• Published on: Oct 01, 2021
  • 7 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Weight Loss & Obesity

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Weight Loss & Obesity

It's not just the number of calories you eat, but also how they're distributed within meals. The best strategy is to "pulse" you’re eating throughout daily life, not focusing on any one period of time. I recommend eating at least five servings of veggies every day. If you are trying to lose weight or maintain your weight, pay close attention to what types of foods you are choosing at each meal and snack time. Drink smoothies rather than juice - blending first allows for more nutrients extraction plus it tastes better! :) Finally, find other physical activities that YOU enjoy aside from calorie-burning workouts because there are many ways that our bodies can stay healthy aside from running or lifting weights.

Often people confuse calories in with calories out. People often talk about how you should eat less to lose weight, but it's simply because your metabolism isn't static - it changes too. What this means is that even if you decrease your caloric intake but don't change anything else, the weight loss will stop after a certain point. The point at which the weight loss stops is different for each person, but generally between 1200 and 1900 daily caloric intake (or 0.5-1 pound of fat per week). At this point, it becomes more important to increase either exercise or metabolism than just eating less food.

A diet centered on the consumption of whole foods, less processed food, and more plant-based options is helpful in weight management. This also means low glycemic carbohydrates coupled with lots of fruits and vegetables are excellent sources for reducing inflammatory cytokines that come from an Imbalanced diet. Along with this healthy eating lifestyle, you should limit or avoid empty calories found in soda pop, sugar-loaded restaurant foods. If you're an athlete trying to maintain body composition, I recommend manipulating your macronutrients intake depending on what type of training it is.

Obesity and weight management is a complicated process, and the most important tip is to find an eating plan you can stick to. There are many different approaches, but what has been proven without a doubt not only for effectiveness but also safety (especially in cardiac patients) is the low carbohydrate diet which typically restricts calories by 500-1500 kcal per day. Exercise does help with weight loss because it tends to increase our basal metabolic rate - the body's natural calorie burns throughout the day; however, exercise often suppresses levels of insulin sensitivity so may not be ideal for some people who have type 2 diabetes or other conditions. The good news is that resting heart rates improve due to increased aerobic capacity while on a low carbohydrate diet approach!

It's not always how many calories you eat, but what kinds of meals they are. A calorie is like a calorie whether it comes from meat, rice, vegetables, or cookies. Calories are needed for energy to keep life going and if someone was eating more than necessary they would be gaining weight just as fast as if they were using more energy by being active. The key here is the word "unnecessary". Weight loss isn't about cutting calories intake or reducing food intake - it's about getting your body into a healthy routine that doesn't require so much energy every day to maintain that routine.

Weight loss is not about losing weight, it's about changing your body composition. Losing weight will only change the number of total kilograms you carry around and doesn't change how many centimeters or inches you have on your body. Weight training and cardio should be supplemented with a well-thought-out diet plan. This means higher percentages of proteins and healthy fats, moderate to low amounts of carbohydrates, and higher quantities of vegetables than fruits; this will ensure that muscle retains the right composition (protein > fat) while also feeling fuller for longer periods of time. Two diets that work wonders are Keto (low carbohydrate) and Whole30 (no processed ingredients).

When we take in more calories than we need, the body stores these excess carbohydrates in our muscle and liver cells in a form called glycogen. For every gram of glycogen stored therein, the body increases its fat reserves by 3-4 grams. When we restrict calorie intake or simply consume fewer calories so that our glycogen stores are depleted and therefore less weight is gained on any new carbohydrates consumed, then it seems to be true that there does exist an inevitable loss of weight no matter what type of diet one selects. This is because when new carbohydrates are not converted to renewed stores of glycogen within muscle cells but instead are changed into body fat which remains beneath the skin since this has nowhere else to go.

One of the consequences of that is that such people tend to feel very hungry (not surprisingly), and will binge on sugary food. And this seems to be an issue which will not go away, as they must satisfy their hunger with something filling and tasty. The body stops producing ghrelin (which makes us feel full) when we stop eating.

Studies have found that dieters who exercise and do not overeat average a 1-2lb. weight loss per week. In other words, if you lose two pounds before the end of a week, then your total weight loss for this period has been four pounds. It is worth remembering that during periods of weight maintenance any excess calorie intake will still result in a gradual increase in body fat accumulation. Weight lost through dietary restriction alone will only be maintained over time by following an appropriately reduced energy intake regimen as there simply aren't enough stored calories to sustain such losses indefinitely without dietary intervention.

