Big, Bigger, Biggest

Comparative and superlative was an aspect of English I enjoyed in primary school.
But today, I would be attacking our weights. How big is big?

We live in an age and time where everyone is appearance conscious. Many big looking people are trying to shed the excess kilos whereas the slim looking are looking to gain some weight. This is also a period where mothers who have children with healthy appetites and are smallish in stature automatically thinks something is wrong with the kid and she's forgotten to look for the answer in her husband' small frame; or when people around you are  extremely worried you may have been terminally  ill when you shed some weight.
True there are some big boned people- the category I eagerly claim to be in when I'm not too pleased with the report on the weighing scale. However, fat is something else. Excess fat or Obesity as it's called happens to be a major health challenge as it puts it's sufferers at risk of other diseases and illnesses which include-  high blood pressure aka hypertension, diabetes, joint diseases with persistent joint pains, some forms of cancer etc.
The degree of obesity can be measured according to the persons BMI- body mass index, which tells the relationship between your weight and your height. BMI is considered normal when it's between 18-24. You are considered obese when it's greater than 30.

Tips to combat obesity
Diet change. This is easier said than done. I know how cravings can be and keeping up can be very challenging. However, there are many health forums that deal with diet. I recently found one doctor, who has recreated many Nigerian dishes to give healthier options. Drop the sugar. Challenge your self to cut sweets and excess carbohydrates for 1 week and then look at the scale afterwards, I know it works.- Instead of having rice and vegetables,  try vegetables and rice. ;)

Lifestyle change- get up, and get moving!
Find someone who can motivate you and stick with them like a parasite on a host...

I wouldn't recommend slimming pills because of some of the reported risks associated with them.

For people with severe obesity, consider talking with your doctor about surgical options (bariatric surgery). They improve chances of weight loss, then consider a diet, stick with it, and throw in some exercise.

Have a fat free week!

xoxo