Let us Talk about being overweight or obese.

To be overweight means that you have some extra fat higher than your goal weight.

However, being obese is when you have high levels of body fat. Obesity happens when your calorie intake is higher than the amount of energy you burn off each day. 

Being overweight or obese is linked to increased risks of several health problems. You are at risk for medical conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, gallbladder issues and gallstones, osteoarthritis, breathing problems such as sleep apnea.

Obesity is a risk factor for the onset and progression of several neurological disorders.

Reasons for Weight Gain: 

• Genetics plays a role in obesity in families.
• A medical condition or medication can contribute to obesity by lowering metabolism.
• Medications like steroids and antidepressants can cause weight gain. 
• Lifestyle behaviors, like what you eat daily and your physical activity, influence weight gain or loss.
• Mismanaged eating can be due to emotional factors like binge eating. Eating more due to depression, anxiety, boredom.

Why Manage Your Weight :

Managing your weight is a vital part of your health and well-being. Even a modest weight loss of 10 to 15 pounds offers significant health improvements of lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

A healthy weight loss means an ongoing lifestyle that includes long-term changes in daily eating and exercise habits.

Behavior and Lifestyle Changes for Managing Weight:

• Set a realistic weight loss goal of one-or two-pounds weekly weight loss.
• Change your mindset about eating, learn about nutrition and change your eating habits.  
• You can control your weight with long-lasting results with modifications of your behavior and lifestyle, proper diet and regular exercise.
• Fine-tune your exercise habits as you increase your physical activity exercise disburse healthful rewards. 

Good Dietary Habits Make all the Difference:

• Plan your meals for the week by creating a grocery list. Avoid purchasing foods that are not as healthy. Keep healthy foods stocked in your pantry.
• Make changes in your daily eating and the food choices you are making. 
• Choose foods high in fiber, such as whole-grain bread. Select nutrient-rich and low-fat, low-calorie foods. Fruits and vegetables are healthy,
• Eat only when you are hungry. Refrain from eating when you are tired, anxious, stressed, or feeling down as you tend to eat more for comfort.
• Eat fewer calories by cutting down on portion sizes.