Exercise becomes necessary to maintain those hard-won gains as well as your general good health and sense of well-being! In the late 1950s, a paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that weight loss occurred when calories were reduced from 3,200 to 1,200 per day. Of course, it should be mentioned that this is not an optimal diet for everyone because building muscle and doing regular exercise is also beneficial for increasing your metabolism and increasing your ability to burn fat at rest. Unintentional weight loss happens in many cases when patients are prescribed life-saving treatments or undergo surgeries that reduce their appetite or alter their metabolism. These patients need specialized care designed according to their food preferences and medical needs rather than simply "lose weight."

This answer will explore the importance of weight loss and reducing obesity. The most important aspect of weight loss is that it helps with visceral fat, which is very dangerous to the human body. Visceral fat resides just below the abdominal area and has been found to cause higher levels of insulin resistance among other things. Causes a person's insulin levels to rise after a meal, which in turn makes them hungrier again quicker than if they were normal weight or a little bit overweight/obese.  

Our weight is heavily influenced by genetics, so it's important to understand your family history before you start making any conclusions or plans about diet and exercise. You also need to take into consideration whether you are active or sedentary because this will dramatically change the outcomes of any changes you make diet-wise too!

Losing weight is not an easy feat. But it's worth it if you want to live a healthier, more productive life. If you're looking for good choices for weight loss, consider including these food items into your diet: eggs, lean red meat, fruits and vegetables (including dark leafy greens), beans (chickpeas, navy beans), whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice), nuts and seeds. All of these foods will help with quality protein intake as well as maintaining the right calorie level that keeps your metabolism up while burning fat off!

It’s important to maintain a healthy weight because the less you weigh, the easier your body is on your joints. The ease of movement may also help improve circulation and make it easier for blood to circulate oxygen/nutrients back to tissues that need them. From an aesthetic point of view, it can increase self-confidence by boosting one's confidence about their body image.

Having more muscle is better than having more fat, which is why it's recommended that people build muscle mass instead of just shedding pounds. Furthermore, some studies have shown that obesity is linked with lower levels of the reproductive hormone (ie estrogen), compromised immune response (making you more susceptible to illness), infertility due to decreased ovulation rates. The biggest concern with obesity isn't apparent. It's a life-threatening disease. Overweight people have a higher risk of contracting an illness or condition that could be fatal, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer just to name a few.

Obesity also damages self-esteem and mental health due to bullying from peers and low self-worth from feeling both tired and unattractive. This can lead to eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa or it can fuel clinical depression by providing a scapegoat for personal insecurities through weight gain. In obese couples even if one partner is not clinically obese they can suffer from poorer quality sleep patterns which have been shown in studies to affect mental health.

Obesity has always been correlated with higher probabilities of poor health. It's not just about an image problem, it's about good health too. Recent research shows that people with high weight, even if they seem healthy or aren't yet affected by the typical symptoms linked to childhood obesity (like diabetes), are more likely to have problems later on in life like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Obesity can also lead to chronic pain due to increased stress on soft connective tissues supporting the joints - things like muscles and ligaments are aggravated over time because their force is no longer dispersed but rather being focused on one area instead.  Achieving and sustaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things we can do for our health.

If we gain 30 pounds we increase our chances of developing cardiovascular disease by 60%. We reduce risk as soon as we try to lose those extra pounds even if we're not successful in losing all of the weight gained. People with chronic high blood pressure may see their blood pressure return to normal or near-normal levels simply by losing 10% of their body weight.

Weight loss, especially for overweight adolescent girls, can have a positive effect on mental health and self-esteem too. Though there are some exceptions to the rule, most adolescents with obesity tend to have lower self-esteem than their counterparts of normal weight. Sometimes that has more to do with slimmer peers being mean or taunting them about their size rather than just inner thoughts of self-criticism. Studies show that these poor feelings about themselves start in early childhood and continue into adulthood even after they've lost weight and become thin and popular. It's best not to wait until adolescence before trying interventions like dieting because by then habits may already be firmly planted.

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis of the joint, and sleep apnea. The likely increased health risks associated with obesity have been observed to improve partially with weight loss programs. So isn't it worth a shot? The easiest way to start is by eliminating processed carbs from your diet – let the type 1 diabetics have their gravy – and replacing them with foods that are more nutritious and lower in calories. In other words, instead of munching on pretzels or bagels all day long, eat raw nuts instead. If you're worried that you'll feel weak or tired at first because you've cut out so many food groups from your diet.

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How Cold Weather Affects Health: Understanding Winter’s Impact on the Body

How Cold Weather Affects Health: Understanding Winter’s Impact on the Body

Seasonal changes influence human health more than most people realise. Cold weather, in particular, places unique stress on the body and can worsen existing health conditions while increasing susceptibility to new illnesses. Understanding how cold weather affects health is essential for preventing seasonal complications and maintaining wellbeing during winter months.

