Weight Loss is a common term used today for Fat Loss/ Improving Body Composition.
And its intention is mostly shown by someone to look slim. And because of this lack of awareness, term weight loss is spoilt high time.
On one side some say "I am retired now, what's the use of slimming down ", on another side some say "I'm married now, got kids.....to whom should I show off now by slimming down".
And when their doctor prescribes weight loss after seeing their high uric acid level or physio recommends to reduce extra weight for getting relief from chronic lower back pain, they get the shock of a lifetime " Ohh weight loss is required for this also!!! "
I have also heard parents saying that their overweight/ obese children in the age group of the '20s and '30s (who are eating odd times and sitting endless hours either on a sofa or in conference rooms), don't need to get focused on healthy eating and fitness lifestyle because they are very busy in studies or professional commitments...."let him focus on study/job....body baadmein banayega".
But suddenly get worried when their children start developing fatty liver and dyslipidemia.
So let's qualify who should consider weight loss before medically getting a prescription for it.
- If we stand sideline in front of the mirror and can see the abdomen coming out, sagging down (nonpregnancy). If the abdomen comes out more than 4 inches from the body line should consider fat loss and core strengthening.
Extra abdominal fat weight, is a signal which could result in putting a burden on the lower back. It's a result of two things, first, it's extra fat and second loss of muscle elasticity. More waistline circumstances also put an extra burden on the knees and ankles.
- Extra abdominal fat also has a possibility of higher visceral fat. It's fat around vital internal organs. It reduces the efficiency of their natural functioning, e.g. insulin resistance is a result of this. Therefore fat loss helps in regulating or even reversing PCOS and type 2 diabetes. Irregular menses, hunger pangs, cravings, and mood swings are some of the signs that call for a fat loss lifestyle.
- Same with thyroid gland dysfunctioning. It's a vicious cycle of fat gain because of hypothyroidism and further imbalance because of fat gain. And this cycle can be broken only by developing healthy eating and not just by changing medication.
- Gout is called "Rich Man's Metabolic Issue". Here, too much uric acid gets accumulated in the blood which doesn't get converted to urine. It leads to urate stones and gets saturated in joints mainly the wrist and ankle. It swells and pains. Sattvik meal program or alkaline food options reduces extra fat weight as well as balances body doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
- As we age, after 35 - 40 years, our metabolism reduces which alters body weight composition. The rate of catabolism (cellular degeneration) is more than anabolism (new cell formation). That means muscle tissue reduces and fat% increases.
Therefore, those who have been living an unhealthy lifestyle don't gain weight till their late 30s, but suddenly become overweight/obese. Some develop pear shape bodies while others develop apple shape bodies.
What to understand from this is, that if any of us notice an increase in these areas should start a healthy lifestyle that keeps our metabolism, muscle growth, and body composition healthy.
- Having a blood pressure is now considered a common disease. Popping an early morning pill is like a morning ritual for many. But I have witnessed people getting rid of these medicines just by fat loss and a healthy lifestyle.
Same miracles are observed for reversing unhealthy lipid profiles. So when we feel sudden breathlessness in between routine work, must consider DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension).
After all, it's our choice between Lifelong Medication or Lifestyle Modification.
