Obesity poses health risks

Obesity is the accumulation of excess fat on the body. It is considered a chronic (long term) disease like high blood pressure or diabetes and has many serious long term consequences to our health.

Although obesity poses a great risk to mankind, it is still identified as the second leading cause of preventable deaths, after tobacco. In clinical studies, patients who were at a high risk of developing diabetes decreased their risk by almost 60% with less than 10% weight loss in 3 years.

Al Raffah Hospital, in Muscat, UAE, has paid special attention to obesity and has chosen to share some of the safest medical methods to control it. According to Dr. N. Kumar, physician, there are many methods of controlling obesity. “Obese individuals are advised to change their mindset and commit to restrict themselves from consuming large amounts of food.”

Many ways to combat obesity

“The VLCC or Very Low Calorie Count is an effective method to reduce weight. One kilo of fat has approximately 7700 calories. Thus, to reduce food intake equal to 7700 calories in a month, one has to lose 256 calories per day. This can be done by reducing rich fatty and high glycemic food from each dish (serving) and increase intake of vegetables, either cooked or raw cleaned.

“Along with the VLCC method, one has to implement a strict exercise habit, which is good for the heart and lungs. It likewise promotes positive mental health with a ‘feel good' factor,” he says.

Medical management is also one of the recommendations to losing weight. Liposuction has long been used in this regard but few realise that there are less obtrusive ways to reducing weight. An easily achievable target for those with an obesity problem would be to start by keeping a balanced diet and be conscious of nutritional care.

Al Raffah Hospital is committed to helping people with obesity problems.

Go to www.alraffahhospital.com for more information.