In India, winter-related health issues vary by region but commonly include respiratory infections, cardiovascular strain and joint discomfort. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and World Health Organization (WHO), cold exposure is associated with increased morbidity, especially among older adults and people with chronic conditions.

 

Why Cold Weather Impacts the Body

The human body works constantly to maintain core temperature. In cold environments:

  • blood vessels constrict to conserve heat
     

  • energy expenditure increases
     

  • immune responses may weaken
     

  • organs work harder to maintain balance
     

These adaptations, while protective, also create health vulnerabilities.

 

Increased Risk of Infections

Weakened Immune Response

Cold weather can suppress immune function, making it harder for the body to fight infections.

Factors contributing to winter infections include:

  • reduced vitamin D due to less sunlight
     

  • dry air affecting mucosal defenses
     

  • closer indoor contact
     

Common winter infections include colds, flu and respiratory illnesses.

 

Respiratory Health Problems

Cold air irritates the respiratory tract.

This can lead to:

  • worsening asthma symptoms
     

  • bronchitis flare-ups
     

  • increased cough and breathlessness
     

WHO reports higher hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses during colder months.

 

Impact on Heart Health

Cold temperatures affect cardiovascular function.

Blood Vessel Constriction

Cold causes blood vessels to narrow, increasing:

  • blood pressure
     

  • heart workload
     

This raises the risk of:

  • heart attacks
     

  • strokes
     

People with existing heart disease are particularly vulnerable.

 

Joint and Muscle Pain

Cold weather affects musculoskeletal health.

Common complaints include:

  • joint stiffness
     

  • muscle aches
     

  • worsening arthritis pain
     

Lower temperatures reduce joint lubrication and increase sensitivity to pain.

 

Metabolic and Weight Changes

Winter often leads to:

  • reduced physical activity
     

  • increased calorie intake
     

  • metabolic slowdown
     

These changes contribute to weight gain and worsen metabolic conditions such as diabetes.

 

Skin and Hydration Issues

Cold air holds less moisture.

This leads to:

  • dry skin
     

  • cracked lips
     

  • worsening eczema
     

Dehydration is also common as thirst perception reduces in cold weather.

 

Mental Health Effects

Seasonal changes can influence mental wellbeing.

Cold weather is associated with:

  • low mood
     

  • reduced motivation
     

  • seasonal affective symptoms
     

Limited sunlight affects circadian rhythm and serotonin levels.

 

Cold Weather and Older Adults

Elderly individuals face higher risks due to:

  • reduced temperature regulation
     

  • weaker immunity
     

  • existing chronic conditions
     

Winter-related complications are a significant cause of hospitalisation in older populations.

 

Why Chronic Diseases Worsen in Winter

Conditions such as:

  • hypertension
     

  • arthritis
     

  • asthma
     

  • diabetes
     

often worsen due to reduced activity, stress on organs and infection risk.

 

Preventive Strategies for Winter Health

Maintain Body Warmth

Layered clothing and warm environments reduce cold stress.

 

Support Immunity

Adequate nutrition, vitamin intake and sleep strengthen immune defences.

 

Stay Physically Active

Indoor exercises and regular movement prevent stiffness and metabolic decline.

 

Manage Chronic Conditions

Regular monitoring and medication adherence are critical during winter.

 

Hydration and Skin Care

Drinking fluids and using moisturisers prevent dehydration and skin damage.

 

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare helps:

  • identify seasonal risk factors
     

  • adjust treatment plans
     

  • prevent winter complications
     

NITI Aayog highlights seasonal preparedness as an important public health strategy.

When to Seek Medical Help

Medical attention is necessary if:

  • infections persist or worsen
     

  • chest pain or breathlessness occurs
     

  • joint pain limits mobility
     

  • mental health symptoms interfere with daily life
     

Early care prevents serious outcomes.

 

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Winter Health Risks

Ignoring cold weather effects may lead to:

  • severe infections
     

  • cardiovascular events
     

  • chronic pain progression
     

  • reduced quality of life
     

Seasonal awareness plays a critical role in long-term health.

 

Conclusion

Understanding how cold weather affects health allows individuals to take timely preventive measures. Winter increases the risk of infections, heart strain, respiratory problems, joint pain and mental health challenges. With proper warmth, nutrition, activity and preventive healthcare, most cold-related health issues are manageable and preventable. Seasonal care is not optional—it is essential for protecting health and wellbeing throughout the colder months.

 

References

  • ICMR – Seasonal Health and Infectious Disease Reports

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Seasonal Morbidity Data

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Seasonal Preparedness Strategy

  • WHO – Cold Weather and Health Impact Guideline

  •  Lancet – Seasonal Variation in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases

  • Statista – Winter Health Trends and Illness Data

  • Indian Journal of Public Health – Climate and Health Studies

See all

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