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Bariatric surgery, a significantly underutilized treatment for weight management, is beginning to see an uptick in usea trend spurred by a somewhat unlikely cause: the novel coronavirus epidemic.

The 3 most important considerations for patients deciding on bariatric surgery

According to the New York Times' "Well," bariatric surgery is an increasingly safe, effective, and simple procedure available to patients with a BMI of at least 40 who cannot lose weight via diet and exercise alone, as well as patients with BMIs between 30 to 35 who have obesity-related health issues.

Bariatric surgeriesincluding gastric bypasses, laparoscopic bands, and gastric sleeveswork by reducing the physical size of the stomach and curbing appetite by altering the hormonal signals between a patient's stomach and brain. Bariatric surgery, according to "Well," has become increasingly safe over the years, with the rates of complications and deaths related to such procedures plunging from a peak of 11.7% and 1%, respectively, in 1998 to 1.4% and 0.04% in 2016.

However, despite the safety and efficacy of the procedure, experts say it's significantly underutilized. "Only one-half of 1 percent of people eligible for bariatric surgery currently undergo it," Anne Ehlers, a bariatric surgeon at the University of Michigan, said.

According to a JAMA article, this under-use of bariatric surgery likely stems both from "the reluctance of the medical community and patients to accept surgery as a safe, effective, and durable treatment of obesity," and because patients worry that they "may be judged by others for taking the easy way out and not having the willpower to diet and exercise."

According to the Wall Street Journal, several studies have found a link between obesity and its related health issuessuch as diabetes and hypertensionand increased rates of serious Covid-19 infection. In fact, CDC this month confirmed that new research demonstrates that Covid-19 patients who are obese have a greater risk of severe outcomes.

Researchers think this increased risk for obese patients may stem in part because of how the coronavirus enters the body via an enzyme called the ACE2 receptor. This enzyme is located in cells that line the lungs and fat tissue, which means that patients with excess weight may be more likely to experience a high viral load. In addition, obesity is linked to hyperinflammation and shortness of breath, two conditions that make it more difficult for someone to combat viral infection.

As John Morton, head of the bariatric practice at Yale Medical Center, said, "The virus frankly has an easier job" replicating itself among patients who are obese, because "[i]t has more targets."

But ongoing research indicates that losing weightand losing weight via bariatric surgery in particularmay help lower this risk, the Journal reports. According to a clinical study from the Cleveland Clinic that's currently under peer review, patients with obesity who've had bariatric surgery were 25% less likely to require hospitalization after contracting Covid-19 when compared with obese patients who have not had the surgery. In addition, among those patients in the study who were hospitalized, none of those who've had bariatric surgery were admitted to the ICU or died from the pathogencompared with 13% and 2.5%, respectively, of hospitalized patients who have not had the surgery.

In light of this increased risk, some patients who are struggling with their weight are undergoing bariatric surgery as a proactive measure against severe infectiona trend that seems to have made bariatric surgery more popular than ever, the Journal reports.

In fact, while most scheduled procedures are now experiencing a rebound after several months' pause amid the epidemic, bariatric surgery is not only rebounding more quickly than other services, but it's surpassing even its 2019 levels. Specifically, according to research from health care data company Perception Health, claims for bariatric surgery fell to nearly zero in April, but then rebounded by June to a higher level than that same month in 2019.

Separately, Optum, which owns medical facilities and surgical centers across the country, reported a 26% annual increase in patients joining bariatric-surgery programs this summer. (The Daily Briefing is published by Advisory Board, a division of Optum.) Similarly, Cigna said that while prior authorizations for bariatric surgeries declined 38.8% annually between March and May of this year, they increased 9.3% annually in June, July, and August.

The leaders of various surgical practices at major hospitals have reported similar anecdotal evidence, according to the Journal. For instance, Morton said that after Yale reopened its five hospitals for scheduled surgeries in June, bariatric surgery volume increased 20% when compared to 2019 levelsand inquiries about the procedure are also on the rise. "The only two surgeries that have been Covid-proof have been cancer and bariatric," he said.

Similarly, Ali Aminian, director of the Cleveland Clinic's Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, said intake for severely obese patients seeking bariatric surgery increased 40% annually over the summer. "We've had patients who wanted to come and take care of their obesity, to be healthier, and when we ask them, why did you come now? It's because they've heard this message that it's a risk factor for Covid infection," Aminian said.

