Obesity is an increasing problem all over the world. In America, it has been observed to grow on an alarming rate and similar is the case in UK. In Asian countries the magnitude is less but every other household does have an obese person or child, especially, in urban areas. The more we get hooked to technology, the more we stop moving and the more sedentary we get, the more chances of getting obese. But we also can’t avoid technology because that is the way where the world is progressing and works are being done now a days, especially, during pandemic situation in the world.
Obesity is a lifestyle disease and there is a genetic tendency to gain weight as well, depending upon the body’s metabolism. It is important to exercise regularly to burn harmful fat, eat clean, non-greasy and nutritious foods, maintain a healthy mental and physical balance to fight out obesity. It is a huge health burden and is associated with many health conditions and lifestyle disease. It aggravates any regular health condition and makes the fight tougher for the patient. Let’s talk about a small component which affects obesity – Salt!
How does salt contribute?
Whilst salt is not a direct cause of obesity but it is a major influencing factor through its effect on soft drink consumption. Salt makes you thirsty and increases the amount of fluid you intake.
Current salt intake and dietary advice
In India, almost everyone eats a lot of salt. We are prone to munching on salty snacks. Even when we are on a diet, we avoid sugar in all forms but do not restrain or check our intake of salt at all. The daily recommended amount is not more than 6g per day. However, an average Asian would end up having more than 8g per day!
People with or considered at risk of obesity should ensure that they keep their salt intake below the recommended maximum of 6g per day. This can be done by simple changes, such as consuming less processed foods and checking product labels before purchase. You should be able to identify foods which are low in salt or high in salt.
To further reduce your risk of getting obese or fight off obesity, you must ensure that you take at least 5-6 portions of vegetables and fruits per day. Increase the amount of exercise you normally do. It is recommended that you exercise 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week even if you are not obese to keep the risk of obesity at bay. Reduce the amount of saturated fat, sugar and ‘unhealthy’ calories that you intake. Your salt intake has to be under the recommended amount per day.
If you have been doing every other thing mentioned above to fight off that extra layer of fat on your body and are still not losing it then of course, you have not been cautious of your salt intake, which has led to more water weight in your body, not only this, it might have played a role in problems like hypertension over your weight gain problem. You don’t want to complicate your health condition, do you? So support your fat-loss or weight-loss journey with a correct amount of salt intake. Do the simple changes in your lifestyle as mentioned above and get ready to see positive results in your health.
About The Author
Rajul Tiwari is the Editor-in-Chief at bodyandstrenth.com and has 18 years of experience in media, content, publishing and education. She has worked with media houses like Daini..
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