Being overweight has its inherent dangers and can even result in death. Ask the 300,000 to 400,000 people who die each year in the United States due to weight-related complications across the board. Weight gain, which is also known as obesity, is defined as having a BMI or body mass index of 25-59. Body mass index is calculated by dividing weight with height and then squaring the answer. Many people have realized the dangers of having a BMI that is above the recommended figure. Overweight people suffer from low self-esteem, lack of sleep or sleeping disorders, chronic fatigue and even a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Obesity also depresses the body’s immune system thereby making it susceptible to a malady of ailments from the common cold to the full blown flu.
There are however, ways to beat weight gain. One of them is to educate you regarding nutrition. It is surprising to note just how many people cook food or eat food without the slightest regard to what is contained in those foods or how many calories are therein. This is common. But it can change. Whenever you buy food at the grocery store, read the label and see what ingredients and locked up in the food and how many calories are there. Also search online for weight loss forums where people are discussing nutrition issues and you will get a treasure drove of information on how to eat right and become healthier.
The Internet also affords you information on the right recipes and how to eat the foods that have the right nutrition mix. The food pyramid website managed by the USFDA has a ton of information regarding proper nutrition and should be in everyone’s arsenal in the battle to lose weight. Exercise is off course another great way.