Weight Problems, Obesity And How Social Networking Can Help You

People who know they are overweight, are at risk of developing serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. However, with the right support and encouragement found in online communities like Social-medicine.org, you could reach and maintain a healthy weight, and live a happier life.

Obese people are at a greater risk of developing serious health problems such as: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, bone and joint problems, asthma, restless or disordered sleep patterns, liver and gall bladder disease, depression and low self-esteem. Body mass index (BMI) can be used to determine obesity, as it uses height and weight measurements to estimate how much body fat a person has stored. See what other people have said about their BMI within the online community.

Understanding how people become obese or overweight, is an important step toward breaking the cycle.
Many factors contribute to obesity have been discussed with the online community, and include of the following:
• Busy families are cooking less and eating out more
• Easy access to cheap, high-calorie fast food and junk food
• Food portions are becoming bigger
• People spend less time actively playing outside, and more time watching TV, playing video games, and sitting at the computer

There are many myths that people have discussed within the online community, and include:
• Obesity is genetic, so there’s nothing you can do about it. The truth is that some people are more prone to gaining weight than others, that doesn’t mean they’re destined for weight problems.
• People who are obese or overweight should be put on a diet. The truth is that unless directed by your doctor, treatment for obesity is not weight loss but stopping weight gain.

Make small, easy changes over time. The best way to prevent obesity and weight problems is to get the whole family on a healthier track. Making better food choices and becoming more active will benefit everyone, regardless of weight. Suggestions on social networking sites advise that family members take a walk together after dinner instead of turning on the tv.

Start by changing your eating habits. Cut back on fats, fast food, junk food, sweets, juice and soda. Focus on fruit as a treat. Keep a bowl of fruit out to snack on. Consumption should proportional and include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, such as red food (beets, tomatoes), orange (carrots, squash), yellow (potatoes, bananas), green (lettuce, broccoli). Make breakfast a priority. People who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight or obese, and focus on healthy choices such as oatmeal, fresh fruit, whole grain cereal, and low-fat milk.

People on social networking sites are discussing the strategies they use to watching portion sizes. One of the most talked about strategy is limiting portions to the size of your fist. People who have found relief are advising others to read food labels. Information about serving size and calories can be found on the backs of packaging. You may be surprised at how small the recommended portions are or how many calories are in the dish.

Play active indoor/outdoor games. Regular exercise maintains your weight and can improve your insulin sensitivity. One of the easiest moderate-intensity activities is walking for 30 minutes five or more times a week, swimming or riding a bike.