- Wed May 20, 2009 1:40 pm
#110
This is a forum about obesity its treatments and risks
- Fri Jul 22, 2011 1:39 pm
#15426
Obesity is tough. It is an entirely different problem from being slightly overweight. The difference is that being severely overweight for a long period of time changes the body's chemistry drastically, in ways that make it much harder to lose the weight.
For example, insulin resistance and blood sugar problems make it difficult to cut even a small number of calories without feeling cranky, exhausted, "brain fog," dizzy, or faint. High blood pressure and cholesterol makes it difficult and possibly dangerous to perform vigorous activity, which means that an obese person has to start with gentle exercises to gradually strengthen his or her heart and lungs. The slow progress at the beginning can be very demotivating, and lead to depression and giving up. Unfortunately, junk food brings a short burst of endorphins, which temporarily "cures" the depression, and can lead to even more unhealthy eating!
Individuals who are obese should be honest with themselves, and when they are ready to make a real commitment to weight loss and health (and realize that it will be a very long journey, not a quick fix) they should consult a doctor and form a support network for those tough times. If you slowly change to a healthy lifestyle, you can repair the damage to your body, lower your insulin resistance, and increase your metabolism.
Good luck!