Do you struggle with body fat? It’s never too late to ditch those bad lifestyle choices and give your health a well-deserved boost. There are many factors that contribute to obesity or body fat, and type 2 diabetes, including poor lifestyle choices, lack of exercise, and eating disorders.
In Mzansi, these health issues are especially prevalent, even among children. One of the main challenges is the cost and availability of healthy foods compared to unhealthy options.
Packing unhealthy lunch boxes, relying on takeaways, consuming processed foods, excessive drinking, and indulging in late-night junk snacks all play a part in contributing to these challenges.
It is recommended to address these challenges by seeking better solutions. Encouraging regular exercise, promoting balanced and nutritious meals, and providing education on the importance of adequate sleep are all crucial steps.
Health For Mzansi has a wealth of information on how to decrease body fat and foster a healthy lifestyle.
Carrying excess body fat is a big no-no
Poor health is a reality for some people due to excessive fat storage in the body. There are different types of fat stored in your body: fat that you cannot see when you look at someone and, on the other hand, the fat that can be seen from the outside.
Your visceral fat is fat that’s located within your abdominal organs, such as your stomach, intestines, and liver, and it cannot be seen on the outside., says Mthatha’s Dr Mxolisi Xulu. On the other hand, subcutaneous fat is the fat found under the skin.
Experts explain more about excess body fat and how it can lead to feelings of lethargy and fatigue.
What it’s really like to take Duromine for weight loss
People with excess body fat are constantly inundated with advertisements or social media promoting new ways of losing weight. In this article, we ask the question if you should take Duromine to lose weight? Duromine – a popular appetite suppressant works by affecting an area of the brain that controls your appetite making you feel less hungry.
Duromine is typically prescribed for persons who are clinically obese or overweight and have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. It is not suitable for everyone and should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
The heavy mental toll of carrying extra weight
If you’ve ever carried some extra weight or struggle to get rid of body fat, you’ll know that it’s not a whole lot of fun. Aside from feeling uncomfortable, bloated, and tired, there is also the emotional impact of not looking or feeling your best, says Dr Mothomang Diaho.
Struggles with body image, social stigma, and fear of failure can lead to emotional distress and frustration. The pressure to meet societal expectations and the slow progress of weight-loss efforts may exacerbate existing mental health issues.
Support from healthcare professionals and loved ones is crucial to navigate these challenges and maintain mental well-being throughout the weight loss journey.
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When you should consider weight-loss surgery
Weight-loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, involves several procedures that help you lose weight by limiting how much food you can eat. Dietitian Mariam Forgam explains more on this topic.
This transformative surgery is typically recommended for those who haven’t seen success with traditional weight-loss methods and are burdened by obesity-related health concerns.
While bariatric surgery offers remarkable weight-loss results and can greatly improve overall health, it’s essential to weigh its potential risks and benefits under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Forgam emphasises that bariatric surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for severe obesity.
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10 food tips to help you lose weight and stay healthy
Losing body fat and becoming healthy is a journey. Think colorful veggies, juicy fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods give you energy, support your health, and taste amazing too.
If you feel tired despite a healthy diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep, visit your doctor and have your blood pressure and iron levels tested. Both low blood pressure and low iron levels are known to cause fatigue.
Bad weight-loss habits: Don’t let looks rule (and cost you) your life
When it comes to food, people have their favourites. Maybe you can’t resist sweet things or you just can’t say no a chop dripping with sauce and pap, or fried chicken.
Sooner or later, however, these might lead to weight gain and as easy as it can be to put on the pounds, getting rid of it requires effort and dedication. Unfortunately, some people decide to take the unhealthy route when they decide to lose weight – with dire health consequences.
Engaging in purging, using drugs, or skipping meals are common weight-loss strategies often heard on the street. However, the consequences of these methods can be severe and even life-threatening. It’s far safer and wiser to choose the right path to weight loss, prioritising health and longevity for a better, healthier life.
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