And speaking as a bariatric surgery patient, Eliza Henderson said the coronavirus spurred her to "take the plunge" and schedule herself for the procedure later this month. "I don't want my being obese to stack the odds against me with something like coronavirus," Henderson explained. "More than anything, I want to have a better chance to survive" (Whelan, Wall Street Journal, 9/28; Brody, "Well," New York Times, 9/28).

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Bariatric surgery is booming, as obese patients worry about their Covid-19 risks - The Daily Briefing

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) are hormone disorders which are very common among women belonging to the reproductive age bracket. Irregular periods, weight gain and hair loss are some of the common symptoms that one experiences during PCOS and PCOD. In the past decade, the number of women suffering from these conditions has increased drastically. But the lack of awareness has created a lot of misconception related to these health conditions. We spoke to Dr Akhila Joshi, who is a medical expert in the field and tried to bust some common myths related to PCOD and PCOS.

Myth 1: Irregular periods means PCOD or PCOS

Myth 3: People suffering from PCOS are always on birth control pills. This is another common misconception people have about PCOS. As per Dr Akhila, medications can only reduce the symptoms, not the problem. Birth control pills are not a permanent solution for PCOD and PCOS. Instead, she stressed the importance of finding the root cause of the diseases to finally get rid of it once and for all.

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5 most common myths related to PCOS and PCOD - Times of India

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Its well known that carrying extra fat around your waist can be harmful to your health, bringing greater risk of developing illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. But arecent studyfound that, regardless of weight, people who carry more fat around their abdomen had a higher risk of dying sooner in fact, there was an 11% increase in death during follow up with every extra 10cm of waist circumference.

The researchers included 72 studies in their review, which contained data on 2.5 million people. They then analysed the combined data on body shape measures, looking at waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-thigh ratio, and waist and thigh circumference in other words, all the areas where a person naturally stores fat.

Beside the finding on belly fat, the researchers also found that people who tend to store more fat on the hips and thighs instead of their abdomen had a lower risk of dying sooner, with each extra 5cm thigh circumference associated with an 18% reduced risk of death during the follow-up period (between 3-24 years, depending on the study). But why might this be the case? The answer has to do with the type of fat tissue we tend to store in certain areas of our body.

Body fat (known as adipose tissue) plays an important role in our physiology. Its main purpose is to take glucose from the blood and safelystore this energy as lipidinside our fat cells, which our body uses later for fuel. Our fat cells also producehormone signalsthat influence many body processes, including appetite. Adipose tissue is therefore important for good metabolic health.

But having too little adipose tissue can affect how well blood sugar levels are regulated in the body. Insulin regulates healthy blood sugar levels, telling fat cells to take up glucose from the blood and store it for later. Without enough adipose tissue (a condition known aslipodystrophy), this process cant work properly resulting ininsulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes.

Although fat is important for good metabolic health, where we store it (and the kind of fat tissue it is) can have different health consequences. Research shows that people with the same height and weight, but who store their fat in different places havedifferent risksof developing certainmetabolic diseases, such astype 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Also read:Chillies could be the next big trend in weight loss regimen

Body shape is influenced by where fat is stored in our body. For example, apple shaped people store more fat around their waist and are likely tostore more fat deeperin the body surrounding their organs asvisceral fat. Pear shaped people have larger thighs, and store more fat more evenly around their body just under the skin assubcutaneous fat.

Thesedifferent fat depotshavedifferent physiological propertiesandexpress different genes. Its thought that different visceral and subcutaneous fat depots develop fromdifferent precursor cells cells that can become fat cells.

Visceral fat is considered moreinsulin resistant, and so carries a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Body fat stored around the waist also releases more blood triglycerides in response tostress hormone signalscompared to hip and thigh fat. High blood trigylceride levels are associated with greater risk ofheart disease. This is partly why visceral fat is seen as as more harmful than subcutaneous fat.

On the other hand, hip and thigh subcutaneous fat can bettertake up these triglyceridesfrom the blood and store them safely, preventing the body from incorrectly storing them in the muscles or liver, which can causeliver disease. Subcutaneous fat tissue can even develop specialisedbeige fat cellsthat are able to burn fat. For these reasons, subcutaneous fat is thought of as safer even protective against metabolic disease.

