Monday, 16 January 2012

Keys to successful weight management


Losing weight and its maintenance is a difficult task. The aim is to attain target weight as well as improve health and fitness levels.

Five factors for a successful weight loss and weight maintenance programme:

1.      Consuming fewer calories than required: Negative energy balance can be created by taking in fewer calories than what actually is being used. The body takes the needed calories from stored body fat and there is weight loss.

2.    Nutritional balance: A balanced diet is a must for maintaining nutritional balance, since the deficiency of essential nutrients may result in ill-health.

3.   Peer support: For most people, reducing calories over a sustained period is simply not easy. Some form of peer support is necessary to encourage them when they slip up.

4.  Behaviour modification: Identification of eating and lifestyle habits causing overweight should be replaced with new positive habits.

5.  Commitment: The ultimate success or failure of the programme depends on one’s ability to maintain or renew the commitment. As a result there will be many benefits from this programme like weight control, feeling of enthusiasm, balance in life and ability to cope easily with stress and strain. 
    
      Tips for keeping weight off
·  Fat intake should be kept at 20-25 percent of total daily calories.
·  Consider eating the heaviest meal early in the day. There is a better chance to burn off by physical activity.
·  Instead of depending on yo-yo dieting, focus on becoming more active and reducing fat in diet.
·  Adjust your previous day’s diet plan as per the special occasions ahead.
· Make nutritious and low fat food selections when dining out.
· Monitor weight and fat levels regularly.
·  Social support helps in making lifestyle changes.

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