Search Weight Loss Topics:

Page 104«..1020..103104105106..110120..»

Home » How to lose weight safely » Page 104

With the New Year now upon us, many of us will be looking to ditch some weight as one of our New Year's resolutions.

But obesity is a big health problem for pets as well as people, and our four-legged companions can often struggle with their weight.

Healthy pet food manufacturer Canagan says that owners "have a responsibility to keep our dogs healthy" and this "includes managing their weight".

To help, Canagan is sharing this advice for pet owners whose furry friends need to shed some wight in the New Year.

The right weight for your dog depends on its breed; Whippets, for example, have vastly different parameters to Newfoundlands. Theres a healthy weight range for each breed, and if your dog falls within this, there should be no cause for concern.

Weight changes often arent that noticeable, especially if the change is gradual and over time. If you are worried about your dogs weight, there are some key visual indicators that can help determine if theyre under or overweight.

Are the ribs, backbone or other bones visible? Can you see them from a distance? If so, this could be a sign that your dog is underweight

Can you barely see the rib cage or not at all? This could indicate that your dog is overweight. There are also other medical issues that could cause bloating, so if this is the case, its best to book an appointment with your vet to rule these out.

Does your dog have a large/bloated looking stomach that hangs too low? This is another sign that they may be carrying a few too many pounds

How can you control your dogs diet for weight loss?

Prevent joint issues. Some breeds have a higher tendency to become overweight, which can cause issues in later life such as hip dysplasia. Prevention is better than cure so if your dogs breed is known to have joint issues, look for food that has joint care as a particular benefit

Book a vet appointment. In some cases, obesity is caused by another underlying health condition such as an underactive thyroid. Its always best to rule these out with your vet before embarking on a new exercise or dietary routine

Up the exercise. Even if its adding an extra 10 minutes onto your evening walk or buying a new toy such as a launcher, as long as you and your dog are enjoying it, these extra minutes really can make a big difference in the long run

Feed based on target weight. It may sound simple but feed the right amount for what your dog should weigh, not what they do weigh. Dog food recommendations are based on maintaining their breeds ideal weight, so if your dog is already overweight, make sure youre feeding them the right portion size

Rule out constant snacking. Over the course of a day, a little treat here and there can soon add up to the equivalent of another meal. If your dog eats dry food, when weighing out their daily portion, set aside some pieces for treats throughout the day. This way, they still feel as if theyre being treated, but theyre not eating extra calories

Whilst exercise is a good way to help your dog lose weight, sometimes, due to illness or old age, dogs can be less active.

Splurge on a special piece of furniture for your beloved pet with these ideas

The Freddy wooden plush dog sofa bed

With a soft padded cushion, removable pillow and a pocket in the back, this ia luxury space for your pet to relax.

It costs 65.99 from Wayfair. Buy it here

Ailotrd donut deep sleep nest

This self warming snuggle cuddler gives pets a sense of security.

It costs 18.29 from Amazon. Buy it here

Outdoor or indoor three-deck cat or dog den fort

Providing lots of places to relax or hide, this can be decorated as you want, adding cushions and bedding inside and on the top deck.

It costs 47.72 from eBay. Buy it here

Personalised pet bed

Raised off the floor, with raised sides to make it snuggly, you can add your own cushion and engrave it as you wish. It comes in a range of colours and sizes.

It costs 175 from Not on the High Street. Buy it here

Here is our guide to the best toys for your pet pooches

Kong Floppy Knots Bunny

The newest arrival in the Knots tribe with a cheerful, floppy design allowing for great thrashing fun

Cost 6.75, buy here

Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster

Take aim with the new hand-held Take aim with the new hand-held Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster! High-powered blasting action launches your dog's favorite fetching tennis ball over 50ft in the air.

Cost 14.99 buy here

Trixie Activity Flip Board Strategy Game

the dog gets the treats by using different techniques for opening the indentations.

Cost 6.99, buy here

Talking Tables Pawty Party Box For Pets

Celebrate in style with this party box containing a party hat, bow tie, celebratory flag, dog toy, coloured streamers and confetti.

Cost 11 buy here

Prices correct at time of publication

Senior dogs are often a lot less mobile, meaning they burn less calories, so their food should contain a lower percentage of fats and fewer carbs.

Cutting out carbohydrates can also be helpful, but make sure you cut out the right ones. Grains all contain high levels of carbohydrates which release their energy quickly so are best to avoid, but sweet potato releases energy slowly and is a great source of soluble fibre, so this makes a great addition to your dogs diet.

Keep a note of your dogs weight to monitor their progress and remember that slow and steady wins the race a healthy rate of weight loss is 1% per week. If you begin to see a dramatic change, visit your vet to rule out any other health issues.

If you do switch your dog onto a grain-free dog food, it is quite common for them to appear hungry initially. As grain-free food is often full of higher quality ingredients, this means that the quantity you will be feeding them is less. Their stomach will need time to adjust to this decreased amount of food, but dont worry, your dog will still be getting all their dietary needs met in the recommended portion size.

Why your dog is begging in the first place? More often than not, its because weve reinforced this behaviour as we want to give them treats every now and again, but this is a slippery slope.

