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I am obese. Physically challenged also. How can I reduce my weight in deit

Meena Balu

3 weeks ago

I am obese. Physically challenged also. How can I reduce my weight in deit

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Happy Tummy Expert

3 weeks ago

Dear Meena Balu, thank you for the Question.

A sustainable and healthy weight loss regimen during such a condition, in the absence of physical activity can be approached with a holistic approach that involves lifestyle modification which includes Dietary modification and stress management. 

Here are few objectives to be considered when planning to start with a weight loss program.

Count Your Daily Calories

  • It is recommended to consume 500kcal less than your average, daily, current dietary intake of calories to target on 2-3kg weight loss per month (ideally 0.5kg per week).
  • This target is a healthy& sustainable way of reducing and then maintaining the weight loss.
  • The first step hence is “counting your daily calorie intakes”. Counting your daily calorie intake is proven to be effective when on a weight loss diet. You can use applications/apps freely available, that will help you count your calories to keep a track on your daily calorie intake and physical activity levels.
  • These apps will also help you to track your hydration & sleep patterns which also impact your weight.
  • Ideal body weight for an individual can be calculated using the Broca Index (BI) which is: Ideal Standard Weight (kg) = Ht (cm) – 100
  • WHO has given different BMI (Body mass index) classifications to categorise adults into different weight categories. BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height. It can be considered as a 2nd level indicator of overall health.

It can be calculated using a simple formula of BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m²)

Following is the WHO BMI Classification

18.5 to 24.9 - Normal

Less than 18.5 - Underweight

25 to 29 - Overweight

Above 30 - Obese

 

General Dietary Guidelines for weight loss that can be considered:

  • Eat a well-balanced diet that includes all the 5 food groups (cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, milk & milk products).
  • Do not skip your meals. Have small quantity of meals at regular intervals.
  • Choose healthy snacking options in between your meals.
  • Monitor your portion size.
  • Fiber in your meals can potentiate the satiating property, suppress excess hunger and control food intake. All fruits and vegetables, whole grains, multigrain, millets, nuts & seeds etc., are a good source of fiber.
  • Try switching from saturated fats and trans fats to MUFA (mono-unsaturated fatty acids) & PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) as they are essential fatty acids and are good for your health.
  • Include protein in your diet. Some of the sources include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds, etc. 
  • Consume fresh, seasonal fruits as they contain many essential nutrients and are good sources of fiber.
  • Carbonated and alcoholic beverages to be limited or preferably avoided.
  • Deep Fried foods to be restricted. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
  • Minimum of 8 glasses of water should be consumed to keep yourself hydrated.
  • Have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before Bed time.
  • Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

 

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions please contact your Health care professional or any registered dietician.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead.

 

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