• Published on: Oct 01, 2021
  • 7 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Weight Loss & Obesity

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Weight Loss & Obesity

It's not just the number of calories you eat, but also how they're distributed within meals. The best strategy is to "pulse" you’re eating throughout daily life, not focusing on any one period of time. I recommend eating at least five servings of veggies every day. If you are trying to lose weight or maintain your weight, pay close attention to what types of foods you are choosing at each meal and snack time. Drink smoothies rather than juice - blending first allows for more nutrients extraction plus it tastes better! :) Finally, find other physical activities that YOU enjoy aside from calorie-burning workouts because there are many ways that our bodies can stay healthy aside from running or lifting weights.

Often people confuse calories in with calories out. People often talk about how you should eat less to lose weight, but it's simply because your metabolism isn't static - it changes too. What this means is that even if you decrease your caloric intake but don't change anything else, the weight loss will stop after a certain point. The point at which the weight loss stops is different for each person, but generally between 1200 and 1900 daily caloric intake (or 0.5-1 pound of fat per week). At this point, it becomes more important to increase either exercise or metabolism than just eating less food.

A diet centered on the consumption of whole foods, less processed food, and more plant-based options is helpful in weight management. This also means low glycemic carbohydrates coupled with lots of fruits and vegetables are excellent sources for reducing inflammatory cytokines that come from an Imbalanced diet. Along with this healthy eating lifestyle, you should limit or avoid empty calories found in soda pop, sugar-loaded restaurant foods. If you're an athlete trying to maintain body composition, I recommend manipulating your macronutrients intake depending on what type of training it is.

Obesity and weight management is a complicated process, and the most important tip is to find an eating plan you can stick to. There are many different approaches, but what has been proven without a doubt not only for effectiveness but also safety (especially in cardiac patients) is the low carbohydrate diet which typically restricts calories by 500-1500 kcal per day. Exercise does help with weight loss because it tends to increase our basal metabolic rate - the body's natural calorie burns throughout the day; however, exercise often suppresses levels of insulin sensitivity so may not be ideal for some people who have type 2 diabetes or other conditions. The good news is that resting heart rates improve due to increased aerobic capacity while on a low carbohydrate diet approach!

It's not always how many calories you eat, but what kinds of meals they are. A calorie is like a calorie whether it comes from meat, rice, vegetables, or cookies. Calories are needed for energy to keep life going and if someone was eating more than necessary they would be gaining weight just as fast as if they were using more energy by being active. The key here is the word "unnecessary". Weight loss isn't about cutting calories intake or reducing food intake - it's about getting your body into a healthy routine that doesn't require so much energy every day to maintain that routine.

Weight loss is not about losing weight, it's about changing your body composition. Losing weight will only change the number of total kilograms you carry around and doesn't change how many centimeters or inches you have on your body. Weight training and cardio should be supplemented with a well-thought-out diet plan. This means higher percentages of proteins and healthy fats, moderate to low amounts of carbohydrates, and higher quantities of vegetables than fruits; this will ensure that muscle retains the right composition (protein > fat) while also feeling fuller for longer periods of time. Two diets that work wonders are Keto (low carbohydrate) and Whole30 (no processed ingredients).

When we take in more calories than we need, the body stores these excess carbohydrates in our muscle and liver cells in a form called glycogen. For every gram of glycogen stored therein, the body increases its fat reserves by 3-4 grams. When we restrict calorie intake or simply consume fewer calories so that our glycogen stores are depleted and therefore less weight is gained on any new carbohydrates consumed, then it seems to be true that there does exist an inevitable loss of weight no matter what type of diet one selects. This is because when new carbohydrates are not converted to renewed stores of glycogen within muscle cells but instead are changed into body fat which remains beneath the skin since this has nowhere else to go.

One of the consequences of that is that such people tend to feel very hungry (not surprisingly), and will binge on sugary food. And this seems to be an issue which will not go away, as they must satisfy their hunger with something filling and tasty. The body stops producing ghrelin (which makes us feel full) when we stop eating.

Studies have found that dieters who exercise and do not overeat average a 1-2lb. weight loss per week. In other words, if you lose two pounds before the end of a week, then your total weight loss for this period has been four pounds. It is worth remembering that during periods of weight maintenance any excess calorie intake will still result in a gradual increase in body fat accumulation. Weight lost through dietary restriction alone will only be maintained over time by following an appropriately reduced energy intake regimen as there simply aren't enough stored calories to sustain such losses indefinitely without dietary intervention.