Here are some top tips to break this cycle:

Use toys as a treat. Instead of giving your dog human food as a treat, use their favourite toy instead. This will help them disassociate the food on your plate as a tasty snack

Keep them out of the room when youre eating. When you have a meal, the smells can overwhelm a dogs sensitive sense of smell, and we all know theres nothing worse than smelling some delicious food that you cant have. This will also deter people from feeding your dog from the table and will get rid of their opportunity to beg.

Break up their meal times. If youre only feeding your dog once a day, consider breaking this up into two or three separate meals, but make sure youre still only feeding them the same amount across the day. If you time one of these with your own meals, your dogs focus is much more likely to be on their own bowl instead of whats on your plate

Excerpt from:
Advice for owners of fat dogs who want to help their pets lose weight - Devon Live

Mark Labbett is one of the chasers on the ITV quiz show, The Chase, where he shows off his impressive general knowledge skills.Inrecent months the quizmaster has sported a three stone lighter frame, how did he lose weight?

The 54-year-old has a huge six-foot seven-inch frame but in recent months he has shown off his incredible weight loss, after his separation from his wife back in May 2019 prompted him to overhaul his lifestyle to trim down.

He originally shocked fans with hisimpressiveweight loss transformation as he attended a pub quiz in Eaglescliffe, in October 2019.

He was pictured looking much slimmer than he previously did and the star has opened up about his weight loss in the past.

Having recently lost three stone, Mark said his weight loss was first prompted because of health concerns.

READ MORE:Man loses175lbsusing 'life-changingdiet plan

What did he eat to lose weight?

In a previous interview on Loose Women, he said: It was the diabetes. My colleague Paul Sinha also got the diagnosis and he rapidly lost two stone and he went from being diabetic to pre or non-diabetic.

The Chase star explained he was worried as Type 2 diabetes can be a dangerous condition. Mark decided to change his diet and made one huge change to get into shape, cutting sugar from his diet.

Im waiting for my next check up and Im hoping the figures are going to be better, he explained.

DON'T MISS

Im still eating very well I'm just cutting out sugar because of the Type 2 diabetes.

Before slimming down, the 6ft 7in quiz hero weighed in at a staggering 27 stone. However, he managed to drop three stone in total by changing his diet and becoming more active.

As well as removing sugar from his plan, he said having a young child made his lifestyle more active.

When speaking about his diet change, he said: That and running around after an active two-year-old.

Mark explained he managed to shift the extra pounds in just six months by making the changes.

The chaser has previously opened up about his weight loss, tweeting about his progress. He posted: #thechase lost four inches off my chest and six inches off my belly in last six months. So they have bought me a new suit for the show. First target achieved 🙂

He then mentioned formerEmmerdale star Lisa Riley- who has lost 11 stone - saying: "@Reallisariley I am not at your level yet but in last six months dropped 2.5 stones, four inches off chest and six inches off stomach.

Congratulating him on reaching his target, Lisa wrote back: "Mark that's FANTATSIC...and now you keep strong and keepgoing. WithZERO pressure doing it at your own pace, this is for YOU and nobody else CHAMPION, I'm crazy proud of you @MarkLabbett.

It appears he is still sticking to his healthy routines as he looked slimmer than ever in recent pictures.

Fans were impressed with his transformation and headed to Twitter to congratulate him on his new look. One wrote: Sir, hard work pays off. As long as you're happy.

Mark previouslyrevealed he turned down I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2016, because he didn't think the basic diet of rice and beans would be substantial enough for him.

Mark joked that he would probably have to resort to munching on his fellow campmates in order to survive the jungle.

He said: "I've been asked to do the jungle but the base calorie intake is about 700. Look at me! If I survived a week I'd drop three stone and cannibalism would be on the cards.

"On Sugar Free Farm the weight fell off me because I couldn't eat enough. Does 'The Chase' need me big? Put it this way, whenever I start losing weight because I'm doing a fitness kick of whatever, the producers go past me and hand me a second portion of pudding."

Original post:
Mark Labbett weight loss: The Beast drops three stone by cutting out one thing from diet - Express

Tipperary woman Paula was felling so low her weight had gotten the better of her.

She had seen a picture of herself at a friend's wedding and was disgusted by how she looked.

Paula said - I was so breathless the slightest activity would have me sweating. I hated to look at myself and would cry when nothing would fit.

It would get worse when people would ask when are you due your baby.and I wasnt even pregnant.

Paula pictured before her weight loss

It really started to affect not only my physical health but also my mental health.

Paula knew something had to change and it took a lot of courage to walk in the door the first day to Slimming World.

What amazed Paula most was that she could eat so much and never go hungry with a bonus of still losing weight.

Her favourite meal to cook is chicken curry with loads of veg and chips. She would fill up on omelettes with salmon and salad for lunch and loves a big Slimming World fry up for breakfast.

And what Paula loves about it is the fact that the whole family can eat the same meals and enjoy them.

Paula has gone on to lose over four stone and has enjoyed doing much more activities such as keep fit classes. She loves a challenge, competing in many fitness challenges and mini marathons.

Paula says the best thing about her weight loss is learning to love herself again as her self esteem has soared and not only has it helped her physically but also mentally.