Its thought that in some people subcutaneous fat stores run out of storage space (or the ability to make new fat cells) sooner than in others. This means more fat will be stored in the less safe visceral depots. Visceral fat can causeinflammation, eventually leading to metabolic and cardiovascular disease. And if fat can no longer be stored in adipose tissue, eventually lipid can accumulate elsewhere including the heart, muscles, and liver which again canlead to disease.

As with height, your genes play a large part in weight and body shape.Large genetic studieshave identified over 400 of the tiniestgenome differencesthat might contribute to body-fat distribution. For example, people who have a mutation in the LRP5 gene carrymore fat in their abdomenand less in their lower body. However, these tiny genetic differences are common in the population, affecting most of us in one way or another and may explain why humans have such a range of different body shapes.

Unfortunately, this means that it might be more difficult for a person who naturally stores fat around their waist to maintain good health. But research also shows that weight loss can reduce visceral fat and improvemetabolic health. So what is important to remember is that body shape is only a risk factor, and even with these differences you can still lower your risk of chronic disease if you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

This article was republished from the World Economic Forum.

Also read:Why some humans are born to have a beer belly

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Belly fat causes premature death, regardless of your weight - ThePrint

Its well known that carrying extra fat around your waist can be harmful to your health, bringing greater risk of developing illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. But a recent study found that, regardless of weight, people who carry more fat around their abdomen had a higher risk of dying sooner in fact, there was an 11% increase in death during follow up with every extra 10cm of waist circumference.

The researchers included 72 studies in their review, which contained data on 2.5 million people. They then analysed the combined data on body shape measures, looking at waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-thigh ratio, and waist and thigh circumference in other words, all the areas where a person naturally stores fat.

Beside the finding on belly fat, the researchers also found that people who tend to store more fat on the hips and thighs instead of their abdomen had a lower risk of dying sooner, with each extra 5cm thigh circumference associated with an 18% reduced risk of death during the follow-up period (between 3-24 years, depending on the study). But why might this be the case? The answer has to do with the type of fat tissue we tend to store in certain areas of our body.

Body fat (known as adipose tissue) plays an important role in our physiology. Its main purpose is to take glucose from the blood and safely store this energy as lipid inside our fat cells, which our body uses later for fuel. Our fat cells also produce hormone signals that influence many body processes, including appetite. Adipose tissue is therefore important for good metabolic health.

But having too little adipose tissue can affect how well blood sugar levels are regulated in the body. Insulin regulates healthy blood sugar levels, telling fat cells to take up glucose from the blood and store it for later. Without enough adipose tissue (a condition known as lipodystrophy), this process cant work properly resulting in insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes.

Although fat is important for good metabolic health, where we store it (and the kind of fat tissue it is) can have different health consequences. Research shows that people with the same height and weight, but who store their fat in different places have different risks of developing certain metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Body shape is influenced by where fat is stored in our body. For example, apple shaped people store more fat around their waist and are likely to store more fat deeper in the body surrounding their organs as visceral fat. Pear shaped people have larger thighs, and store more fat more evenly around their body just under the skin as subcutaneous fat.

These different fat depots have different physiological properties and express different genes. Its thought that different visceral and subcutaneous fat depots develop from different precursor cells cells that can become fat cells.

Visceral fat is considered more insulin resistant, and so carries a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Body fat stored around the waist also releases more blood triglycerides in response to stress hormone signals compared to hip and thigh fat. High blood trigylceride levels are associated with greater risk of heart disease. This is partly why visceral fat is seen as as more harmful than subcutaneous fat.

On the other hand, hip and thigh subcutaneous fat can better take up these triglycerides from the blood and store them safely, preventing the body from incorrectly storing them in the muscles or liver, which can cause liver disease. Subcutaneous fat tissue can even develop specialised beige fat cells that are able to burn fat. For these reasons, subcutaneous fat is thought of as safer even protective against metabolic disease.