Exercise becomes necessary to maintain those hard-won gains as well as your general good health and sense of well-being! In the late 1950s, a paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that weight loss occurred when calories were reduced from 3,200 to 1,200 per day. Of course, it should be mentioned that this is not an optimal diet for everyone because building muscle and doing regular exercise is also beneficial for increasing your metabolism and increasing your ability to burn fat at rest. Unintentional weight loss happens in many cases when patients are prescribed life-saving treatments or undergo surgeries that reduce their appetite or alter their metabolism. These patients need specialized care designed according to their food preferences and medical needs rather than simply "lose weight."

This answer will explore the importance of weight loss and reducing obesity. The most important aspect of weight loss is that it helps with visceral fat, which is very dangerous to the human body. Visceral fat resides just below the abdominal area and has been found to cause higher levels of insulin resistance among other things. Causes a person's insulin levels to rise after a meal, which in turn makes them hungrier again quicker than if they were normal weight or a little bit overweight/obese.  

Our weight is heavily influenced by genetics, so it's important to understand your family history before you start making any conclusions or plans about diet and exercise. You also need to take into consideration whether you are active or sedentary because this will dramatically change the outcomes of any changes you make diet-wise too!

Losing weight is not an easy feat. But it's worth it if you want to live a healthier, more productive life. If you're looking for good choices for weight loss, consider including these food items into your diet: eggs, lean red meat, fruits and vegetables (including dark leafy greens), beans (chickpeas, navy beans), whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice), nuts and seeds. All of these foods will help with quality protein intake as well as maintaining the right calorie level that keeps your metabolism up while burning fat off!

It’s important to maintain a healthy weight because the less you weigh, the easier your body is on your joints. The ease of movement may also help improve circulation and make it easier for blood to circulate oxygen/nutrients back to tissues that need them. From an aesthetic point of view, it can increase self-confidence by boosting one's confidence about their body image.

Having more muscle is better than having more fat, which is why it's recommended that people build muscle mass instead of just shedding pounds. Furthermore, some studies have shown that obesity is linked with lower levels of the reproductive hormone (ie estrogen), compromised immune response (making you more susceptible to illness), infertility due to decreased ovulation rates. The biggest concern with obesity isn't apparent. It's a life-threatening disease. Overweight people have a higher risk of contracting an illness or condition that could be fatal, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer just to name a few.

Obesity also damages self-esteem and mental health due to bullying from peers and low self-worth from feeling both tired and unattractive. This can lead to eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa or it can fuel clinical depression by providing a scapegoat for personal insecurities through weight gain. In obese couples even if one partner is not clinically obese they can suffer from poorer quality sleep patterns which have been shown in studies to affect mental health.

Obesity has always been correlated with higher probabilities of poor health. It's not just about an image problem, it's about good health too. Recent research shows that people with high weight, even if they seem healthy or aren't yet affected by the typical symptoms linked to childhood obesity (like diabetes), are more likely to have problems later on in life like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Obesity can also lead to chronic pain due to increased stress on soft connective tissues supporting the joints - things like muscles and ligaments are aggravated over time because their force is no longer dispersed but rather being focused on one area instead.  Achieving and sustaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things we can do for our health.

If we gain 30 pounds we increase our chances of developing cardiovascular disease by 60%. We reduce risk as soon as we try to lose those extra pounds even if we're not successful in losing all of the weight gained. People with chronic high blood pressure may see their blood pressure return to normal or near-normal levels simply by losing 10% of their body weight.

Weight loss, especially for overweight adolescent girls, can have a positive effect on mental health and self-esteem too. Though there are some exceptions to the rule, most adolescents with obesity tend to have lower self-esteem than their counterparts of normal weight. Sometimes that has more to do with slimmer peers being mean or taunting them about their size rather than just inner thoughts of self-criticism. Studies show that these poor feelings about themselves start in early childhood and continue into adulthood even after they've lost weight and become thin and popular. It's best not to wait until adolescence before trying interventions like dieting because by then habits may already be firmly planted.

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis of the joint, and sleep apnea. The likely increased health risks associated with obesity have been observed to improve partially with weight loss programs. So isn't it worth a shot? The easiest way to start is by eliminating processed carbs from your diet – let the type 1 diabetics have their gravy – and replacing them with foods that are more nutritious and lower in calories. In other words, instead of munching on pretzels or bagels all day long, eat raw nuts instead. If you're worried that you'll feel weak or tired at first because you've cut out so many food groups from your diet.

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Health

20% Health Time | A Smarter Way to Build Workplace Wellbeing

Modern workplaces are increasingly recognising that employee health is not separate from performance—it is foundational to it. Long work hours, constant digital connectivity and rising stress levels have led to burnout, lifestyle diseases and declining engagement across industries. In this context, the concept of 20% Health Time has emerged as a forward-thinking approach to workplace wellness.

