Over weight or Obese persons want to control their weight. For that they do exercise and observe diet restrictions. After some time, as they want to decrease their weight at fast rate, they develop anxiety and stress. They loose control over food intake due to that stress. This results in Obesity and Over Weight. This condition is called Food Obsession. Signs and Symptoms of food obsession: 1. They compare themselves with others and want to be like them (slim). 2. They cannot control their diet habits. 3. They eat more than the necessary. 4. They set unrealistic goals in weight reduction. 5. They suffer from sleeplessness. 6. They spend more time in exercise. 7. They cannot mingle with others. They suffer from inferiority complex. 8. They check their weight more often. In the beginning, situation is like above. After some time, due to constant mental stress, they eat more food due to loss of control and become over weight (against their wish). But, again they try to become slim; like that the cycle goes on. This vicious cycle results in depression. How to stay away from food obsession: 1. Don’t set unrealistic goals. 2. Don’t go on thinking about food. 3. Eat food only when you are hungry. 4. Exercise as per the time limit. 5. Take the advice of counselor. Please comment on this article. … [Read more...]
Food Craving- Beware of that temptation
Some persons have got no feeling of appetite, but, they still have the desire to eat some sort of food items. This sort of situation is known as “craving”. So, they take either chocolate or ice-cream or pizza or chips and afterwards they obtain some sort of mental satisfaction and jolly mood. Mainly, women prefer to take this sort of “ready to eat foods”, where as men like to have foods prepared at home. 92% of females are showing interest in taking ‘chocolates’’. But tastes may change depending on the moods. Causes for food craving: 1. Anxiety and tension: Craving is more in these types of persons suffering from anxiety, etc. These individuals exhibit keenness to take more sweets and fatty foods. When persons are under stress conditions, some chemicals are released in their brains, and in order to get relief from the stress, they go on eating and obtain calmness. Moreover, they do not take into consideration, the quantity of food they are taking. There after they put on excessive body weight and become obese, within no time. As, the foods containing more carbohydrates, if taken in excess amounts, can not be digested by the body so easily. 2. Hypoglycemia: some times, the blood glucose levels fall into below normal levels and leads to craving. 3. Meal timing: The time schedule between breakfast and lunch or the gap of time between two main meals is five (maximum 6) hours, not more than that under any circumstances. But, if the time -gap is more, it leads to craving. 4. Changing in hormone levels: It is more commonly seen in females (than males). Especially, during pregnancy and also before monthly menstrual cycle periods, the change in hormone levels in females, have … [Read more...]
Obesity Research: Cold virus may cause Obesity
A common virus, causing cold can be a factor causing obesity, according to a study conducted at the Pennington Biomedical Research centre at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. The researcher further says that “virus is not the only cause of obesity but this study provides stronger evidence that some obesity cases may involve viral infections.’’ The adenovirus-36 (AD36) has already been implicated at the cause of weighting gain in animals, and with this study also, researchers showed for the first time that it can also cause humans to pile on the pounds (kilograms). These findings could accelerate the development of a vaccine or an anti viral medication to help fight the battle of the bulge, alongside the diet and exercise which the other factors are causing obesity. A previous study showed that 33.3% of the obese people are infected with the virus, compared to their linear counter parts who are 10% affected. In laboratory experiments, it is found that the bug appeared to promote the formation of fat cells from stem cells. The team took adult stem cells from fatty tissue left over from patients who had undergone liposuction (a procedure to remove fat from the body), and exposed some of it to AD-36, leaving the remaining cells untreated. They are allowed to grow in a tissue culture for a week of time, most of the virus-infected adult stem cells developed into fat cells, (where as the untreated cells did not develop in fatty cells). The researchers further says , “it is not clear what drives the transformation, how long the virus lingers in the human system or whether its fat-enhancing effect continues after the body has cleared the virus.” As the research is going on, the real mechanism … [Read more...]
Exercise benefits on body and brain
Exercise has got two effects on our body: 1. Physical, 2. Mental (on brain). 1. Physical: It reduces the body weight and fat content of the body (cholesterol level in the blood). 2. On the brain: John Locke, a British philosopher 300 years ago wrote as, ‘’A sound mind in a sound body is, a short but full description, of a happy state in this world’’. The research conducted for all these years proved it correct. Recently, scientists uncovered some longer- lasting effects of exercise on the brain. It improves the mood of the person, sleep, resilience in the face of stress, and also raises self- esteem but decreases anxiety. We have known, for he past so many years, about one effect of exercise i.e.; ‘’the endorphin high’’, that make us feel good after exercise. The nerve cells become more robust. The genes in the nerve cells signal the production of neurotrophic or growth factors (proteins) that induce nerve cells to grow more branches and make connections with one another and also give rise to new nerve cells. Exercise acts as antidote to stress and aging process. It is a pretty good antidepressant and equal to drugs or psychotherapy. The ‘hippocampus’ (a seahorse shaped region n the temporal lobe of the bran), in regulating mood and storing memories, - ‘gets smaller’’- when neuroplasticity and neurogenesis activities are sluggish. Exercise, probably, acting like in the same manner (as medication and therapy on the patients with depression) appear to spur nerve growth in this region of hippocampus and relieves the patients from depression. Brain has to regulate energy out put. It knows very well when you need to be active and … [Read more...]
Relation between waist line and Obesity
Researchers say that a quick check around the waist with a tape measure may be a better way of telling, if anybody is at risk of heart disease, than stepping on a scale. People with larger waistlines (even if they are not overweight), are more likely to show the early signs of heart disease, than those with smaller waists. Quote on waist line significance: “Inches are as important as pounds or kilograms (of bodyweight)”. The team of researchers used the methods like, -Magnetic resonance imaging -Electron beam computed tomography scans Several studies showed that-waist size is clearly linked with -Heart attack -Stroke -Heart disease risk. Government of America gave the following guidelines: -Men should aim to have waist of 40 inches (102cm) or less, in circumference, -Women should have 35 inches (89cm) waist line. The researchers found no absolute cut-off but found that “the smaller the person’s waist, the clearer his or her arteries were observed to be.” -High cholesterol level, High blood pressure, Lack of exercise, etc, are other known risk factors for the chances of having early artery clogging. Weight alone does not do early artery clogging, but waist size does have much effect on artery clogging leading to heart ailments. So the golden word is: “the longer the waist line –the shorter the life line.” … [Read more...]
Obesity: Statistics, causes and diseases
Obesity and overweight together constitute as one of the top 10 global health problems as per the recent surveys conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Obesity Statistics: 1. Overweight adults in the entire world are: One billion (one hundred crore). 2. Children (under five years of age): more than 22 million. 3. By 2015 approximately overweight persons will be: 2.3 billion (230 Crores). 4. Obese people in 2007: 300 million (30 Crores). 5. By 2015 obese people will be: 700 million (70 Crores). 6. Obesity is a problem not only in developed but also in developing countries, where at present 115 million (11.5 crore), people are affected. Obesity is an abnormal and excessive accumulation of fat mass in the body. Over weight and obesity in adults is calculated as follows: The body mass index (BMI= Body weight(in kg), divided by the square of the height(in meters). "Overweight" in adults is defined as, when BMI is greater than or equivalent to 25 and "obesity’’ as when BMI is greater than or equivalent to 3o. Basic mechanism behind Obesity: The hypothalamus, a region in the brain, regulates food intake and the metabolism process in the body. Lack of balance between calorie intake (over eating) and physical activity (less spending of calories) is the reason for Obesity and Overweight. Then the caloric surplus is converted in to fat and stored in the body as adipose tissue. Overweight and obesity are complex problems depending upon many factors. 1. Genetic factors: The first recessive gene involved in obesity in mice and humans was identified by Prof. Jeffrey Friedman in 1994. Today, five mutations of this gene have been identified. It … [Read more...]
Cadila launched anti obesity drug – Slimona
Cadila healthcare launched an anti-obesity drug “Slimona” in India. The drug is used to treat obese patients with associated risk factors like type2 diabetes or dyslipidemia. Slimona (Rimonabant) is a selective CB1 Endocannabinoid (EC) receptor antagonist. The drug comes in a tablet form of strength 20 mg to be consumed before breakfast once a day and is priced at Rs 5.50 a tablet. Obesity: A person is called obese when his Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or above. Obesity is mainly due to uncontrolled diet habits and sedentary lifestyle. In urban India, 29% men and 45% women are overweight. According to WHO statistics, 300 million people are obese all over the world and 1 billion people are overweight. Obesity is the major reason behind increase in incidence of type2 Diabetes. Slimona is a new class of drug in the treatment of Obesity. … [Read more...]