Its thought that in some people subcutaneous fat stores run out of storage space (or the ability to make new fat cells) sooner than in others. This means more fat will be stored in the less safe visceral depots. Visceral fat can cause inflammation, eventually leading to metabolic and cardiovascular disease. And if fat can no longer be stored in adipose tissue, eventually lipid can accumulate elsewhere including the heart, muscles, and liver which again can lead to disease.

As with height, your genes play a large part in weight and body shape. Large genetic studies have identified over 400 of the tiniest genome differences that might contribute to body-fat distribution. For example, people who have a mutation in the LRP5 gene carry more fat in their abdomen and less in their lower body. However, these tiny genetic differences are common in the population, affecting most of us in one way or another and may explain why humans have such a range of different body shapes.

Unfortunately, this means that it might be more difficult for a person who naturally stores fat around their waist to maintain good health. But research also shows that weight loss can reduce visceral fat and improve metabolic health. So what is important to remember is that body shape is only a risk factor, and even with these differences you can still lower your risk of chronic disease if you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Read this article:
Belly fat linked to higher risk of premature death, regardless of your weight - The Conversation UK

What do Americans care about when it comes to health? Look no further than Google. In 2006, there were 6 billion Google searches. Fast forward to 2016, and Google reported 2 trillion searches in that year alone. The number simply multiplies each year.

Google says that 5% of all searches are related to health care. If you do the math that means at least 100 billion searches were for health-related issues using 2016 figures. Thats 273 million searches for health-care related issues a day. The current figure is clearly much higher and thats before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The jury is still out as to what the most searched term in 2020 will be. But if you place your bet on COVID-19 or anything viral related, you will probably be a winner. During the pandemic, COVID-19 was the most searched term in North Carolina and many other states. Social distancing, nonessential, furlough, disinfectant, SARS, quarantining and even stir-crazy were the top searches in other states.

Those are real-time searches. Whatever the news of the day seems to be will top the list. Then there are health-related searches that are more consistent that dont parallel the news cycle.

Last year the question of how to lower blood pressure topped the health-related search list. About 1 in 3 Americans have high blood pressure. Thats around 75 million people. Its no mystery this question is a common health concern that many ask Dr. Google about. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only about 54% of those with high blood pressure have it under control.

Genetics play a large part in our susceptibility to having high blood pressure. But eating a healthy diet with less sodium, losing weight, alleviating stress and getting proper exercise are ways to help lower blood pressure without medication. Medication is often needed however and if your current medication is causing side effects, there are other options that your doctor can prescribe. The benefits of controlling blood pressure are that it reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Keto diet was the previous top health-related search term. Last year it dropped to No. 2 in the rankings. With moderate proteins and low carbohydrates, the diet pushes the body into ketosis that helps break down stored body fat. The diet has risen in popularity, but there have been concerns regarding the balance of nutrients it provides and its sustainability.

With weight issues as a leading risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, it is no wonder many search for answers. Weight loss can be a complex health problem. It is more complex than to simply eat less and exercise more. Lower on the search list is how many calories should someone eat in a day and the answer reveals why the topic is complex.

As a general rule, women need about 2,000 calories to maintain weight and 1,500 calories per day to lose one pound per week. Men typically need 2,500 calories to maintain and will lose a pound a week at 2,000 calories a day.

But the exceptions to this rule are broad. All of this depends on age, current weight, height, activity level, other medical conditions, genetics and metabolic rates. Its easy to find exceptions to the general rule where one person may lose weight with 1,500 to 2,000 calories a day where another person gains weight with the same caloric intake.

Heres the full list of exact questions that topped last years list:

How to lower blood pressure.

What is keto?

How to get rid of hiccups.

How long does the flu last?

What causes hiccups?

What causes kidney stones?

What is HPV?

How to lower cholesterol.

How many calories should I eat a day?

How long does alcohol stay in your system?

Our guess is COVID-19 will top 2020s list. After getting general answers from Google, patients are always encouraged to see their medical professional for specific solutions to their concerns and personal needs.

Phillip Stephens, DHSc, PA-C is affiliated with Carolina Acute Care & Wellness Center, P.A.

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Internet continues to be a favored source for answers to health-related questions - The Robesonian

Most plant-based summits have now gone virtual (Photo edited by Plant Based News)

Adobe. Do not use without permission & Nutritionfacts.org

COVID-19 has canceled an array of events in the plant-based realm, but during a global pandemic, it's more important than ever to educate yourself on health, nutrition, and the power of the food.

Most plant-based events have now gone virtual, meaning you can access them safely from the comfort of your own home. The events listed below are also accessible all-year-round - so you don't have to worry about booking the day off work to attend.

So without further ado, here are the top 10 virtual plant-based events you don't want to (and can't really) miss.

(Photo: Dr. Greger and Dr. Barnard)

Founded by father-son duo Ocean and John Robbins, The Food Revolution Summit aims to share 'the most comprehensive, cutting-edge, and credible information on food and health'.

It features 25 renowned experts, including Dr. Greger and Dr. Barnard, who cover topics such as brain health, immunity, cancer, heart health, the climate, and much more.

"Among the major risk factors for infections of all kinds, including coronaviruses, are obesity, heart disease, asthma, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic illnesses," event organizers state.

"We don't want you or the people you love to be victims of a toxic food culture. Especially not now. During the Food Revolution Summit, you'll get the most up-to-date research and information about food, nutrition, disease prevention, immune health, and environmental stewardship."

You can sign up to the Food Revolution Summit here

(Photo: Culianry Rx)

Created by The Plantrician Project, Culinary Rx is an online instructional cooking and nutrition course, taught by leading chef educators and medical professionals.

It aims to 'provide individuals with the tools, resources, and culinary confidence to take control of their lives through food and cooking'.

The 12-hour course features more than 75 recipes, 95 instructional technique videos, and personalized instructor support. You'll also receive a certificate of completion upon graduating.

You can sign up to Culinary Rx here

(Photo: Adobe. Do not use without permission)

Plant Based News has partnered with Dr. Gemma Newman, aka the Plant Power Doctor, to teach you everything you need to know if you're expecting.

The affordable course, which retails at just $19, answers common pregnancy questions such as 'is it safe to follow a vegan diet during pregnancy?' and 'what should I avoid during pregnancy?'.

It also covers topics such as supplementation, managing morning sickness, weight gain, exercise, and also features three case studies from different mothers.

Speaking about the course, PBN Founder Klaus Mitchell said: "We're so excited to have partnered with Dr. Newman for this unprecedented launch from Plant Based News.

"We want vegan parents-to-be to have access to the best plant-based nutrition advice, right at their fingertips - from real medical professionals."

You can sign up to The Ultimate Guide To A Vegan Pregnancy here

(Photo: Adobe. Do not use without permission)

Another PBN Dr. Gemma Newman collaboration - The Ultimate Guide To Raising A Child Vegan is the perfect follow on from our pregnancy guide.

The course covers the basics such as supplementation, the safety of vegan diets in children, and reveals the 'one food that is optimal for all children'.

It also provides advice on breastfeeding, weaning your child off breast milk, how to say no to vegan junk food, and managing a fussy eater.

"Our hope is that we can fill a hole, and alleviate some concerns for people who want to raise a vegan family and don't know where to start. But the guides are also great for more experienced vegans," Mitchell added.

"They cover such a wide variety of topics, so exhaustively, that it's an easy and reliable way to brush up on your plant-based nutrition knowledge. As we all know, this information can be massively helpful, not just for explaining our choices to others, but for peace of mind - especially for parents."

You can sign up to The Ultimate Guide To Raising A Child Vegan here

(Photo: eCornell)

This revolutionary online certificate program will 'help you understand the importance of diet and nutrition for your life'.

Created by eCornell and the Center for Nutrition Studies, with over 20 renowned experts, the courses provide 'research and perspectives to emphasize why following a plant-based diet is optimal for health'.

The program, which is based on Dr. T. Colin Campbells lectures, experience, and decades of research, also includes the 'prevention and reversal of diseases such as heart disease and diabetes'.

The course focuses on three main modules: nutrition and society, diseases of affluence, and plant-based in practice.

You can sign up to the eCornell Certificate Program here

(Photo: Adobe. Do not use without permission)

The world's first, and only, accredited school for anti-aging beauty nutrition is brought to you by the Academy of Beauty Nutrition.

The course features eight comprehensive modules giving you 'a wealth of knowledge in the field of anti-aging nutrition'.

You'll also have practical assignments and research opportunities to try a 'beauty diet' on yourself - as well as get access to exclusive hand-outs and recipes.