She says - The best advise I can give anyone who struggles with their weight is to join a group, stay to the group, make friends with others in the group who face the same challenges and get the support - its the secret to your success.

Paulas consultant Denise remarks - Paula is an amazing member in our group. Each and every week she is always there to help and support other members with loads of tips and advice.

Her success has inspired many others to join and she is such a support in group that on many occasions she has been crowned the group's Woman of the Year.

Paula adds - The best feeling is not only reaching your target weight but also in knowing you can keep it off.

If you wish to join Slimming World go to http://www.slimmingworld.ie to find your nearest group.

Read this article:
Four stone weight loss has changed the life of Tipperary woman Paula - TipperaryLive.ie

A lot of people get a Fitbit or other fitness tracker when theyre looking to improve their health, and a lot of those people dont end up achieving what they set out to do. Many of those conclude that fitness trackers arent of any use but that would be a mistake because while these devices might not be useful for everyone, some find them very motivating.

James Ward from Durham has found Fitbit trackers invaluable in helping him to lose over 40kg, and change his physical and mental health for the better. To give you a better chance of getting the most out of any device you own, we spoke to Ward about his experience and how the trackers have supported it.

It was the best part of three years ago. I was about six or seven stone [around 40kg] heavier, and unfortunately I lost my mother to cancer. I had a really bad time, I had anxiety, so I went to the doctors. He spoke about ways I could reduce my anxiety and he said if I lose some weight Id probably feel better about myself, because he weighed us and he said I was clinically obese.

I went to the local football pitch for a little run, and I couldnt get around once without feeling sick. It was horrible.

I wanted to raise some money for Cancer Research because of my mum, so I entered the [5K] race round Newcastles Quayside. I kept going around the football pitch, and I was making it round once, twice, but that was only 400m, 800m I was thinking Im never going to run 5K!

I did this 5K around the Quayside and thats when I really got into running. At the start it was painful, because it affected my knees and obviously I was really unfit, but after the first race I saw the camaraderie at the start and during the race, cheering each other on, and I thought, this is something I want to be part of. Thats what gave me the first glimpse of the running world.

The first Fitbit I had you had to hit 10,000 steps and each light was 2,000 steps, and I was really pleased if I did the full 10,000. I felt a lot better when I was doing it, and its not just the exercise, but generally just being outside in the fresh air it gives you a new lease of life.

On the Fitbit app theres a league table of steps and not only can you add your own friends, but people from all over the world. You look at someone who is 250 steps ahead of you and think youve got to get out that day and beat him! Then theyll go back ahead of me! Its motivational because its a target. You hit five, ten, 20,000 steps, and youre all trying to better each other. It gets to Sunday and you think, I cant lose after seven days of steps!

I did the 5K, and then I was talking to one of my friends whos really into running and he said once youve done 5K youve got to do 10K! The first goal I had for 10K was getting under an hour, and then on and on. And then you see the Great North Run on the television and I saw everybody running across the Tyne bridge. I thought that would be the next challenge.

Each step of the way Ive upgraded my Fitbit. I had the one with five lights [the Flex], then the Blaze, and now I have the Ionic, which is great because it has GPS tracking, so I can see my runs with the maps and the stats.

Definitely. The initial getting out there and doing it was a boost, with the fresh air and the exercise, and then as you start to lose a little bit of weight you feel better about yourself. You start wearing clothes you might not have worn, you feel a lot more confident, you go out to gigs and parties. Once I felt like I had to cross my arms or wear baggy things. Now with your clothes comes confidence, and the anxiety is gone, and you get out there and live your life.

Originally posted here:
How My Fitbit Helped Me To Lose Weight - Coach

Following a keto diet means getting more of your daily calories from fat, and fewer of them from carbohydrates. You could lose weight by following a keto diet, and there may be other benefits. Improvements in total cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure have been shown.

But should you follow a keto diet? If so, what foods do you need to eat, and which recipes should you use? Weve got the answers. Find more about healthy eating, plus tons of recipes (healthy and indulgent) on our dedicated page.

Normally the body converts carbohydrates to glucose to use as fuel. Following a ketogenic diet where carbs are in very short supply causes the body to produce ketones from stored fat its an alternative fuel. Hence the diet is ketogenic. The bottom line is that after three or four days with little glucose available from your diet, the body starts to use fat as the primary fuel.

Consuming fewer carbohydrates means eating less sugar, rice, pasta and bread, for example, and also cutting out sugary drinks and more (see below). A keto diet usually reduces daily carb consumption to under 50g a day, although it can be as little as 20g a day.

When youre on a keto diet, you can eat meat, including beef, pork, poultry, lamb and game. When youre choosing meat, remember that processed meats can contain carbs, so check the labels, or avoid them altogether and prepare your own recipes using unprocessed meat.

Fish and other seafood is fine, too, with fatty fish like salmon or mackerel preferable.

Eggs, butter, cheese and cream are also keto diet friendly. (Milk, by the way, contains sugar, so see foods to avoid, below).

You can also eat vegetables, but think leafy and green mostly, and stick to those that grow above ground, so thats cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and so on. Potatoes are out (see foods to avoid, below).

