In the USA alone, obesity is a massive issue, impacting over 40% of adults. It’s a problem because being overweight or obese can enormously increase the risk of chronic and even potentially fatal health conditions.
Whether you’re overweight, obese, or simply want to get more control of your weight, the good news is that it is possible to become healthier. If you’re a parent, it’s even more important to think about your physical health, because you’re responsible for more lives than your own.
It sounds harsh, but if you can do anything to lower the risk of having a fatal heart attack, stroke, or complications of a chronic condition like sleep apnea or diabetes, then you could be giving your children a gift.
This isn’t to say that being overweight is the only risk factor for these conditions, and if you think a potential health problem isn’t related to your weight, you should fight for it. But the better your general health is, the healthier you’ll be in other factors.
Losing weight can make you healthier and happier, as you have higher self-esteem, more confidence, and better mental health.
Lifestyle Changes
First, we’ll tackle the obvious option.
“Lifestyle changes” is the piece of advice that you will hear over and over again, and it’s good advice. Unfortunately, it’s not very helpful if you don’t know what lifestyle changes to make.
Often, the trick is to make small changes so that you find your new lifestyle more accessible. If you suddenly completely change your diet and routine, you may find it impossible to sustain. The same applies to extreme diets that promise rapid weight loss. You might lose weight quickly, but you don’t lose it healthily.
Reduce your daily calorie intake incrementally, and switch out foods over time. Reduce snacks and replace them with healthier alternatives. Cut down on sugary drinks, processed foods, fat, salt, and sugar.
You should also try to be more active. Again, don’t attempt to run a marathon or smash a record within a month. But build up your exercise routine over time. Work out every day, and as you get stronger, fitter, and more confidence, increase your difficulty level. Even a walk every day is a great way to shed some pounds and improve your health.
You should also try to improve your sleeping habits and stay hydrated. Again, it’s basic advice, but it does work over time.
Medical Intervention
There are also medical options to help you lose weight or to treat weight-related conditions. Surgical solutions like a gastric band or bypass do work, but you have to make sure you’re healthy enough for surgery.
You can also get therapy designed to help motivate you and develop a routine that will help you lose weight, as well as improve your confidence in the meantime.
Some medications, like semaglutide medication, can also help. But you should always consult a doctor and make sure you get medicine from a trusted source.
