Here in the UK we are seeing a similar epidemic of obesity levels like the US and many other wealthy countries. The ability to buy ready made meals and eat out has given rise to this increase in body fat.

Why?

Simply because individuals are not aware or concerned about what they consume in terms of their daily requirements, or what the health issues are regarding fats, sugars and refined carbohydrate.
Basically they eat what they like and suffer the health issues later.

Maybe the way to attack this issue is to increase educational resources for children in schools, at an early age when they are impressionable and let the kids educate the parents.

There has been much progress in the reduction and removal of transfats (partially hydrogenated oils) from the food chain on both sides of the water thanks to pressure groups, whom I applaud for their sterling work. Both local and national governments need to take more responsibility concerning acceptable ingredients used within our food production chain.

In the UK there is a ban on advertising tobacco on TV and “drink responsibly” slogans abound, but what about “eating responsibly”. When are we going to see government health warnings on kebabs, fried chicken and burgers?

A recent newspaper report suggests that the UK’s Conservative party is continuing to go down the road of personal responsibility when it comes to food advice. “People have a personal responsibility to keep themselves healthy” is their preferred approach.

This is clearly not working either here or in the US and much greater effort needs to be applied through education and legislation to stop half the world eating itself to death.
If you have a weight problem, I suggest you take a look at one doctor’s approach to dietary education.

I watched a TV program last night, highlighting the lifestyle of a young man from Birmingham in the UK. He has the dubious honor of being the fattest man in Britain at around 700 pounds. By his own admission his current obesity condition is self-induced and despite the fact that his mobility is severely restricted and his life expectancy reduced dramatically, he is locked into this routine of self abuse through diet.

The man regularly eats two “Full English Breakfasts” (fried bacon, eggs etc) then consumes anything up to 40 pints of beer and has been known to order “everything” off the menu at his local Indian restaurant. He has to realize that his days are numbered. This man is literally eating himself to death.

To a lesser extent millions of other people are slowly, systematically heading in the same direction by following their chosen dietary lifestyle without considering the effect this is having upon their bodies, their life expectancy and also their quality of life.

Every time I go food shopping I see the overwhelming evidence of human greed and it saddens me to see shopping carts piled high with sugars carbohydrates and saturated fats. Over abundance of food and the relatively low cost is leading many sections of humanity down the wrong path.

In many parts of the world poverty is still an issue and people struggle to obtain sufficient food to sustain life and many suffer the effects of malnutrition. Where have civilized societies failed? Why are we eating ourselves into early graves and sacrificing health for over indulgence?

The problem is two-fold with quantities consumed generally attributable to greed and the other is ignorance of what’s in our food. On the one hand we have foodstuffs with added vitamins and minerals for improved health and then manufactures are allowed to stuff us full of saturated fat, excess sugar and high sodium (salt) levels.

Every day I see people with weight problems, struggling with their reduced mobility, often with the use of aids or worse still, wheelchair bound and many are relatively young. The lack of mobility and breathing difficulties are obvious effects of overeating and poor quality diet, but what about the less obvious ailments that come with it. Heart conditions, diabetes, ulcers, and several forms of cancer are just a few of the potential dangers obese people face.

Isn’t it time to review your diet and make that necessary change that might just save your life?

The will to quit smoking has to be strong to overcome the cravings due to nicotine addiction. If you are a smoker and want to adopt a healthier lifestyle your success will be greatly enhanced if you seek help and advice prior to stopping. Guidance is vital if you are going to succeed, as many people have gone before you and can provide help in staying on course.

One well documented problem you’ll face is weight gain because your appetite will increase. Nicotine stimulates metabolism according to smoking cessation therapists. It is estimated that a smoker requires an additional 250 calories for every 20 cigarettes smoked each day.

When you quit, your metabolism slows down and those extra calories lead to you gaining weight. Some people gain 2 pounds in 2 weeks and tend to resume smoking to prevent further weight gain, or at least use this as an excuse.

This is generally a short term event and your metabolism will soon adjust to your nicotine free lifestyle, so just stick with your decision to quit. Typically, smokers only gain 5-7 pounds throughout the process of quitting. When you think about the advantages of having a healthy, smoke free life, it’s well worth the effort. You will soon begin to feel the benefit inside and out and the weight can be removed with a little extra physical activity. Your vital organs like the lungs, heart and arteries will be free of the toxins and will start to regenerate new cells once free from the effects of nicotine.

Gradually your physical appearance will improve. Your skin, now free from stress will appear to be fairer and smoother and those yellow nicotine stains on your fingers and fingernails will vanish. Your mouth will also feel fresher, the smokers breath will disappear and your teeth and gums will be healthier too.

To reduce the cravings and minimize weight gain, drink lots of water to keep you hydrated and to flush out toxins. Substitute healthy high fiber food for cigarettes, but don’t snack on junk foods. Try to increase your exercise to improve your metabolic rate and cardio-vascular system.

If you feel the need, join a therapy group with like-minded people as this often helps you to stay focused. Above all use a form of nicotine replacement therapy from the outset as reports suggest a significantly higher success rate when you do.

Above all stick with the program and you will achieve your aim to quit smoking.
For more information visit: Smoke Deter