Other things you can include in your diet? Nuts but swerve higher carb cashews and pistachios and opt for pecans, brazils and macadamias. Seeds like flax and chia, are okay, too, as are avocados, and oils such as olive and coconut.

Fruit is generally a no-no (see foods to avoid, below), but you can have berries such as strawberries and raspberries in small portions.

Overall, most of your daily calories (see above) should be obtained from fat, which will come from meat or fish, the fat you cook with, and even high-fat sauces.

Some of what youll need to avoid will probably suggest itself to you, while other food and drink can catch you out.

Sugar in its many guises is on the banned list and that includes foods like honey and maple syrup. You cant add sugar to your tea and coffee, of course, nor can you have soft drinks. However, youll also need to avoid fruit juices and sports drinks.

Breakfast cereals are out as well. Sugar is also used in lots of products where you might not expect to see it think ready meals and sauces. Always check labels. Naturally, youll be saying no to sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolate bars, ice cream

Watch out for milk in your drinks. A splash to whiten is OK, but skip the lattes and Frappuccinos, Starbucks fans. And while were on the subject of drinks, beer is out, too. Generally, plain water, and black and white tea without sugar are best, and you could even have a small glass of wine on a special occasion.

Carbs: say goodbye to bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes. Just for the avoidance of doubt, that includes crisps and chips.

Legumes: perhaps surprisingly, youll also need to cut out legumes including beans, chickpeas, lentils to follow a keto diet.

Fruit: Youll also need to step away from fruit aside from berries (see keto diet foods, above).

Generally, if you follow a keto diet, what you eat daily should be around 70% to 80% fat, 10% to 20% protein and 5% to 10% carbohydrate.

To attain the required fat consumption of the diet, youll probably need to eat some at each meal. Your protein intake, on the other hand, will be moderate. Bear in mind that this isnt a high fat and high protein regime like the Atkins diet, for example. Opt for free range poultry, wild-caught fish and organic beef for preference.

You can follow the diet plan if youre vegetarian as you can consume eggs and dairy products. As a vegan its not considered a healthy option because eating legumes and grains is key to obtaining essential nutrients on a plant-based diet.

If youre going on a keto diet to lose weight, programmes frequently suggest following it until the weight you want to lose is shed. Then, you are advised to return to the diet perhaps some weeks of the month or some days of the week.

A keto diet can be a healthy choice for many people but the ratio of fat, carbs and protein needed can vary from one person to another.

If you are diabetic, discuss the diet with your doctor before starting as itll likely involve changes to medication and increased monitoring of your blood sugar.

On medication for high blood pressure? Again consult your doctor before starting a keto diet.

Dont start on a keto diet if youre breastfeeding.

Be aware that restricting carbs can make you feel irritable, hungry and tired, among other possibilities. This could be a temporary effect, however.

Remember, also, that your diet should still be balanced so youre obtaining all the vitamins and minerals you need. Also crucial is sufficient fibre.

Cooking from scratch makes sticking to a keto diet easier as you wont need to scan lists of ingredients of pre-prepared foods to check for hidden carbs. Dishes like bacon and eggs are on the agenda, together with meals such as omelette, scrambled eggs and frittata. You can also base meals around chicken, beef or fish, for example.

Want a home resource? Check out the selection of recipe books at Amazon.

Go here to read the rest:
The keto diet: is this the right diet for you in 2020? - Real Homes

A WEIGHT-LOSS instructor-turned baker is having her cake but not eating it.

Saffron Medway was inspired to help others slim down after joining a weight-loss programme and dropping from a dress size 20 to a ten.

She signed up to the programme after moving to Warwick for a full time job which lead to a lifestyle of unhealthy eating and takeaways.

And following her success, she gave up her job to help others reach their weight goals.

The 47-year-old explained: After a couple of years I decided to train to become a leader because I felt inspired by the journey I had been on and wanted to be able to give somebody else the same feeling and same experience I had.

But a demanding work schedule began to take its toll on the busy mum-of-four and she turned to cake decorating as an escape despite admitting to not being a fan of the sweet treats.

She added: The workload just got bigger and bigger and it had got to the point where I was literally working 24-hours a day. I was running the meetings during the day, then having the children and doing all the domestic stuff and then it was off to another meeting in the evening and then coming home at around 9pm to do my paperwork and then starting on my cakes. I would be working through to about 6.30am and wasnt sleeping at all.

I have always liked to bake and cook but I would find myself up in the middle of the night with insomnia trying to find something to do that was quiet and theres only so many books you can read I just wanted to do something constructive. I dont consider myself artistic funnily enough and it wouldnt have occurred to me to pick up a pencil or a paintbrush or something, but I did enjoy baking and got hold of some books and magazines and watched YouTube videos and literally started teaching myself cake decorating.

Finally after nine years as a weight-loss instructor, her husband encouraged Saffron to focus instead on setting up a cake business Caking and Baking which she now runs from a shop in Warwick.

And the irony of the slimming instructor turned bakers tale is not lost on Saffron who even admitted to some of her best customers being former weight-loss clients.

She said: It was hilarious. It was a never-ending business circle because I would be supplying cake and helping them lose weight and then supplying them with cake again and helping them lose weight again! I would often turn up to my meeting with a celebration cake for one of my members because theyd ordered one.

