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The PHARMACIST talks about …

Weight-Loss

Why is weight loss important?

Overweight people are more likely to have heart disease, diabetes, heartburn or gastric reflux, and gallstones. In very obese people, breathing may be very difficult, particularly at night when sleeping.

Reducing weight to the healthy range reduces most of these risks and life expectancy is generally reduced in obese people.

Maintaining a healthy weight also makes exercise and movement easier. Exercise is also important in maintaining a healthy body and reducing the risk of some diseases.

There is no easy way to lose weight! A gradual weight loss of 0.5 - 1kg per week is optimal weight loss. It takes a long time for weight to be put on, and the most lasting way to lose weight is to do it gradually, and let the new lifestyle become the healthy habit.

Beware of products, which advertise no effort or exercise required, miracle ingredients in special supplements that speed up metabolism or burn fat, rapid or major weight loss products which are very restrictive or promote a very limited variety of foods and other fad diets.

A change in lifestyle is usually necessary to sustain weight loss - this involves increased activity and different eating habits.

Fat should not provide more than 30% of the total energy calorie intake, and generally should be less than 30g a day. It is important to reduce calories and fat intake as well as eating less food generally. Fat has 9 calories per gram while sugar or carbohydrates have only around 3 calories per gram.

The Heart Foundation of Australia has excellent leaflets showing the ideal food pyramid, indicating the importance of a variety of foods. Our main energy (calorie) intake should be from vegetables, fruit and complex carbohydrates such as cereals, breads, pasta and rice.

Exercise helps maintain body weight, reduces risk of heart disease, improves mental well-being and can provide relaxation and enjoyment.

Come and see the friendly staff at Healthpoint with your concerns or questions.

Please Note: The advice on this website is to be used as an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace advice from your qualified GP or medical practitioner. Please ensure that you speak to them in relation to all of your health issues.