• 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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Asthma

Asthma Symptoms in Adults: Early Signs, Triggers, and When to Seek Care

Asthma is often perceived as a childhood condition, but a significant number of cases develop or persist into adulthood. In India, adult asthma is increasingly recognised due to rising air pollution, occupational exposure and lifestyle-related risk factors. Unfortunately, asthma symptoms in adults are frequently misdiagnosed as recurrent infections, allergies or age-related breathlessness, leading to delayed treatment.

Understanding adult asthma symptoms is critical for early diagnosis, effective control and prevention of severe attacks.

 

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. In asthma, the airways become:

  • inflamed
     

  • narrow
     

  • overly sensitive to triggers
     

This leads to difficulty in breathing, especially during exposure to specific stimuli.

 

Why Adult Asthma Is Often Missed

Adult asthma symptoms may:

  • appear gradually
     

  • vary in severity
     

  • mimic common respiratory conditions
     

According to Indian Council of Medical Research and WHO data, many adults remain undiagnosed for years, increasing the risk of complications.

 

Common Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Wheezing

A high-pitched whistling sound while breathing, especially during exhalation, is a classic asthma sign.

 

Shortness of Breath

Adults with asthma often feel:

  • breathless during routine activities
     

  • difficulty taking deep breaths
     

This may worsen at night or early morning.

 

Chest Tightness

Many describe a sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest, which can be mistaken for heart-related issues.

 

Chronic Cough

A persistent cough, especially:

  • at night
     

  • early morning
     

  • after exercise
     

is a common but overlooked asthma symptom.

 

Symptoms That Worsen With Triggers

Asthma symptoms often intensify after exposure to specific triggers.

Air Pollution and Smoke

Urban pollution, vehicle emissions and indoor smoke significantly worsen asthma symptoms in adults.

 

Allergens

Dust mites, pollen, mould and pet dander are common triggers.

 

Respiratory Infections

Viral infections can trigger asthma flare-ups or reveal undiagnosed asthma.

 

Physical Activity

Exercise-induced asthma causes breathlessness and wheezing during or after physical exertion.

 

Weather Changes

Cold air, humidity and sudden temperature changes can aggravate symptoms.

 

Adult-Onset Asthma

Adult-onset asthma differs from childhood asthma.

Characteristics include:

  • onset after age 20–30
     

  • less association with childhood allergies
     

  • more persistent symptoms
     

  • higher likelihood of severe disease
     

Occupational exposure and hormonal changes contribute to adult-onset asthma.

 

Risk Factors for Asthma in Adults

Several factors increase asthma risk:

  • long-term exposure to pollution
     

  • smoking or passive smoking
     

  • occupational chemicals or dust
     

  • obesity
     

  • family history of asthma
     

  • chronic sinusitis or allergies
     

Women may experience asthma onset or worsening during hormonal changes.

 

When Asthma Symptoms Become Serious

Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing:

  • severe breathlessness
     

  • difficulty speaking in full sentences
     

  • bluish lips or fingertips
     

  • rapid worsening of symptoms
     

  • poor response to usual inhalers
     

These signs indicate a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.

 

How Adult Asthma Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis includes:

  • detailed symptom history
     

  • physical examination
     

  • lung function tests (spirometry)
     

  • response to bronchodilators
     

Early diagnosis improves long-term outcomes.

 

Impact of Untreated Asthma

Untreated asthma can lead to:

  • frequent attacks
     

  • reduced lung function
     

  • sleep disturbances
     

  • missed workdays
     

  • reduced quality of life
     

According to Lancet respiratory studies, uncontrolled asthma increases hospitalisation risk.

 

Managing Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Effective asthma management focuses on:

  • identifying and avoiding triggers
     

  • using prescribed inhalers correctly
     

  • monitoring symptoms regularly
     

  • maintaining follow-up care
     

Asthma action plans help patients recognise worsening symptoms early.

 

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare helps:

  • detect asthma early
     

  • assess lung function
     

  • guide lifestyle modifications
     

Regular health checkups are especially important for individuals with respiratory symptoms or occupational exposure.

 

Lifestyle Measures That Support Asthma Control

Helpful practices include:

  • avoiding smoking
     

  • improving indoor air quality
     

  • wearing masks in polluted environments
     

  • maintaining healthy weight
     

  • regular, moderate exercise
     

Lifestyle support complements medical treatment.

 

Mental Health and Asthma

Stress and anxiety can worsen asthma symptoms.

Stress management:

  • reduces symptom frequency
     

  • improves medication response
     

Holistic care improves asthma outcomes.

 

Importance of Medication Adherence

Asthma medications work best when:

  • taken regularly as prescribed
     

  • inhaler technique is correct
     

Skipping treatment increases flare-up risk.

 

Long-Term Outlook for Adults With Asthma

With proper management:

  • symptoms are well controlled
     

  • severe attacks are preventable
     

  • normal activity levels are achievable
     

Most adults with asthma lead active, productive lives.

 

Conclusion

Asthma symptoms in adults are often subtle, variable and easily mistaken for common respiratory problems. Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and chronic cough should not be ignored, especially when triggered by pollution, exercise or weather changes. Early diagnosis, trigger control and consistent treatment are essential to prevent severe attacks and preserve lung health. Recognising adult asthma early empowers individuals to manage symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Respiratory Disease and Asthma Studies
  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Asthma Management and Prevention Guidelines
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Respiratory Health Indicators
  • Lancet Respiratory Medicine – Adult Asthma Outcomes and Management
  • NITI Aayog – Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Reports
  • Statista – Global Asthma Prevalence and Trends

See all

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