But it also helped because I developed a lot of low fat cake baking with fresh fruit or Greek yoghurt.

You can still have cake and lose weight. Weight loss and healthy weight maintenance is about having everything you want, but just in moderation. There is no reason why if youre trying to lose weight that you cant eat cake. You just have to make allowances elsewhere.

Originally posted here:
Weight loss instructor-turned baker has her cake but doesn't eat it - Leamington Observer

We're frequently told that the key to weight loss is simple - just eat less and move more. Yet with obesity rates as they are, it's clear that for many people, it's really not that simple at all.

There is, of course, another option for those who are seriously obese or overweight and conservative methods alone haven't worked - and that's weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric or metabolic surgery.

This type of surgery is available on the NHS, for people who meet certain medical and weight criteria, but it's also available privately, at a cost of around 4,000-8,000.

But why is surgery sometimes deemed necessary, and what does it involve? Here, metabolic surgery pioneer Professor Francesco Rubino, lead of The London Bridge Hospital Metabolic and Bariatric Centre, part of HCA Healthcare UK (hcahealthcare.co.uk), and chair of bariatric and metabolic surgery at King's College London, shares his views...

Why can it be so hard for some people to lose weight and keep it off?

"Severe obesity is a disease, not a lifestyle choice. Research shows that when we lose weight by diet, our body reacts by activating mechanisms that defend against that. In fact, hunger-stimulating hormones typically increase after diet-induced weight loss and our body also tends to reduce the amount of energy it utilises, making it difficult to maintain weight loss in the long-term," says Rubino.

"These effects are not under control of our willpower and are ingrained in our biology. This explains why people who try diets almost invariably regain weight at some point. This isn't necessarily a lack of self-discipline, or a person's fault, as most people think, but the result of the way our biology works, defending a set, narrow range for body weight. In people with severe obesity, this set point is too high but the mechanisms that normally defend against weight loss are still working and powerful, thus frustrating voluntary efforts to lose weight by eating less and exercising more."

What is weight loss surgery?

There are different variations of weight loss surgery. The two most common are gastric bypass surgery, which divides the stomach into two smaller pouches and re-routes the small intestine, and sleeve gastrectomy surgery, a procedure that removes part of the stomach and shapes it as a tube or 'sleeve'.

"They were originally designed to reduce the size of the stomach but they actually change the physiologic mechanisms that regulate appetite, satiety and sugar metabolism," Rubino explains. "There isn't a single procedure that fits everyone's needs. Different procedures have different actions, which may result in different potential to improve metabolic conditions associated with obesity, beyond weight loss," he adds. "Hence, the choice of procedure needs to be thoroughly discussed with a specialist and must be tailored to the individual patient's need."

Why is weight loss surgery so effective?

"In the 1950s, when bariatric surgery was first introduced, understanding of the functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was quite rudimental - it was considered a mere digestive organ. So it made logical sense to think that by physically limiting the size of the stomach, or bypassing large portions of the intestine, one would be able to reduce the amount of food you can eat or the calories the body can absorb. Research over the last two decades, however, has shown this isn't true," Rubino explains.

"The GI tract is a complex, sophisticated endocrine and metabolic organ, something akin to a computer - some call it the 'second brain' - that receives input from the food we eat and sends signals to other organs to regulate body weight as well as sugar metabolism. Signals from the gut can inform the brain about calorie intake and accordingly regulate hunger and satiety. Other signals reach the liver and pancreas, where they can influence the production or action of insulin.

"This explains why gastrointestinal - bariatric/metabolic - surgery is so effective in inducing and maintaining weight loss, and also why it can dramatically improve other metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes. Research has clearly shown bariatric surgery reduces or abolishes the very mechanisms that normally resist weight loss. In fact, the changes in hunger and satiety hormones that follow bariatric surgery are exactly opposite to those elicited by dietary interventions."

Is metabolic surgery really just a lazy way of losing weight?

"Some argue that diet and exercise, rather than expensive surgery, should be used to treat diabetes or severe obesity. This idea is both ill-conceived and ill-informed. In fact, there's definitive evidence that where surgery is indicated by current guidelines, lifestyle interventions alone are no longer sufficient to achieve adequate disease control," says Rubino. "On the other hand, in people with mere overweight or mild, uncomplicated obesity (BMI under 35 without other metabolic disease), surgery isn't indicated and isn't a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, which can still be effective in preventing progression towards more severe obesity.

"Hence, suggesting lifestyle interventions and not surgery should be the way to treat severe obesity is at odds with both scientific evidence and logic. Suggesting use of only lifestyle interventions in people with severe obesity (a full-blown disease) is tantamount to suggesting one should use lifestyle changes instead of surgery or chemotherapy to treat cancer."

Who can have the surgery?

There's a range of criteria for having weight loss surgery on the NHS. These include having a BMI of over 40, or having a BMI of 35-40 if you've already developed health complications that may improve with weight loss. Patients will need to be committed to long-term healthy changes after the surgery too.

"Recent clinical trials have shown that in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity, metabolic surgery is more effective than any other available therapy," says Rubino. "Currently, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and international guidelines recommend metabolic surgery be considered to treat type 2 diabetes patients and those with a BMI of 30 or over. However, only 0.2% or less of eligible patients have access to such surgery."

