World Obesity Day: Here Are A Few Safe Ways To Lose Weight

A lifestyle disease that has tripled since 1975, obesity is a major health issue that affects over 650 million worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, most of the world's population live in countries where overweight and obesity kill more people than underweight.

Not just in adults, obesity is prevalent among children too with over 39 million children under the age of 5 deemed overweight as per figures in 2020.

And, in the U.S., obesity is a major health issue resulting in numerous diseases. Public data from last year says the U.S. adult obesity rate stands at 42.4 percent. This is the first time the national rate has passed the 40 percent mark.

For the same reasons, we observe World Obesity Day every year on March 4, aiming to educate people about the disease and help them overcome it.

So, here are a few safe ways to lose weight.

1) Tracking what you eat: One healthy way to shed extra pounds is to be aware of what we eat and drink. One can seek the help of a journal or an online food tracker to do this. A report by Medical News Today says apps for diet, physical activity and weight loss are the most popular ones. Studies show a positive correlation between weight loss and the frequency of monitoring food intake and exercise. Even a device as simple as a pedometer can be a useful weight-loss tool.

2) A healthy and protein-rich breakfast: The most important meals of the day, it is important to consume a fulfilling breakfast as the first meal of your day. Hence, one can choose protein-rich food items like sprouts, egg whites, oats, nuts and seeds for the morning meal. Though tea or coffee is good, it is advisable to cut down on sugar.

3) Stay active: Just like food, it is important to stay active and exercise. According to Mayo Clinic, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you can't cut through diet alone. There are also other benefits, including boosting your mood, strengthening your cardiovascular system, and reducing your blood pressure.

4) Find out the triggers: Most people who battle obesity are fuelled by an inner desire to eat. Doctors advise we need to know what makes us want to eat when we’re not hungry. Is it stress, anger, anxiety or depression? Some people also use food to reward themselves when something good happens? Finding and facing your triggers can help us maintain a healthy relationship with food.