The greatest problem being faced in preventive medicine today is ‘obesity’. With the sedentary and modest lifestyles and introduction of more and more processed foods, obesity has become a serious problem even in developing countries like India. Sadly, obesity does not come alone, it brings along with it the baggage of cardiovascular diseases, renal disorders, diabetes, gout and gallbladder diseases. The popular saying, “THE LONGER THE BELT, THE SHORTER THE LIFE”, is far too true.
Fortunately, the body is designed wonderfully and weight control is a balancing act. By controlling the intake of calories and doing regular exercise we can keep our weight in control.
General Tips for Weight Management
Find out your ideal according to your height, age and sex. Weigh every week on the same scale at the same time with similar clothes. Record your weight and aim at maintaining your weight near about the ideal weight, as far as possible.
Do not starve yourself. In fact, if you feel run down it will defeat your purpose; eat as much as you like from the unrestricted items; remain within limits of restricted items; keep away from prohibited items.
Unrestricted items are: fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, lean meat (i.e., birds and fish), boiled or poached eggs, skimmed milk and its products, coffee and tea.
Restricted items are: all cereals of which total amount allowed is hundred (100) gms in 24 hours. In case of cooking medium you can use upto 15 gms a day.
Prohibited items are: sugar in any form, say honey, jams, ice cream, all sweets, dry fruits, nuts, alcohol, etc.