Who shouldn't have the surgery?

A number of factors can deem people unsuitable for surgery too, including: "People who don't suffer from severe obesity or its complications. Bariatric surgery is generally safe but this doesn't mean it's an appropriate or proportionate approach to deal with less severe overweight levels, where lifestyle changes have been shown to prevent progression toward severe obesity or diabetes in many patients," says Rubino.

"Also, people who are candidates for surgery but would be unsafe to operate on. Though bariatric surgery is less life-threatening than obesity or diabetes, it's still major surgery and requires general anaesthesia," he adds. "And people with conditions that can undermine compliance with nutritional supplementation. Bariatric surgery can alter the absorption of certain vitamins and micronutrients, so patients need to rigorously take nutrient supplements, lifelong."

See original here:
What is weight-loss surgery and when do you need it? - Kent Live

Dad used to tell us that he has two sets of clothes: a normal set and a set of skinny clothes that emerge when he gets sick.

Dad was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in his 30s, and the illness caused him to lose a startling amount of weight. He was thin to begin with, but the disease found ways to take more away.

Ulcerative colitis became more manageable for my dad as time moved forward. He put on a healthy amount of weight and chose his food based on desire rather than necessity. With the help of my mom and his friends, he was able to nurse himself back to health.

But for the next 34 years, his two sets of clothing would hang in the corner of his bedroom closet because he never was certain when his health might change. Today, Parkinsons disease is back to challenge this strategy. And Dads skinny clothes are making an appearance.

Weight loss in relation to Parkinsons disease can occur for a number of reasons. Decreased appetite, additional energy output, and changes in digestion can slow your food intake. And this ultimately can cause a shift in body weight.

It makes sense, really. Dads tremors cause him to expend energy 24 hours a day. Thats a substantial amount of time that is spent in motion. And the body needs fuel to maintain this motion.

Dad seems to eat about the same amount, but what he chooses to eat has changed. My little sister makes sure theres a constant supply of densely packed foods, such as avocados. They juice every morning, squeezing the nutrients out of a shocking amount of produce.

Sometimes I giggle to see him eating a midnight bowl of ice cream or a handful of chocolate. Weight loss almost seems like an opportunity to eat his favorite treats. Dad looks thin, but his doctor seems to think his weight is stable.

In a society where weight loss ads litter social media platforms, it is easy to think that weight loss is a good thing. And it can be. But when uncontrolled, one risks becoming nutritionally deficient. And this ultimately prevents the body from using the building blocks it needs to keep healthy.

According to Parkinsons News Todays Patricia Inacio, extreme weight loss can cause dementia, increased dependency care, and a shorter life expectancy. A study Inacio highlighted evaluated several Parkinsons patients and found that weight loss might be able to point doctors toward an early PD diagnosis. Furthermore, counteracting weight loss might lessen disease-related outcomes.

Whatever doctors continue to discover, managing weight loss appears to be an important element of Parkinsons. And its a common one, too!

More than six years have passed since my dads Parkinsons diagnosis. The journey has been choppy, inconsistent, and filled with color. New challenges always seem to emerge. The disease never slows, but my dad is just as quick to fight back. His adaptability and determination are unmatched.

Today, his pants hang a bit loose around his skinny legs. But the muscles still ripple. His normal clothes have been collecting dust in the back of his closet for a while.

Christmas might be a time when those sizes shift completely, making skinny the new normal. But hes strong. He spends three days of every week at Rock Steady Boxing, preparing himself to better challenge his disease.

During a recent visit to the gym, emotions bubbled to the surface. I had never seen him so committed to tackling an obstacle. And with great effort comes great change.

***

Note: Parkinsons News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinsons News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinsons disease.

Mary Beth is a Freelance Writer who specializes in personal narratives. Her work focuses on the outdoors and the transformative powers of nature. But when her Dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2013, her search to understand the disease materialized through language.

View post:
Weight Loss and Parkinson's Disease - Parkinson's News Today

Im done with dieting Ive had enough. I cant go on one more diet!

Youve probably said that at one point.

You start looking for an option. Then you find intuitive eating, and it sounds interesting! No more food restriction. You follow your hunger and fullness cues instead of counting calories.

You want to try intuitive eating to lose weightbecause food freedom sounds oh so appealing and exciting after years of dieting!

More and more women are turning to intuitive eating these days. Its cool to be anti-diet,andeven cooler to be anintuitive eater.Intuitive eating has been proposed as the next big diet trend in the next decade aheadand thats a big problem!

Typically,when we refer to diet trend, we refer to ways of eating toachieveweight loss. Thats what we expect,and for most of us,thatswhat we seek. We think weneedto lose weight.Notice that the keyword hereisNEED. We want to lose weight and we dont want to diet anymore so intuitive eating seems to be the perfect option.

I want to validate those weight loss desires. Those desires to modify your body to fit the thin ideal are real and constantly encouraged in a society that is laden with weight stigma and fatphobia. It makes perfect sense that you have that desire and that you think you need to lose weight.