20% Health Time allows employees to dedicate a portion of their paid working hours specifically to activities that support physical, mental and preventive health. Rather than treating wellness as an after-hours responsibility, this model integrates health directly into the work culture.

 

What Is 20% Health Time?

20% Health Time is a structured workplace initiative where employees are encouraged or allowed to spend approximately one-fifth of their working time on health-related activities.

These activities may include:

  • physical exercise or movement breaks
     

  • mental wellness practices
     

  • health education sessions
     

  • preventive health screenings
     

  • stress management and recovery
     

The core idea is simple: healthier employees perform better and sustain productivity longer.

 

Why Traditional Wellness Programs Fall Short

Many organisations offer wellness benefits such as gym memberships or annual checkups. While valuable, these programs often fail because:

  • employees lack time to use them
     

  • wellness is seen as optional
     

  • participation remains low
     

  • benefits are disconnected from daily work
     

20% Health Time addresses these gaps by embedding wellness into regular work hours.

 

Why Health Time Matters in Today’s Workplace

Rising Lifestyle Disease Burden

Public health data shows increasing rates of:

  • diabetes
     

  • hypertension
     

  • obesity
     

  • mental health disorders
     

These conditions affect working-age adults and directly impact productivity and healthcare costs.

 

Burnout and Mental Fatigue

Constant pressure and lack of recovery time lead to:

  • chronic stress
     

  • disengagement
     

  • absenteeism
     

  • high attrition
     

Health Time creates space for recovery and resilience.

 

Sedentary Work Culture

Desk-bound work contributes to:

  • musculoskeletal problems
     

  • cardiovascular risk
     

  • low energy levels
     

Dedicated health time encourages movement and prevention.

 

How 20% Health Time Benefits Employees

Improved Physical Health

Regular movement and preventive care reduce long-term health risks.

 

Better Mental Wellbeing

Time for mindfulness, rest and stress management improves emotional balance.

 

Higher Energy and Focus

Healthy routines improve concentration and reduce fatigue.

 

Empowerment and Autonomy

Employees feel trusted to manage their wellbeing, increasing engagement.

 

How Employers Benefit from 20% Health Time

Increased Productivity

Healthy employees work more efficiently and make fewer errors.

Reduced Absenteeism

Preventive care lowers sick days and health-related disruptions.

 

Lower Healthcare Costs

Early detection and healthier habits reduce long-term medical expenses.

 

Stronger Employer Brand

Wellbeing-focused policies attract and retain top talent.

 

Sustainable Performance

Health Time supports long-term performance rather than short-term output.

 

Activities That Fit into 20% Health Time

Organisations can tailor activities based on workforce needs:

  • guided fitness or yoga sessions
     

  • walking or movement breaks
     

  • mental health workshops
     

  • preventive health checkups
     

  • nutrition education
     

  • stress and sleep management programs
     

Flexibility ensures inclusivity across roles and work models.

 

Evidence Supporting Health Time Initiatives

Workplace health research consistently shows that:

  • preventive health improves productivity
     

  • employee wellbeing programs reduce burnout
     

  • time invested in health yields measurable returns
     

According to WHO and workplace wellness studies, integrated health initiatives deliver better outcomes than standalone benefits.

 

Addressing Common Concerns

“Will this reduce working hours?”

No. Health Time improves efficiency, offsetting time spent through better performance.

 

“Is it suitable for high-pressure roles?”

Yes. High-stress roles benefit the most from structured recovery time.

 

“How do we measure impact?”

Metrics may include:

  • reduced absenteeism
     

  • improved engagement scores
     

  • lower healthcare claims
     

  • better retention
     

 

Implementing 20% Health Time Effectively

Successful implementation requires:

  • leadership support
     

  • clear guidelines
     

  • flexible scheduling
     

  • inclusive activity options
     

  • regular feedback
     

Health Time works best when seen as a cultural shift, not a perk.

 

Long-Term Impact on Organisational Health

Over time, organisations adopting Health Time observe:

  • healthier workforce
     

  • improved morale
     

  • reduced burnout
     

  • stronger team cohesion
     

  • sustainable growth
     

These benefits compound year after year.

 

Conclusion

20% Health Time represents a progressive shift in how organisations view employee wellbeing. By dedicating work time to health, companies acknowledge that productivity and wellbeing are deeply connected. Rather than reacting to burnout and illness, Health Time promotes prevention, balance and resilience. In a future where talent, performance and sustainability matter more than ever, integrating health into the workday is not a luxury—it is a strategic necessity.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion Guidelines

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Work Health Reports

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Workforce Wellbeing Strateg

  •  Lancet – Workplace Wellness and Productivity Studies

  • Harvard Business Review – Employee Wellbeing and Performance Research

  • Statista – Corporate Wellness Trends and ROI Data

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