"Turn your passion for skin-nutrition, epigenetics, and anti-aging functional foods into an exciting career and thriving business with our international, accredited practitioner training programs and courses in beauty food formulation," the brand's website states.

You can sign up to the Anti-Ageing Beauty Nutrition course here

(Photo: Square One)

Square One's Healing Cancer Coaching Program combines Chris Wark's own experience with cancer with 15 years of research learning from doctors, experts, and survivors.

The step-by-step action plan, which is said to 'transform your life and start your healing adventure', covers topics such as 'the anti-cancer diet', supplementation, eliminating stress, and 'spiritual healing'.

It includes 10 hours' worth of video modules, which can be accessed online or in DVD form, as well as a transcript book, guide book, and an MP3 audio version of all the modules.

"If youre trying to heal, prevent a recurrence, or you want to be proactive and reduce your risk of ever developing cancer, SQUARE ONE is for you," Wark states on his website.

You can sign up to the Healing Cancer Coaching Program here

(Photo: Supplied)

Praised for its high remission rates for type 2 diabetics, The NFI protocol has propelled itself into the mainstream over the last few years.

The NFI protocol is a personalized whole-food plant-based meal plan with an 84 percent success rate upon completion for T2 diabetics.

If you're looking to lose weight, improve digestion, minimize your reliance on medication, reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and much more - the NFI protocol is for you.

"The NFI Protocol works for anyone, but it is always up to the patient how exactly they will stick to their personal protocol," says Dr. Janka Lejavova, MD - who successfully took 147 of her type 2 diabetes patients off medication using the NFI protocol.

Sign up to the NFI protocol here

(Photos: Mastering Diabetes/ Facebook)

Created by top-selling authors Cyrus Khambatta and Robby Barbaro, the Mastering Diabetes 'Do-It-Yourself Program' can help reverse insulin resistance by using 'food as medicine'.

The custom-built course, which has helped more than 3,000 people around the world achieve optimal health, focuses on a low-fat, plant-based, whole-food diet.

You'll get access to 25 recipes and 'step instructions on what to eat, when to eat, and why to eat certain foods that maximize your insulin sensitivity'.

"If you're looking for the best health you've had in years and are excited about reducing your risk for other chronic diseases in the future to maximize your longevity, this is the solution for you," the duo state on their website.

You can sign up to the program here

(Photo: The Clear Skin Diet)

The pandemic hasn't stopped more plant-based summits and virtual courses being created - so keep your eyes out for upcoming launches such as vegan YouTubers Nina and Randa - who tackled their acne with a whole-food plant-based diet.

If we haven't mentioned your favorite e-learning course, please comment below and give us your suggestions!

* This article contains affiliate links. You can view our Affiliate Links Policy here

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The Top 10 Virtual Plant-Based Events You Don't Want To Miss - Plant Based News

Weight loss: Eat healthy, home-cooked meals at all times

There are a few things that you need to do on a daily basis, if you want to lose weight quickly and effectively. From exercising regularly to eating a healthy diet, sleeping well, taking less, avoiding sugar and practicing portion control, there are a few things that you need to do daily for quick and consistent weight loss. The amount of water that you drink in a day is also important to shed some extra kilos. In this article, we are going to talk about a few steps that you need to take on a daily basis for effective and consistent weight loss.

An overall improvement of lifestyle is needed for shedding kilos in a healthy manner. Know that you need to restrict your calorie intake, but not follow calorie-restrictive diet either. A more sustainable approach to weight loss is needed if you are seeking consistency.

Consider every meal as an opportunity to nourish yourself. Eat home-cooked food prepared with natural ingredients. Use fresh vegetables and fruits. Avoid processed, packaged and junk food as much as possible. Use healthy cooking oils for your meals like coconut oil, mustard oil, olive oil or ghee. Whenever you feel like craving junk food or your favourite comfort food, cook it at home rather than ordering it or eating it from restaurants.

Also read:Weight Loss: How Completing 10,000 Steps In A Day Can Benefit You, As Told By A Fitness Expert

Even if you are eating desserts, do watch the portion size. Opt for one small size of a cake or half a cup cake. Satiate your cravings but be smart in its approach. When you are eating your meals, eat slowly, chew your food properly, begin with serving half the amount of food you would usually eat. If you feel hungry, then take half the amount of food you still want, and eat it slowly.