If you find yourself asking the question, How can I practice intuitive eating and still lose weight? then this post is for you. And so, Im writing this blog post to help you understand what intuitive eating is about, how your body maintains a certain weight through your set point, why its useless to fight against this mechanism through dieting, and what you can do instead.

You will learn:

What is Intuitive Eating?

Should you try intuitive eating to lose weight?

Your set point first

Homeostasisand happiness set point theory

Identifying and manipulating your set point

Why dieting is not the answer

How to get started with Intuitive Eating

If people ask for anintuitive eating definition, this is what I usually give them: a self-care eating framework that uses your bodys internal cues of hunger, fullness, and satisfaction to guideyoureating behavior. Notice that this definition emphasizes the body attunement element ofintuitive eating, meaningthat you need to listen to your body in order to eat intuitively.

This approach to eating allows you to develop a healthy relationship with food and your body. It teaches you to trust your ability to meet your own needs, distinguish between physical and emotional hunger, and ultimately develop body wisdom.

If someone who claims to be a health professional tells you that youlllose weight with intuitive eating, run the other way! No health professional can rightly claim that Intuitive Eating leads to weight loss.Illexplain why.

Rejecting the diet mentality is thefirst principle of intuitive eating. Focusing on weight loss will only hinder your progress as an intuitive eater.

Does that sound surprising?Well, it shouldnt if you understand what eating intuitively means.

Intuitive Eating is based on interoceptive awareness or the ability to perceive physical sensations inside your body. This means,to be able to eatintuitively,you need to connect with your body and listen to your bodys messages.

In contrast, focusing on weight loss is based on external rules. It dulls your interoceptive sense and leads to body-doubt. It makes you think that something is wrong with you just because youre not losing weight as you expected. Thus, yourelikelyto think that intuitive eating doesnt work.

While its true that some people lose weight when they eat intuitively, weight loss is more of a side effect rather than the focal point of intuitive eating. Some people who eat intuitively dont lose weight, and thats okay. Intuitive eating is weight neutral and is aligned with the HealthAtEvery Size approach.(For more info on this approach, I recommend that you read theHealth At Every Size book byLinda Bacon.

Time and again,researchhasproven thatdieting for weight loss is not sustainable. Besides, itcausesmore harmthan good to your body and mind. Dietingincreases the risk of eating disorders, binge eating, weight cycling and weight stigma.

Think of your set point like a natural mechanism that your body uses to maintain a natural weight. This mechanism runs without your intervention. Its just like how your lungs manage the appropriate amount of oxygen for your body orthe way in which your heart manages your blood pressure.

Another fascinating analogy is how your brain automatically gets you steady on a bike even if its been 10 years since your last ride. It just happenswithout you having to think about it. Set point manages your weight in the same way.

In her book Health EverySize,Dr.LindaBacon describes our set point as the fat thermostat in our bodies. Your set point actsjust like a heat thermostat in a room. When set to a certain temperature,the thermostat will send a message to the heating system to activatewhen below a determined temperature.

Your hypothalamus is the region of the brain that controlsthe system in your body that regulatesyour set point. It sends messages of hunger and fullness to manage your weight. Set point will make you think of the cookies in the cupboard and will also make you say no to the pizza when youre full.

Our set point manages all the various componentsin the complex human body that create our body weight. Your set point is your ideal body weight, the body weight you manage naturally without food restriction, deprivation, and over-exercising. It is your weight between diets, the weight at which you can live anon-food or exercise-obsessed life.

The set point is the bodys internal system to maintain healthy weight. One 1970s research study showed that the average weight of a 60-year-old man was only four to five pounds more than the average 30-year-old man.That kind of weight maintenance is no accident and not the consequence of dieting either.

Dr. Bacon has this very powerful example in her book,Health at Every Size:

Just consider a 50-year-old woman who weighs about five pounds more than she did when she was 20. If she eats about 2,000 calories a day over the course of 30 years, she takes in about 22 million calories. Since five pounds of body fat stores about 17,500 calories, that means that her body was just 0.08% off in balancing energy in versus energy out. This amounts to a difference of about 50 calories per monthless than the calories in one egg! Bacon, Linda. Healthat Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight (p. 12).

Our set point can fluctuate during our lifetime. Currently,research estimatesthe fluctuation to be between 10 to 20 lbs. Set point fluctuatesso it can maintain homeostasis.

If you are ready to exploreHealthAtEvery Size,you can downloadDr. Baconsmanifesto here.

Homeostasis is the abilityofthe human body to maintain a stable environment. Itskey to our survival.The bodysmagical ability to adapt toitsenvironmentatany given condition is whatallows us tosurvive.

This ability to maintain balance is what maintainsa stable body temperature, stable blood pressure,stable level of iron, blood glucoseand yes,body weight. All of these biological systemsfocus on maintaining homeostasis,a.k.a. balance,so we can survive and thrive in our environment.

Itevengoes beyondthephysical body. Homeostasis is also what createsyour thoughts andemotions.Your mind respondsto its emotional environment as well.

The happiness set point theory is almost similar as the body weight set point theory. It suggests that our level of subjective well-being is determined primarily by heredity and by personality traits ingrained in us early in life. As a result, itremains relatively constant throughout our lives. Our level of happiness may change temporarilyin response to life events.However, italmost always returns to its baseline level.

