How can one reduce weight? Reply

Being overweight basically refers to an increase in one's body weight with relation to the individual's height, when it is compared to a set standard of desirable or acceptable weight. Being overweight may not be the result of increased body fat, in fact it could also be on account of an increase in the lean muscle. The body mass index also known as BMI is a formula that measures the relationship or ration between weight and height. As per this formula you divide the person's weight (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in meters). An individual is considered overweight if their BMI is anywhere between 25 - 29.9, whereas an individual with a BMI that is greater than 30 is considered to be obese. A person can be overweight due to the following reasons; poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, hypothyroidism, genetics, medications and so on. Being overweight can at times pose a risk to one's health. For example it can cause hypertension, strokes, osteoarthritis, gout etc.

Here are a few tips that can help in reducing weight. Cabbage is a very good remedy for weight loss. It contains tartaric acid, a chemical that prevents carbohydrates and sugars from convert into fat. Thus it is highly valuable in reducing weight. Consuming a simple cabbage salad for lunch and dinner would help in paving the path to a slimmer you. Have two ripe tomatoes in the morning as breakfast. Doing this for a month or two is bound to help in reducing weight. Tomatoes are considered to be a safe way of losing weight as they provide the body with essential elements that are required to maintain good health.

Finger millets are also beneficial for those that are looking at losing weight. They slow down digestion as a result of which it takes a longer time for the carbohydrates to get absorbed. Consuming finger millets will also curb the constant desire to eat and hence, reduce the overall intake of calories. Finger millets are also rich in phosphorous, Vitamins B1 and B2, iron and calcium. Mint is also favorable in losing weight. Adding it to your salad would help. Consume lesser amounts of dairy products, margarine, sugar, alcohol and salty foods. Increase the amount of vegetables and fruits in your daily diet. Stay away from foods that are high in calories such as butter, sweets, ice creams and chocolates. Finally, try and exercise regularly, at least for half an hour each day.

answered by G M

There are several dietary supplements for weight loss. But their job is to aid in weight loss and their effects are probably not substantial. You can consider Papaya extract, Chromium, Pyruvate, Guarana, Cascara and Guar Gum are all known to be somewhat useful with weight loss. But the best thing you can actually do is to diet, not in the sense that you starve yourself, but in the sense that you throw all refined food out of your diet and switch to whole grain alternatives. Brown bread instead of white bread, biscuits with added fiber, fruits instead of candy and ice cream. These are all changes that add up and make a substantial change.

1. Eat in a small plate and take no more than 2 helpings
2. In all sugary beverages and sweets use Splenda instead of sugar
3. Do not snack between meals and keep away from fried and salty snacks.
4. Don't recline while watching TV. Don't eat while watching TV.
5. Get at least 5 helpings of fresh fruit and vegetables and get at least one bowl of salad with lunch or dinner. Ideally dinner.
6. Do not eat in the two hours preceding your bed time
7. Exercise for at least 45 minutes a day. If you cannot exercise at a stretch at least do it in 3-4 stretches of 15 minutes each.
8. Eat lean meats and fish instead of red meat.

You will need some will power and discipline, but it's really not that hard once you get started.

answered by S E