ought to be encouraged to engage in a weight loss program. Obese children may turn out to be obese adults, but obesity should be stopped before it reaches that point. Not only do cosmetic issues go with obesity, but more so, health problems. One is posed to increased risks for threatening conditions and diseases when they are obese. Emotional and psychological issues may also come up. These are the saddening consequences of obesity. It is only crucial then that obesity is combated and for those concerned to take action. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 20 May 2008 14:59:23 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/metabolic-syndrome http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/metabolic-syndrome So you’ve been to the doctor for your yearly check up. Blood tests and other exams have been performed. It seems that this time, all is not well. The doctor says that your blood sugar is a little high. This is not a good sign, you say to yourself. And indeed it is not good. There are certain irregularities in your health and you ought to do something about it. After all, good health is not to be compromised. It is the primary factor to living life to the fullest. An elevated blood sugar means that you need to do some lifestyle modifications. Like keeping to a healthier diet, and having a regular exercise regimen. And what if your doctor says that your condition has to do with metabolic syndrome? What does this mean? Having metabolic syndrome means you have a cluster of symptoms which are all related to your metabolism. “A cluster of symptoms”, as it is said. And when you experience them all together, it can be detrimental. It’s not so much of a problem when only one symptom manifests. But put several of these symptoms together and it can spell trouble. You may be staring at bigger risks for developing serious and threatening diseases. So what are the manifestations or signs of metabolic syndrome? The following are the altered metabolic factors associated with the condition. First is that you are overweight with fat storage predominant on your waist. You are also in a pre-diabetic state which means that your blood sugar is slightly elevated. Your blood sugar may be over 110 mg/dl but less than 120 mg/dl. You may not have diabetes yet, but you are certainly put to risk. Your good cholesterol levels might be lower than normal and your triglyceride levels are higher than 150 mg/dl. And finally, your blood pressure is higher than it should be- perhaps 130 mm/hg systolic. It’s not necessary that you have all these 5 signs for you to be diagnosed as having metabolic syndrome. Three out of five of these indications make you qualified, too. So it is important to act now while you can, especially if you are in the pre-diabetic state. Being in this condition means that your cells are already insulin resistant. Your body can no longer handle and process the sugar load from the food as it is supposed to. Over time, if you become negligent, you could be on your way to suffering from diabetes itself. Combine all these factors together and your risk for developing cardiovascular disease increases. It can be further aggravated if you have a family history of diabetes. What to do about it then to avoid further aggravation? It’s time for you to get serious about living a healthy lifestyle. You have to change your eating habits and make it a point to eat healthily. Incorporate more whole grain breads, low fat meats and vegetables into your diet. And as much as possible, eat fewer potatoes, highly processed foods and refined sugars. Try to do away with fried foods as well, and watch the salt. Exercise regularly, too, and it doesn’t have to be strenuous. As a health and fitness regimen, you can start by brisk walking for 30 minutes everyday. If you are in the habit of smoking, then you ought to stop. Smoking can worsen your insulin resistance. Most of all, strive to lose weight. A drop of 10-15% in your body weight can do so much to improve your condition. Take action against metabolic syndrome by living right and healthily. You’ll be glad you did because it would mean better and more worthwhile living for you. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:46:22 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/being-overweight http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/being-overweight So you are overweight and you ask yourself “Can I still get a quality woman even though I’m not as fit and trim”? Well, the answer depends on what you can offer a woman despite you being overweight. Take note of your lifestyle. Are you all about merely watching tv and going to work, then going to bars and nightclubbing? If so, then chances are you won’t get a quality woman. Women who want lasting relationships look for emotional fulfillment from a man and his lifestyle. But this doesn’t mean that you have to be very rich, of course. The point driven here is that you ought to have a good quality and active lifestyle. Where a woman can have fun and learn a lot from being with you. Where your company would become engaging as you’re a well-rounded, healthy person (personality wise, too). But see if you’re a couch potato. What would a woman literally get from you. You basically don’t have a life, so what would you offer a woman? Certainly not fun, or an enjoyable company. Maybe not even an interesting conversation because you’re all about tv, not life. Sure there are women who are attracted to the “teddy bear” type. But they would want an interesting person to go with that. Looks matter, but your appealing and charming personality can compensate for you being overweight. Looks sometimes only matter when a man has nothing to offer a woman, you know. So look for other avenues wherein a woman can find you attractive and interesting. Your chances of attracting the opposite sex will have to do with the kind of life you live. You must also understand how it is to attract them. Make it a point that you make women realize that you are a quality person despite you being overweight. That you’re smart and witty and charming. And that most of all, you have a healthy personality. Your active lifestyle is a plus point for making you interesting. It shows that you are a motivated person and it can help with you losing weight as well. And of course, weight loss should also be in your agenda. Not necessarily for you to look fabulous, but for you to be positive and healthy. Exercise regularly and eat healthily. These would make you feel good about yourself and will make you feel confident. These two are crucial factors in attracting the opposite sex. Sometimes it’s all about attitude, and not necessarily looking perfect. Sure you may not be perfect, but you have something worthwhile to offer, that’s the point. It can be a fun and pleasant company, an interesting personality, or a smart, witty and charming boyfriend. Or somebody who’s warm, responsible and affectionate. So get a life first, and get active. Have something worthwhile to engage in, and you will soon be ready to go out in the dating arena. Looks are only superficial, and show those women that you are somebody substantial. A teddy bear on the outside, yet a real man on the inside. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:05:27 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/causes-of-obesity4 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/causes-of-obesity4 Obesity has become an epidemic, as factors causing it are quite convenient. Indeed, more and more people are becoming overweight and obese. Gaining those pounds just seem to get easier and easier rather than losing them. In fact, you may be having this dilemma. Many people are always asking “What should I do to lose weight?” or “What is the best way for weight loss?”. As they say, the best way to deal with a condition is to know the cause. That way, you can know what it is that you would treat. So it’s best that you know what the causes of obesity are, so that you would know how to put a stop to them. You have got to cut them off from the beginning so that your dilemma wouldn’t get out of hand. A common cause of obesity can be your lifestyle. Your eating habits and your physical activity (or the lack of it) are part of your lifestyle. Do you have a disorderly eating habit? Do you eat on time, or do you skip meals? When you have the tendency to skip meals, chances are that you would compensate for it later in the day. You may end up to be binge eating, and this might become a habit- a bad habit- and it can lead to weight gain. Or maybe you don’t eat on time. Try eating during meal time and in the long run, you might have less calorie intake. It would be better than having meals every now and then until you realize that all those meals have accumulated into more calorie intake. Other than unhealthy eating patterns, you might be lacking in physical activity, too. What happens with more calorie intake and less calorie output? Weight gain. Maybe you have this tendency, and take note and do something about it. Eating more and exercising less are the major causes of obesity. Genetics is also a cause of obesity. You could become obese when some of your family members are. But this is not a reason for you to blame your relatives. You have a responsibility for yourself, so take responsibility. You can change your life, and yes, you can make things happen- even weight loss. Do everything within your means to reduce your weight. It’s a matter of knowing that you can do, and that you should take action. Rather than putting the blame on outside factors, why not learn to be in control? It doesn’t have to be drastic, either - you can start with small steps at a time. Start practicing a healthy lifestyle. Exercise, even if it just means brisk walking for 20 minutes everyday. Start eating on time, and healthy food at that. And one major thing- cut down on junk food. It’s a major factor in obesity. Did you know that one burger has the calories equivalent to one meal? But on the other hand, it has less nutrients. You’d end up taking in more calories, which is why it’s so easy to gain weight with junk food. Poor lifestyle habits, genetics and junk food are major causes of obesity. Among the three, only one is not within your control- your genes. Thee rest are factors wherein you can do something, and it’s always worth the try. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:17:34 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/causes-of-obesity3 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/causes-of-obesity3 A treatment is often more successfully applied if the causes have been identified. How else would one give treatment when they don’t know what it is to treat? But often, the case is that treatment is only employed on the surface- merely the symptoms. It may initially be effective, but chances are the condition would recur. The key to beating something is to go down to the cause. This can be applied to the major health and cosmetic dilemma of obesity. But first, a look at the possible causes of obesity. Many are well aware of the most common causes of obesity- lack of exercise and excessive eating. The plain and simple equation of more calorie intake and less calorie output. Obesity is also a result of bad eating habits, or even the dietary culture in which one belongs to. Take the case of fast food which has basically become a staple. Fast food is served and eaten conveniently, and most people thrive through convenience. Everybody expects everything to be served immediately and with ease. Fast food comes up with this requirement, and so people have just incorporated it into their regular goings about. But this tendency has a major consequence- obesity. Especially when it is coupled by less or no physical activity at all. These are among the causes of obesity which majority know of. But then, there could be more. There are other underlying causes of obesity such as medical conditions and certain medications. Many medical conditions and some sorts of medications can cause some people to put on weight. Problems resulting from these can go on so long making the person more obese. For instance, glandular malfunctions of the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland. They can cause one to become obese. Suffering from obesity and having difficulties in losing weight may entail a through evaluation of these glands. Either of them can be the cause of the problem. Complications of certain conditions and disease can make one gain weight. One of these is diabetes complications. Or those resulting from hypertension, bone and joint problems, heart disease, back problems and high cholesterol. So it is with reactions to some medications- they can lead to one becoming obese. Eating disorders, stress and emotional tension can also contribute to obesity. The same can be said with depression – it can be a factor as well. Sometimes, treating obesity starts with the mind. It can go a long way towards arriving to a cure. Obesity is often caused by something- it is rarely a condition in and of itself. The causes can either be one’s lifestyle or poor eating habits or a poor diet. Or otherwise they could be a medical or psychological condition. Treatments employed often focus on the symptoms rather than diagnosing the cause. Perhaps the latter would be more effective- addressing the source. For natural ways to beat obesity, visit Healthzine’s Weight Loss Shop. In our Weight Loss Shop, you can avail of proven safe and natural weight loss supplements. Our varied supplements can augment in making your weight loss measures more effective. Our products are some of the best in the market making thousands of satisfied customers out there. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 5 Mar 2008 03:44:25 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/belly-fat1 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/belly-fat1 So many people are overweight and obese in highly developed countries. Many factors contribute to such conditions. There is primarily genetics- one is predisposed to it. But it can be aggravated by a sedentary lifestyle and bad eating habits, and many people are guilty of these tendencies. Such is why obesity statistics is on the rise, and it has become alarming. It is not surprising to see “rotund” people most everywhere. They’re simply called “fat”, and one of their salient characteristics is having belly fat. Belly fat can be downright unsightly. It gives off the impression that one lacks exercise and is undisciplined when eating. This can be true for many of these people. There are people who are fat on the cheeks, the arms, the belly and the hips. But studies have shown that those who are fat in the stomach are posed at greater health risks. Simply put, belly fat is more dangerous. It’s only best then that one gets rid of it. And what is the best way to get rid of belly fat? Many people are under the idea that doing stomach crunches and sit ups would do the job. These can work, but perhaps on a limited scale. One thing to remember when doing exercises is that they ought to be done to attain better health. That’s how it is with losing weight. Losing weight should not be merely for the purpose of looking good. The primary reason should be to be healthier. Being trim- looking fabulous – will be the delightful bonus. Such is why weight loss measures should be healthy, too. On the subject of belly fat and getting rid of it, the better means would be to do cardio workouts. By no doubt, cardiovascular exercises and their health benefits are countless. Among them is reducing or eliminating pounds around the abdomen or stomach. Cardio exercise and strength training are in fact the power pack combo. They’re ideal for getting rid of fats and pounds all throughout the body. Such exercises are also good for muscle toning, abdominal fat is done away with. Cardio workouts and strength training are best suited for a regular exercise regimen. They work for optimum health – heart health – and body toning. That’s health and fitness simply put. These exercises have to be done regularly for maximum benefits. And of course, they have to be complemented with a healthy diet, too. Regular exercise and a healthy diet have long been regarded as the pillars of good health. To this day, they stand true to this title. For a healthy diet, ideal would be to eat whole foods of fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meat, seeds, whole grains, nuts and cereals and the like. It’s also best to do away with fast and junk food. They’re tasty, yes, but what about the nutrition they contain? Mostly saturated fats, sugar and cholesterol. Not to mention that they are loaded with tons of calories, too. By no doubt, such foods are significantly responsible for the obesity epidemic. It’s best to stick to the basic of the natural, the tried, the tested and the proven of exercise and eating healthy. They are less complicated yet guaranteed effective. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:24:24 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/causes-of-obesity2 http://www.healthzine.org/Obesity/causes-of-obesity2 In countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, obesity has become a major concern. The issue has been constantly discussed on tv, in the internet, over the radio and in everyday conversations. The obesity epidemic has become alarming. It has affected a wide percentage of the population and it is growing still. But what really is behind obesity- what are the causes of obesity? The real causes of obesity are quite apparent. For one thing, there is the current lifestyle, and the recent trend. They can be causes of obesity which can be difficult to deal with. The modern lifestyle and trend is what everybody is caught in. It is what they have to live with. It is what has become inherent. They are causes of obesity which can be hard to beat. For instance, obesity among children. It is a common sight to see obese children in the US and the UK. What are the causes of obesity among children in this population? Among the most persistent of the causes of obesity among the young is lack of physical movement. Children are raised in a generation where technology prevails. Technology has undoubtedly made living more convenient. A click of this and a small push of that and presto - everything is done. There seems to be no room for physical movement anymore. Even leisure has become sedentary. Children would rather sit in front of the television, or play video games for endless hours. Very minimal calories burned. Children may get easily smarter in this age, but they conveniently get obese, too. The lifestyle and trend of the times lead to less physical activity. And it is leading among the causes of obesity. People see the causes of obesity right in front of their face. These precarious causes of obesity can basically eat them, but they remain oblivious. With all these predominant causes of obesity, one can instantly associate fast food. Fast food has become a commanding dietary culture for the majority. Fast food has become inherent to almost everybody’s lifestyle. When people are in a hurry, they grab fast food. And in this current lifestyle, people are always on the go, scurrying. Fast food goes well with the lifestyle everybody has to live with. As much as fast food is convenient, they contain tons of calories. And cholesterol, sugar and saturated fats. Fast food is perhaps the most tenacious and prevalent of the causes of obesity. Coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, they set the perfect condition for obesity and its health consequences. They are commanding causes of obesity, difficult to contend with. Genetics also play a role in the causes of obesity. Children of obese parents are also more likely to be obese as well. It could be in the genes, or it could be the disobliging lifestyle and eating habits that they have grown accustomed to. For proven ways to beat obesity, visit our weight loss shop. In our weight loss shop, you can avail of guaranteed weight loss products, natural and safe. Supplements in our weight loss shop are made up of all natural ingredients, and they are effective for healthy weight loss. Obesity has to be beaten, and natural means remain to be the better option. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy.