Weight is an indicator of health status, and nowadays most of us are overweight. In fact, two-thirds of all adult Americans are either overweight or obese. There can be many reasons for this, such as a thyroid issue. However, the overwhelming majority of weight gain is due to our diet and lack of physical activity.
Lakes Regional Family Medicine physician Craig Cunningham, MD offers tips to lose weight. He emphasizes with his patients that losing weight involves a total life transformation and committing to tips such as those listed below is needed long-term and short-term diet plans rarely keep weight off long-term.
Eat less.
Instead of cutting out certain foods, to begin losing weight, eat half to two-thirds of what you’d normally eat.
Cut out sugary beverages.
Dr. Cunningham said the sugar and sugar substitutes in beverages such as soda and juice get processed into fat cells in your body very quickly.
Increase physical activity.
Each of us should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Dr. Cunningham said exercising with a friend may inspire you to keep it up and that the local Bedell Family YMCA has accountability groups you can join.
For more information, contact the Bedell Family YMCA at 712-336-9622 or see your local family provider.