Childhood Obesity: Concern for Americans
Smoking, Drug abuse and Childhood Obesity are the top 3 health problems for Americans. According to this national Poll conducted by C.S. Mott children’s hospital, Internet safety is the major concern for American women. Teen pregnancy is the no.1 health problem for blacks. This survey was conducted in March 14-26, 2007, adult Americans were asked to rate 17 different health problems for children. Among the top 3 health problems, Smoking and Drug abuse are in gradual decline while Childhood obesity reached epidemic proportions due to lack of diet control and sedentary lifestyle. According to the survey, eating disorders and childhood cancer are not much concern for Americans. Other top health concerns for Americans:4. Alcohol abuse 5. Driving accidents 6. Teen Pregnancy 7. Internet safety 8. School violence 9. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 10. Abuse and Neglect. Childhood Obesity: Courtesy: Foodfacts. Among these, Internet safety is a new concern while Childhood Obesity is the rapidly rising health problem for American adults. Parents should deaddict the children from Television and Internet. They should encourage the children to take more outdoor activities. Government should ban unhygienic junk food ads on television and print medium. Government should control violence and sex content in TV Channels and movies. These days, children are exposing to sex and violence at an early age. If this trend continues, teen pregnancy and school violence will occupy top slots in the future surveys. Please share your health concerns. … [Read more...]
What are Trans fats?
Fat is a major source of energy for the body and aids in vitamin absorption both animal and plant-products contain fat. Fats are of two types: 1. Unsaturated fats are beneficial when consumed in moderation. 2. Saturated and Trans fat are harmful to the body. Therefore choose foods low in both saturated and Trans fats for a healthy diet. What are trans fats? Trans fat (also known as Trans fatty acids), is a specific type of fat formed when liquid oils are converted into solid fats by adding hydrogen through process of hydrogenation. This increases stability of flavor and palatability and shelf life of food. The Trans fatty food is unable to break down, So it accumulates in the body causing harmful effects. Foods containing Trans fat: A small amount of trans fat is naturally found in some animal foods such as Butter, Cheese, milk products, Beef and lamb. Other foods containing trans fat are: 1. Some margarine, candies, cookies, Snack foods, French fries, noodles 2. Vegetable shortenings, Fried foods, Backed foods and other processed foods made with hydrogenated Vegetable oils. The Nutritionists advises us a total fat in take of not more than 30 per cent of calories is ideal in the daily in take of food. The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) recommends that trans fat should not be taken in food at all. Harmful Effects due to trans fats: 1. Cardiovascular risk: The primary health risk from trans fat consumption is more risk of Cardiovascular disease. The consumption of trans fatty acids raises levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and reduces levels of HDL (High Density lipoprotein) which is good cholesterol. 2. … [Read more...]
10 wise healthy eating habits
Disciplined life style is essential for healthy living. One should control his taste buds in order lead a long term healthy life. We can avoid life style diseases like Hypertension and Diabetes with good diet habits. How to maintain good health? • Regular life: it is necessary to strictly follow a regular routine like getting early in the morning before sun rise. Remembering the God, Paying respect to the elders and observing fixed timings for food taking and for work. • Exercise: A vigorous exercise like playing any game or sport or brisk walking for at least 45 minutes in the morning is essential. 10 Wise eating habits: 1. Eat a well balanced vegetarian diet having sufficient quantity of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals which would be ideal food for good health. 2. Eat only when you are hungry and at fixed timings. 3. Breakfast should consist of fruits are fruit juices. Lunch and dinner should include cereals, pulses and milk products like curd etc. 4. Do not take any snacks between lunch and dinner and if hungry take fruits are fruit juices. 5. Fruits juices are normally taken 25 to 30 minutes before any meal. 6. Food should be chewed very thoroughly. 7. Water should not be taken at least with in half an hour before meal or one hour after the meal. 8. The eating place should have an atmosphere of calmness and peace. 9. Avoid anger, excitement and tension at meal time. 10. Better to avoid tea, coffee, cola drinks, alcohol, Drugs, and smoking. Positive mental attitude: 1. Always remain cheerful. Have a hearty laughter for a few minutes every day. 2. Substitute forgiveness for … [Read more...]
