It is official, 49% of Australians are overweight or obese, but what can we do to stop this epidemic?

Obesity is like a runaway train picking up more and more speed. Will the Fad diets, ‘Body transformation’ programs, daily physical activity and media publicity be able to help? It seems not; the rising rate in overweight and obesity is faster than the rate of individuals who are willing to join fitness centres or weight and lifestyle management organisations.

Even diet poses some problem, burning muscle as well as fat. Did you know that lean muscle mass burns 35 per cent of calories per kilogram of weight per day, while fat burns only two per cent of calories per kilogram of weight per day.

An average of 1.2 kg of lean muscle can be gained after six weeks of regular workout, three times a week with approximately 45 minutes a session. At least 75 per cent of your maximum physical effort must be put into each session.

A combination of cardiovascular, strength training and flexibility exercises help to prevent muscle loss, reduce overall body fat, prevent injury, alleviate arthritis, lower
blood pressure, prevent diabetes, reduce stress, improve good memory retention, enhance self-esteem and act as an anti-depressant.

In earlier research studies, it was found that men or women over 30 years of age who do not exercise for 10 years will lose two kilogram of muscle and gain seven kilogram of fat. However, in the 21st century, a wise man once said, “human
beings are digging their own graves with their own teeth”.

Please note that the above statistics serve only as a guideline. Always check with your physician before starting on any exercise program.

Too many people know what to do – they are just unable to discipline themselves to do what they know they should.

So, let’s look at the three stages of making a committment.

Stage 1: Pre-Contemplation: You are thinking about
something, but nowhere near making any decisions,
let alone making any positive actions towards the goal.

Stage 2: Contemplation: You start making some informed
enquiries, for example visiting a gym to ask about rates, what programs or classes are available, whether it suits your lifestyle, lack of time, kids, etc! Still … No Decision.

Stage 3: Enough is enough: You make the commitment to either join the gym and start a sensible eating plan, hire a trainer or create your own walking club.

Once you have made the decision, here comes the toughest part: Focus and Willpower to discipline yourself.
Again, let’s break this down into certain stages:

Stage 1: Take a deep breath and work on the challenge step
by step.

Stage 2: Record your little wins or goal accomplishments
daily. Read it daily. Visualise the end result – daily.

Stage 3: Remember that every minor failure will be followed
by a greater and more significant success. Sometimes we lapse, (or relapse) into bad habits. We allow ourselves to be drawn to unhealthy habits because of poor self-image and low self-esteem. Overcoming an addiction creates your very own re-
birth. The question is – are you willing to do
anything to claim that right?

If you think wellness is expensive, try illness. Remember, you do have the power to change!