Weight-Loss

Going on a fad diet to lose weight is well-known to be unhelpful and unlikely to succeed. Instead, looking at your daily habits and lifestyle to make healthy changes that make you feel good physically and mentally is key. 

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Your lifestyle

Do you take regular physical activity and follow a balanced diet, or do you skip meals and rely on coffee to give you energy? These are important factors to consider as they could be impacting your long-term weight management.

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Family history

Being mindful of genetic health conditions in your family will help you determine what changes to make. The risk of contracting genetic conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure can be reduced with healthy weight-loss and a balanced diet.

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Weight distribution

Take note of where your weight is distributed. Carrying weight around your tummy area can be a health risk and may benefit from you seeking weight-loss.

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Your feelings

You may find that being overweight is affecting your emotional well-being; your confidence can be affected by your appearance or by feeling unwell. For some, making healthier choices helps to boost confidence levels.

The most common benefits of weight-loss:

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Reduced aches and pains

If you are overweight, you may be suffering from strain on the joints, bones and muscles in your body. Weight-loss through lifestyle changes and creating a diet plan can help relieve many of these pains. In fact, losing as little as 5-10% of your body weight can make a difference. Weight-loss will also help your body to function more efficiently - your vital organs, muscle groups, bones, joints and immune system will benefit from weight-loss.

Evidence also suggests that you will recover more quickly from injury and become less likely to contract viruses and infections.

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Healthy heart and body

Heart health can be influenced by how much you weigh. Being underweight or overweight can affect how the heart transports the blood to our vital organs, as a result of this; the heart has to work harder to pump it around the body. If the heart is under strain, the risk of a heart attack, high blood pressure and angina is increased.

This risk can be reduced however by following a healthy weight-loss diet and long-term weight management. Being a healthy weight reduces pressure on the heart, restoring its ability to function normally.

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Improved well-being

Research has shown that those who follow effective methods to lose weight have higher self-esteem, more confidence and are less likely to develop depression. Over time, adapting your weight-loss diet plan to a long-term balanced diet will help you keep the weight off.

While the benefits of weight-loss can be life-changing for some, it is essential that the methods are safe and healthy, while also promoting long-term goals. Rapid weight-loss can be very harmful to the body, especially when people use weight-loss pills. The recommended, healthy rate of weight-loss is approximately one to two pounds (0.5kg to one kilogram) per week.

A balanced diet

Healthy eating is fundamental for effective weight-loss, especially for ensuring long-term weight management. Rather than resorting to fad diets, diet pills or severely restricting your calorie intake, a qualified nutritionist will help you make gradual changes. Your nutrition professional can help you find and understand healthy alternatives for sugary snacks, how to cook with fresh ingredients and ensure you drink plenty of water.

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Healthy lifestyle

Exercise is important for healthy weight-loss and has numerous benefits for both emotional and physical well-being. In addition, exercise for weight-loss prevents muscle loss - this helps protect your muscles and keep them supple. Regular physical activity will also increase your energy levels and boost metabolism, and your nutrition professional can help ensure your eating plan supports your exercise regime.  

It is recommended that adults aged 19 to 64 should be aiming for an average of two hours and 30 minutes of moderate, aerobic activity every week, while young people aged five to 18 should aim for at least one hour. For effective weight-loss, consider gradually building yourself up to these levels. 

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Motivation and accountability

Losing weight in a sustainable way can be a long journey, so having someone who 'gets it' and can support you can help. As well as supporting you with dietary changes, a nutrition professional can help you stay accountable as you have regular sessions together. They can help you stay motivated and connected to your goals, cheering you on as you take this time to work on you.