Practice portion control and do not overeatPhoto Credit: iStock

Exercising for one hour in a day is not going to give good weight loss results, unless you are being physically active throughout the day. Try to complete 10,000 steps in a day, over and above your exercise routine. Do not overexert and give your body the time to rest and recover as well.

Also read:Weight Loss: Exercise At This Time Of The Day For Best Results

Weight loss is going to be slower, and much less effective if you are stressed. Stress can increase production of cortisol. High levels of cortisol can lead to weight gain. Meditation, exercise, listening to music, consuming a balanced diet and sleeping well can help in regularising production of cortisol, and reduce stress.

Sleeping well is not just important for weight loss, but also for a healthy immunity. If you are not sleeping well, it can make you feel tired and fatigued all day. One also tends to experience cravings more often on the day after they haven't slept well the previous night. Focus on getting good quality sleep for six to eight hours every night, and work towards if you are unable to do so.

Weight loss can be easier said than done. It definitely doesn't come easy if you don't have the dedication, motivation and discipline to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Also read:These Soothing Yoga Poses Will Help You Sleep Better

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Weight Loss: 5 Things You Need To Do Every Day, If You Want To Shed Extra Kilos - NDTV

Growing up, Georgia Carlton knew she looked different from her friends. When she wanted to dress like them, she often couldnt. It was hard to find cute clothes like theirs in her size. She also couldnt understand why she was overweight and they werent.

I always told myself I was made to be fat. So this was just life, Carlton, 42, of Renton, Washington, told TODAY. We all eat the same things, but theyre skinny. So it was just like this is the way I am.

In seventh grade, she remembers being weighed in gym class and learning she weighed 275 pounds. But she still played basketball and volleyball and her family all looked like her so she never really thought about it. When she left home to attend college, she tried shedding a few pounds. While, she attempted everything from quick fixes to eating only meat and green vegetables, it never worked. She almost always regained what she lost.

Only once I could say that I was truly successful, she said. I was at 293 and I lost about 30 pounds but I fell off the wagon and gained all that weight back.

Carlton remained 296 pounds for years. But a visit to Disneyland when she was 39 caused her to re-examine her health.

That trip was hard on me. I have arthritis in my knees, she explained. Every night I was in excruciating pain It was such a struggle physically but also just mentally because it was like, Will I fit in the ride?

Carlton strained to walk through the park, too. But seeing a picture of her from the trip really motivated her to do something.

I dont want to go into my 40s living like this any longer. I wanted to live. I dont want to just exist in my familys life, she said. I want to be a participant in their lives.

She posted a request on Facebook asking about weight loss challenges. A friend sent her a message about WW (formerly Weight Watchers).

I needed to try something and I had given everything else a try, so why not try this? Carlton recalled thinking.

For the first time it seemed as if Carlton could eat the foods she wanted. She simply watched what she ate and learned how to assess portion sizes and make healthy swaps. That appealed to her.

I always felt like I had to give up a whole food group or foods that I enjoyed, she said. I want a lifestyle that I can do for the rest of my life and (if) I want to have tortilla chips every night I can have (them).

Since starting her weight-loss program in November 2017, Carlton has lost 122 pounds. She now weighs 159 pounds. While she appreciates how her appearance has changed, what she really loves is how losing weight has helped her gain a more active life with her children.

We went on our first hike this summer as a family. My husband had taken the kids before and I just stayed home, she said. We hiked for two hours and it was amazing. My kids had fun. I had fun."

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Carlton was spending six days a week in the gym. She enjoyed spin and weight lifting. Shes modified exercising for home.

Im doing Zoom Cyclebar classes, she said. I bought my own bike just two months ago because I was like I love this so much.

Last November, she ran a 5K, highlighting how far shes come since barely being able to walk through Disney.

It has just been an amazing thing to be a part of activities, she said. And not just observing or taking pictures.

Losing weight has taught Carlton a lot about herself.

I learned I can get through those most frustrating and bad days, she said. Those times during my journey were hard but now that I look back at them they were still needed. Sometimes we just need to go through the journey.

