Last Updated on December 1, 2020 by Sultana Parvin
Without health life is not life; it is only a state of langour and suffering-an image of death.-Buddha
The obesity epidemic is a vital health issue in many countries of the world. A report from researchers states that the obesity epidemic began in the U.S. in the 1980s.
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The obesity epidemic in the United States
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. The obesity epidemic in the United States has increased intensely. Not only among seniors but also among children. Alarmingly, it affects a growing number of seniors, whether due to medication, an inability to exercise, or a lifetime of unhealthy decisions.
How Seniors Can Take Back Their Health with Exercise and Nutrition
People who are obese have greater instances of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart problems and depression — conditions which can be even more devastating for the elderly, making it even more critical for these individuals to reclaim their health. If you are looking to fight back against the obesity epidemic and live a healthier lifestyle, the following tips will put you on the right track.
Eat and Exercise for Weight Loss
A common misconception is that in order for you to lose weight, you have to significantly reduce your food intake through fasting or skipping meals, but this couldn’t be further from the case, and this can be a dangerous practice for senior citizens. Your body needs vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to stay healthy and give you the energy to stay active. By making small changes in your diet, you will not only see results but feel better, too.
Downsize your portions and include nutritious food items that make you feel full, such as colorful veggies. If portion control isn’t your strong suit, plan your meals each day or week and make just enough for a single serving, or you can pre-portioned ingredients delivered by a local meal delivery service. Try to focus on being more mindful as you eat by slowing down to give your brain enough time to receive the signal that you are full. Avoid eating when you are distracted, like when you are watching TV, working, or reading.
You will also find it beneficial to be mindful of your exercise routine. You may not have the energy you used to, but you can still find ways to add low-impact activity to your day. Exercise is whatever gets your heart pumping, so find something you enjoy and get to it. Walking at your local park with your partner, playing outside with your grandchildren, practicing yoga, and even gardening are all low-impact activities that will help you burn calories, and if you are having fun, you’ll find that you look forward to doing it rather than dread it. If the weather is not suitable for outdoor exercise, there are plenty of indoor activities you can partake in including walking inside a mall or museum, joining a gym, or exercising at home using fitness videos.
Rest Your Body and Mind
It seems odd that sleep would be connected to weight loss, but the truth is in the science. Research shows that when you don’t get enough sleep, your body’s ability to store insulin takes a serious hit. “Eventually, this excess insulin ends up storing fat in all the wrong places,” Shape reports. Lack of sleep also increases food cravings due to the stress hormone, cortisol; the higher the level, the greater the cravings. What’s more, when you don’t get enough shut-eye, your motivation to be active plummets.
However, your body isn’t the only thing that needs rest and nurturing. Obesity is often a side effect of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, or stress in general. If your mental health isn’t at its best, talk with your doctor to create a plan to address it, which will, in turn, be very beneficial in your weight-loss journey.
Obesity is an ongoing epidemic that affects people of all ages all over the world. The good news is that you can fight back, even in your golden years. Change your diet, incorporate daily exercise, get plenty of sleep, and pay attention to your mental well-being. With the right wellness-focus actions, obesity can be a thing of the past.
By Dana Brown
Sources: Mental Health Disorder storing fat plenty of indoor activities practicing yoga gardening Exercise pre-portioned ingredients medication
