2009-07-06 15:08:43 - Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges we face nowadays. Almost 1 in 4 adults in England are currently obese and the experts predict that if we do not do anything about it three-quarters of the population could suffer the ill effects of excess weight within the next 10 to 15 years.

The problem is growing rapidly and the costs are soaring. The NHS estimated cost to treat obese and overweight individuals is around £4.2 billion and is forecast to more than double by 2050.

Obesity is a medical condition when a person is carrying too much body fat for their height and sex to such a degree that it rapidly increases the risk of diseases leading to reduced life expectancy. Obesity causes about 30,000 deaths a year in England alone.

The standard expression of body size is the body mass index (BMI). It represents body weight (in kilograms) relative to body height (in metres squared).

By the official standard being obese is having a BMI over 30.

Our lifestyle has changed rapidly.

We no longer walk to work or school or eat home-made food. We replaced it with cars and ready-made high-in-fat and high-in-sugar meals. We also eat 'super-sized' portions at home or eat out in restaurants offering eat-as-much-as-you-can meals.

So, it is no wonder that we are getting fatter and developing heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis.

Tackle the problem may not be easy but with a bit of determination we should be on our way to a healthier Britain.

To achieve a healthy body we have to permanently change our eating and exercise habits. It is a long-term lifestyle change rather than a quick fix fad and it can provide sustained weight loss and minimize the risk of chronic diseases.

Incorporating exercise in your lifestyle such as brisk walking, cycling, dancing, swimming or Yoga at least three times a week for 20-30 minutes will be a great start to lose weight.

Adding to your daily meals fresh fruits and vegetables, wholemeal bread and pasta, brown rice, nuts and seeds will bring gratification and will result in fewer cravings of fatty and sugary snacks.

Drinking plenty of still water will keep you hydrated and it will reduce your urge to eat when you are not hungry.

In no time you will feel better and see the difference. You will be on your way to live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life.
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Issued in public interest by celebrity trainer Subodh Gupta

Subodh Gupta is the author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He
has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in
magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.

Subodh Gupta is based in London and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling
sessions for a number of celebrities. www.subodhgupta.com/testimonials.html