Know The Leading Cause of Obesity

Obesity means having too much body fat. It is not the same as overweight which means weighing too much. A person may be overweight from extra muscles, bone or water, as well as from having too much fat. Both terms means that a person's weight is higher than what is thought to be healthy for his or her own height.

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a scale that calculates obesity by measuring a ratio between height and weight. A BMI of 25 to 29 is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 and above is considered obese.

Soda

Soda and sugary drinks are the main culprits in the obesity epidemic. New research strengthens the case against soda and sugary drinks. Soda and sugary drinks are the single biggest source of calories in the American diet. Soda is increasingly blamed for the fact that a third of U.S. children and more than two-thirds of adults are obese or overweight. Soda is the leading item that is bought in grocery stores. Consumption of soda and obesity have risen in parallel - both have more than doubled since the 1970s in the U.S..

Soda is a high calorie drink but without any nutrient at all. It is an empty calorie that cannot be used by the body for energy, and thereby stored as fat. When used in conjunction with french fries and other fried foods, the calories will increase furthermore. The result is more weight gain.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

One main ingredient of soda, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), sometimes called corn sugar, had become a popular ingredient in sodas and fruit flavored drinks. In fact, HFCS is the most common added sweetener in processed foods and beverages. It is favored by food and beverage companies because of its low cost.

Some people are concerned about the adverse effects of HFCS especially that it is commonly used in foods. Concerns have been raised because of how HFCS is processed or refined. Some believed that your body reacts differently to HFCS than it does to other types of sugar.

Research studies have linked consumption of any type of added sugar, not just HFCS, to such health problems as weight gain, diabetes type 2, dental cavities, poor nutrition, and increased triglycerides which can increase heart attack risk.

It is about time you and your family kick the soda habit. It may be not be easy because your taste buds craves for soda, like bordering on addiction. Just do It. Think of the rewards especially to your health and body shape.

Alternative Drinks

Look for alternative drinks. Water is the easiest to come by. Drink lots of water. It can make you feel full and hydrated. Tea and coffee also, preferably drank with less or no sugar. Fruits and vegetable juices are good alternatives. It is better to prepare the juice by yourself at home. Avoid the processed and refined variety of juices because it has added sugar and chemical additives. For your long-term health goal, to stop drinking soda is a need instead of an option.

Healthy Lifestyle

Endeavor to follow a healthy lifestyle regimen. In general, a healthy person doesn't smoke, is at a healthy weight, eats healthy and exercises. Even moderate activities like house chores, gardening and walking can make a difference. One study has found that just a 10% weight reduction helped obese patients reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and increase longevity.

Eating a healthy diet is another part of a healthy lifestyle. Not only can a healthy diet help with weight management, it can also improve your health and quality of life as you get older.

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