For humans,homeostasis meanssurvival. Our bodieswill do anything to bring us back to homeostasis so we can survive, including the dreaded weight gain.

Are you at your set pointrightnow?

Thats a very good question whichunfortunatelyis not that easy to answer. How much fat protection your body requires (your set point) is the result of a complex interplay of genetics and the lifestyle choices you made today as well as in the past.

You see,at this time,we do not have a tool that will allow us to determine an individual set point. We also donthave the knowledge on how to manipulate someonesset point either.As of today, the complexity of the human body and the number of elementsinvolved in managingonesset point exceed our scientific capacity.

Soto be clear,if you see a headline claiming to have the secret trick to lower your set point, like the 21-day set point reset detox, which I just saw recently, thats 100% diet culture in action. Its a lie! Dont buy into it because its a scam. Its just another gimmick from someone who wants to make money from your despair about your body weight.

What we do know is that if we want our body to settle at a natural weight that is effortless and healthy,we must make our brain feel safe. When the brain feels safe, it will send messages to the body that its safe. Will you lose weight? We do not know. No one actually knows. But what we know is that healtharisesor is maintained in a safe physical and psychological environment.

When you go on a diet or when you exercise, you create an unsafe condition for your body.

The human body perceivesintentional weight loss as athreat. Thatsthe reasondietsdontwork. Yourbody will adapt to the starvation/deprivation periodwhile youre dieting and trying to lose weight.

Butas soon as you release the pressure of the unsafecondition(i.e. youstop dieting or over exercising), yourbody will come right back to your set point. In many cases, it willensure complete protection fromanyfurtherthreat ofweight loss.

So,what can we do? Based on all the current research that Iveread,Id like to suggest focusingoncreating a relationship of trust and respect with the innate wisdom ofyour body. Create a safe environment, both psychologically and physically, in which youand your body can thrive in, not just survive.

The bestplace to get started is to educateand understand what could be perceived by your body as unsafe specially when it comes to food and body weight.

I would encourage you to get started by listening toepisode 214 of the GoingBeyondTheFoodpodcastright up to thepartwhere Irecommenda tool to help you determine what could be impacting your set point.

Heres a free checklist and resource to help youunderstand the set point theoryand get started on your journey into a more trusting and respectful relationship with your body.

In all the years that Ive been helping womenasa clinical nutritionist, Ive found that intuitive eating is the best starting point for developing a healthy relationship with food and ones body. Ive also made a part of my life.The women Ive helped, as well as I, can attest that itspositively life-changing!

Iinvite you to start your ownintuitive eating journeyandexperience the same benefitsthat weve enjoyed from it. I have put together someresourcesthat will help you get a good head start.

First,you can downloadmyGet Started with Intuitive Eating Guidefor free. Itwill teach youa 3-step process that will help you get started with intuitive eating right away.

Also, you can listen to theintuitive eating podcast episodes. Here, I share my best tips and interview experts who give their valuable insights on eating intuitively.

Originally posted here:
Intuitive Eating to Lose Weight: Your Set Point First - Thrive Global

Intermittent Fasting has become a popular way to lose weight by paying attention to when you eat instead of what you eat.

Sofia Cienfuegos said she first turned to the diet last year as she was getting ready for her wedding.

"What I do is I fast until 3 p.m. and then I start eating at three and then stop at 7 p.m. and then start fasting again until next day, Cienfuegos explained.

Merely eating during a four-hour window over three months helped Cienfuegos lose 10 pounds by her wedding day.

"I got to the weight that I wanted but I do it also because I feel way better when Im fasting, she said.

Cienfuegos, a dietician, is now working with Dr. Krista Varady, a professor of nutrition at the University of Illinois Chicago who has been studying nutrition for the past 20 years.

One study Dr. Varady conducted in Chicago found intermittent fasting works for weight loss.

"People lost about 7 pounds over three months and we also saw nice decreases in blood pressure, so it basically could contribute to heart health in general, she said.

Those dieters followed time-restricted eating, one of the two main types of fasting.

They fasted for 16 hours and only ate during an eight-hour window.

Varady also wrote a book about the other type called Alternate Day Fasting, which is when you eat whatever you want one day, but then limit yourself to 500 calories the next.

"With alternate day fasting you get to get a day off dieting every other day, Varady said.

Jennifer Bruning, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says theres concern fasting leads to feasting.

"I cannot wholeheartedly recommend it, Bruning said. It can be one of the pitfalls of the diet actually, that if we get so hungry that in our next time period of eating we are indulging in very rich or fatty foods.

Varady though, says that dozens of studies have actually shown that people don't binge with alternate day fasting.

"Its good for people who arent frequent snackers," she said.

Although the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics does not recommend intermittent fasting, they advise anyone who wants to try it to focus on fruits and veggies and lean proteins, to be careful not to binge and to also take a multi-vitamin to make sure you're getting the nutrients your body needs.

In addition, those wondering about that eating window, experts say you have the flexibility to shift that window.

Read more:
Intermittent Fasting: What It Is And What Experts Recommend You Do - NBC Chicago

Page 104«..1020..103104105106..110120..»

Home » How to lose weight safely » Page 104