Fight the Fat!

At least one sixth of women are trying to lose weight at any one time, according to market research.

Obesity rates are soaring in Great Britain with nearly one in four adults classed as clinically obese. Obesity is diagnosed when a person's Body Mass Index exceeds 30. BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilogrammes by height in metres squared.

Why are we turning into a nation of couch potatoes and what can be done about it? The government warns that we are risking a massive increase in obesity related illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer and in order to stem the tide we must take action now.

Obesity is caused by not taking enough exercise and eating too much. With the increase in fast foods, TV and video games it is not only adults which are affected as the level of obesity in children in rising too (Worrying research has shown that 24 per cent of children aged between two and 15 are now obese).

So what can be done? Since fat is what you want to lose it can help to understand exactly what fat is. Go to your local butcher and ask him to show you a pound of fat. Scary! It is the size of a small brick. Have a sensible target: 2 lb a week for example is a reasonable aim, any further weight loss will likely be water and come back quickly.

Take regular excercise: walk instead of taking the car, join a class: Yoga is fantastic and Zumba is great fun. This can also be a good way to socialise and meet people too.

Drink a glass of water before you eat your meals, many people confuse thirst for hunger and eat when really their body is telling them they need to have a drink.

Dieting is not just about how much you eat but the kind of food. The human body is designed to run on complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, beans, lentils, vegetables and fruit. The reason we are eating more is because we are eating foods which cause our blood sugar to spike and then drop leaving us feeling hungry much sooner. An estimated 8 in 10 overweight people have an underlying blood sugar imbalance. Therefore, following a low-stimulant, high complex carbohydrate diet is essential.

The ideal diet should have no more than 30% calories from fat, 15% from protein and the remaining 55% from complex carbohydrates.

And If you need a helping hand you could always try Fullfast, available here at The Cosmetic Practice, A great tasting, natural mouth spray that helps reduce excessive feelings of hunger.