• 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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Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis Symptoms and Treatment: Early Signs, Diagnosis, and Recovery

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest known infectious diseases and continues to be a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. India accounts for a significant proportion of global TB cases, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. The good news is that tuberculosis is preventable, treatable and curable when detected early and managed properly.

Understanding tuberculosis symptoms and treatment is critical for reducing disease spread, preventing complications and achieving complete recovery.

 

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also involve other parts of the body such as:

  • lymph nodes
     

  • bones and joints
     

  • kidneys
     

  • brain
     

TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.

 

Why Tuberculosis Remains a Major Health Issue

According to the World Health Organization and ICMR data:

  • millions of new TB cases are reported annually
     

  • delayed diagnosis increases transmission
     

  • incomplete treatment leads to drug resistance
     

Early detection and treatment are key to TB control.

 

Common Tuberculosis Symptoms

TB symptoms often develop gradually and may be mild in the early stages, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Persistent Cough

A cough lasting more than two to three weeks is a hallmark symptom of pulmonary TB.

The cough may:

  • be dry or productive
     

  • worsen over time
     

  • sometimes produce blood
     

 

Fever and Night Sweats

Low-grade fever, especially in the evenings, is common.

Night sweats that soak clothing or bedding are a classic TB sign.

 

Unexplained Weight Loss

TB increases metabolic demand and reduces appetite, leading to significant weight loss.

 

Fatigue and Weakness

Persistent tiredness and reduced stamina occur due to chronic infection.

 

Chest Pain

Chest discomfort or pain may occur during coughing or breathing.

 

Symptoms of Extra-Pulmonary TB

When TB affects organs outside the lungs, symptoms depend on the site involved and may include:

  • swollen lymph nodes
     

  • bone or joint pain
     

  • headaches or neurological symptoms
     

  • urinary issues
     

 

Why TB Symptoms Are Often Ignored

Many TB symptoms resemble common infections or general weakness.

This leads to:

  • delayed medical consultation
     

  • prolonged transmission
     

  • disease progression
     

Awareness improves early detection.

 

How Tuberculosis Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis involves a combination of:

  • sputum tests
     

  • chest X-ray
     

  • molecular tests such as CBNAAT
     

  • blood tests and imaging for extra-pulmonary TB
     

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

 

Tuberculosis Treatment Explained

TB treatment involves a combination of antibiotics taken over a fixed duration.

Standard TB Treatment

For drug-sensitive TB, treatment typically lasts:

  • 6 months
     

The regimen includes multiple antibiotics taken in phases to ensure complete bacterial clearance.

 

Importance of Treatment Adherence

TB bacteria are slow-growing and resilient.

Stopping treatment early can result in:

  • incomplete cure
     

  • relapse
     

  • drug-resistant TB
     

Completing the full course is essential.

 

Drug-Resistant TB

If TB bacteria become resistant to standard drugs, treatment becomes longer and more complex.

Drug-resistant TB requires:

  • specialised medications
     

  • longer treatment duration
     

  • close medical supervision
     

Prevention of resistance depends on correct treatment from the start.

 

Side Effects of TB Treatment

Some individuals may experience side effects such as:

  • nausea
     

  • loss of appetite
     

  • mild liver enzyme changes
     

Most side effects are manageable with medical guidance and do not require stopping treatment.

 

TB and Public Health

TB is not just an individual health issue but a community concern.

Effective TB control requires:

  • early diagnosis
     

  • treatment adherence
     

  • contact tracing
     

  • public awareness
     

India’s national TB elimination programmes focus on these strategies.

 

Preventing Tuberculosis

Preventive measures include:

  • early detection and treatment of active TB
     

  • improving nutrition and immunity
     

  • adequate ventilation in living spaces
     

  • screening close contacts
     

BCG vaccination offers partial protection, especially in children.

 

Living With and Recovering From TB

With proper treatment:

  • symptoms gradually improve
     

  • infection becomes non-contagious
     

  • normal life can be resumed
     

Regular follow-up ensures complete recovery.

 

When to Seek Medical Help

Consult a healthcare provider if experiencing:

  • cough lasting more than two weeks
     

  • unexplained weight loss
     

  • persistent fever or night sweats
     

  • blood in sputum
     

Early action saves lives and prevents spread.

 

Long-Term Outlook After TB Treatment

Most individuals who complete treatment:

  • recover fully
     

  • regain normal lung function
     

  • return to daily activities
     

Long-term complications are rare with timely care.

 

Conclusion

Tuberculosis symptoms and treatment must be understood clearly to combat this preventable and curable disease. Persistent cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss should never be ignored. Early diagnosis, complete treatment adherence and regular follow-up are essential for curing TB and preventing transmission. With proper medical care and public awareness, tuberculosis can be effectively controlled and eliminated as a public health threat.


 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Tuberculosis Epidemiology and Treatment Guidelines
  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Global Tuberculosis Report
  • National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) – Government of India
  • Lancet Infectious Diseases – TB Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Infectious Disease Indicators
  • Statista – Global Tuberculosis Burden and Trends

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