Carlton shares weight-loss tips to help others on their journey.

For the first three months of her weight loss, Carlton didnt exercise. She started off watching what she ate, and once she felt comfortable with that, she slowly added exercise.

You can take baby steps, she said. I tell people, if you want to work out, just commit to five minutes of walking around the block for two weeks. If you want to focus on nutrition, just commit to one meal of eating a big healthy salad for two weeks."

We want to eat right. We want to exercise the right way, but its really the consistency over the long time, she said. Thats how I had success. I was obviously not perfect.

This meant that if Carlton ate junk food or skipped a work out, she didnt let that derail her healthy habits.

Just get back, she said. Consistency gets you to your goal.

Were capable of doing so much. Our minds stops us, Carlton said. So if we get our minds out of the way, were unstoppable.

Read more from the original source:
Weight-loss tips from a woman who lost 122 pounds in her 40s - TODAY

I didnt step into the gym at all during my weight loss journey. I did all my work out within the comfort of my hostel room. Each of my workout session burned 800 kcal roughly. I did two 15-minute sessions of jumping ropes regularly. I also included strength training and a little bit of weight training in my workout regime.

Fitness secrets I unveiled: Weight loss is simple mathematics. Calculate your BMR and adjust your calorie intake and workout sessions accordingly.

How do I stay motivated? I always make it a point to click pictures every time I reach a milestone. My phone wallpaper is of the time when I used to weigh 90 kilos. Seeing how far I have come definitely keeps me motivated.

How do you ensure you dont lose focus? Knowing that I should treat myself with love and respect doesnt allow me to let my body, mind and soul go through any sort of stress--be it unhealthy food or unwanted worries.

Read the original here:
Weight loss journey: I lost 23 kilos in just 5 months without stepping into the gym! - Times of India

Barley is rich in proteins and fibre.

Highlights

Trying to lose weight or not, it is important to feed our body with different foods to avail the optimal mix of nutrients. Other than putting in a variety of vegetables, lentils, legumes and fruits in our diet, it is a good idea to use different kinds of cereals as well. Barley, called 'jau' in Hindi, is prized for its high nutrient profile and its bounty of health-benefitting properties. The grain is rich in fibre, proteins and other nutrients, and is considered a good food for easy digestion and for managing diabetes.

Barley is commonly used to make beer and bread and is often used as a healthy rice alternative. Some people use barley to make stews and salads too. Barley water forms an important part of the everyday morning ritual of barley fans. Here we are providing you with some great ideas to include barley in your breakfast diet with some easy and familiar recipes.

Use broken barley or roasted barley flour instead of sooji to make upma. Flavour it the usual way by adding veggies and spices of your choice. Barley upma will taste just as good as your regular South Indian-special sooji upma.

(Also Read:11 Best Barley Recipes You Can Try At Home)

Barley can be used to make interesting breakfast recipes

Just like you cook oats, boil barley in water and add to a bowl of milk, honey, cinnamon, fruits, nuts and seeds. Boiled barley is mushy enough to be made into sweet and soothing oatmeal.

This savoury porridge is made with soaked and crushed barley mixed with boiled chickpeas, onions, garlic and some common spices. Remember to soak barley a night before. Click here for the full recipe.

Turn your favourite breakfast pancakes healthier by replacing all-purpose flour with barley and make the pancake batter as usual with milk, eggs, honey, baking powder and a pinch of salt. A topping of fruits or maple syrup will make it taste even better.

(Also Read:Kitchen Basics 101: How to Cook the Ancient Grain Barley)

Barley flour can be used to make healthier pancakes.

Promoted

Make this powerful morning drink by blending barley grass powder with milk/curd, water, honey and nuts. This protein-rich smoothie is perfect to kick-start the day.

These barley recipes are ideas for healthy morning meals rife with energy-giving and digestion-friendly nutrients. If you have more barley recipe ideas for breakfast, please share with us in the comments section below.

About Neha GroverLove for reading roused her writing instincts. Neha is guilty of having a deep-set fixation with anything caffeinated. When she is not pouring out her nest of thoughts onto the screen, you can see her reading while sipping on coffee.

Read more here:
5 Barley (Jau) Healthy Breakfast Recipes You Can Try On Weight Loss Diet - NDTV Food