HubMob Weekly Topic: Fitness, diets, staying in shape and losing weight: Tips for becoming a healthier person

"I picked this topic because I feel that whether you work out, diet, eat a certain way, take vitamins or just sit on the couch - everyone seems to have an opinion when it comes to becoming a healthier person. It's also true that nearly everyone would like to become a healthier person somehow, someway, but not everyone knows exactly how to do that."

Entering the title of this request as the search phrase for Google shows that fitness, health and being in shape is strongly associated with losing weight. Which says a lot about our modern society. We have done well, economically speaking. So well, that obesity has become a problem. "Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A crude population measure of obesity is the body mass index (BMI), a person's weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of his or her height (in meters). A person with a BMI of 30 or more is generally considered obese. A person with a BMI equal to or more than 25 is considered overweight." (Source: World Health Organization).

Governments spend millions on campaigns to make the general public aware of the risks involved. Campaigns that intend to stimulate us to exercise more, eat less, eat healthier and lose weight.

The maps show that in fourteen years time, the number of people suffering from obesity have increased from less than 19% in 1994 to 25% in 2007.

In 2005 the WHO projected that by 2015 approximately 2.3 billion people will be overweight and 700 million people will be obese.

Basically obesity is caused by an imbalance between the consumption and burn rate of energy by the body. In other words: we consume more calories than our body burns. The human body is subject to the law of conservation of energy. Which means that energy (calories) that is not used for the various body functions will be transformed and stored.

In an ideal situation our appetite is tuned to our need for energy. Ideal situations however often don't exist. We can suffer from internal and external influences that get us out of this balance. Among these influences are genetics, hormonal disorders, eating and behavioral disorders and even cultural factors. In some cultures it is very desirable to be overweight as it is a display of prosperity. It is safe to say that in general obesity is caused by environmental and social factors. In the past 20, 30 years the lifestyle of most people has changed drastically. Due to economy people tend to eat out more often and convenience has become the key word. We have drive thru fast food restaurants, pizzas and other junk food is only a phone call away. The number of hours spent in front of the television has grown. Some research indicates that the average American spends four hours each day watching television. Add to that the hours spent on the internet and it's easy to see that people in general have become lazy.

It must be noted though, that there are other causes, such as hormonal disorders that affect the metabolism.

Obese persons run a number of (increased) serious health risks. Obesity is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, strokes, cancer, breathing problems and arthritis. In addition, overweight may also cause reproductive problems. Obesity is not just about looks. Pediatricians, cancer institutes, heart and blood specialists, it seems as if almost any speciality in healthcare is concerned about overweight. Sources claim that 14% of deaths from cancer in men and even 20% of deaths from cancer in women are due to obesity.

First of all, obviously, you will need to know the cause if you're obese. If it's a genetic or hormonal disposition, you should see your doctor. There may be treatment available. For most obese people however, there is one cure: a healthy life style. And a healthy life style includes a healthy diet and sufficient physical activity. You should be aware that this is not some sort of project; it should be a structural change. Following an x-day diet and then continuing your life as you live today will not have a permanent effect. You really have to change your patterns, it's not something temporarily.

Your diet should be moderate on fat and sugar and include plenty of fruits and (fresh) vegetables. Staying away from the Ben & Jerry's for two weeks won't work. That doesn't mean you will have to restrain yourself from all pleasures, it just means that you have to learn moderation.

As far as the physical activity is concerned, obviously there are lots of ways to do that. Ranging from taking the stairs more often to intensive fitness programs. It all depends on your own preferences. Personally I'd go for things that are easy to incorporate into your every day life. Taking the bike in stead of the car when you go to the store for a few items doesn't require much adaptation or additional time. Which ever you do, be sure that you become more active, burn those calories before they burn you.

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