Obesity: Cause and Effects

A feature article by AndreaPelin, Mar 14, 2008         

Summary: Obesity is caused by many factors including unhealthy diet, bigger portion size, physical inactivity and little time to cook healthy meals.

 
Obesity is caused by many factors including unhealthy diet, bigger portion size, physical inactivity and little time to cook healthy meals.

An unhealthy way of life and insufficient physical activity increase the risk of having stroke, cancer, breathing problems, Type two diabetes, osteoarthritis or high blood pressure.

Obesity can become a problem when the fat obscures X-rays, ultrasounds, MRI or CT scans. In case of an ultrasound test it is possible that the beam cannot get the image of the appendix, kidneys or gallbladder because of the layers of fat.

Experts believe that when it comes to weight loss, a diet plan and regular workout are the best choice. Healthy diets usually follow some of these tips:

• Eat a variety of fruits, whether frozen, fresh, canned or dried.

• Eat broccoli, kale, carrots, winter squash, sweet potatoes, beans (pinto beans, garbanzo beans, black beans or kidney beans), and split peas.

• Get three cups of fat-free milk daily. Try to consume 5.5 oz of low-fat cheese for a cup of milk as an equivalent amount of calcium. If milk cannot be tolerated, replace it with calcium fortified food or lactose-free products.

ADVERTISEMENT:

• Eat whole-grain cereals, pasta, rice, bread or crackers. The daily amount should be of at least three ounces per day. A cup of cereals, half of cup of cooked pasta or a slice of bread represents one ounce.

• Choose poultry, lean meat, and fish. Consume the meat broiled, baked or grill.

Remember, however, that what’s good for others may not be good for you.

Always consult a specialist before starting to follow any diet program. Also, a safe weight loss program usually requires a gradual weight loss that does not exceed three pounds per week, and a plan to maintain the weight at a convenient level after the program is finished.

(c) Project Weight Loss 2008. All rights reserved.

Email this page to a friend Display printer-friendly version Rate this item / View member comments Report irrelevant / inappropriate content Return to the Alumbo! home page