Obesity and its Effects on your Health
Obesity occurs when your body has accumulated excess body fat to the extent that your health is adversely affected and you become at risk of developing chronic diseases, including potentially life-threatening conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, and more.
Body Mass Index (BMI) | Body Mass Index or BMI is calculated as: weight (kg) height (m) x height (m) A BMI of 18.5 – 22.9 is considered healthy, whereas a result over 23 means your health is at risk. You are considered obese if you have a BMI of 30 and above. |
Waist circumference | Compared to BMI, waist circumference is a better measure of body fat and is often used to assess cardiovascular risk. You will need to take note if your waist size is above 80cm for Asian women and 90cm for Asian men. |
What can you do?
Nutrition
Develop a Healthy Eating Plan: Work with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to create a balanced meal plan that focuses on nutritious foods, appropriate portion sizes, and gradual weight loss.
Exercise
Incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Start with activities that you enjoy and can do comfortably, gradually increasing intensity and duration as your fitness improves.
Manage Stress and Stay Motivated
Keep track of your progress regularly. This can help you stay motivated and make adjustments to your plan as needed.
Consult a Healthcare Professional
Before embarking on any lifestyle changes, start by consulting a doctor or a healthcare provider who can assess your overall health, provide guidance, and help you set realistic goals.
When you commit to living and eating well, you'll experience a significant boost in health, fitness, and self-esteem, leaving you feeling great both physically and mentally. Needless to say, the best time to start with healthy habits is now. You are doing your future self a huge favour because it’s going to get that much harder to lose weight and change bad habits once they are part of you.
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