What is continuing to cause an increase in the obese population?

A London University has been researching factors related to the dramatic increase in obesity. This goes beyond the “too much food, too little exercise” theory we have been hearing for the past two decades.

• We are commuting more by car than on foot than ever before.
• Our jobs are becoming less strenuous (and not less stressful)
• Our TV consumption still remains high.
• We are eating out more often and have less food at home for cooking.

So how will you avoid the inevitability of sometimes uncontrollable factors?

• Wear an activity tracker or pedometer and set a daily goal. Walk during lunch, before or after work, and at your kid’s after school practice.
• Get out of your chair more at work. Keep a water bottle at your desk that you can fill up about once an hour.
• Cut down on your TV consumption. Once you cut back and replace it with other more active hobbies, you’ll forget about those guilty pleasure TV shows.
• Pack a lunch. Do all of your shopping on Sunday and put some effort into preparing healthy meals for the week. If you have a pressing work-lunch function, eating less than half of what you are given is a sure way to cut out lots of grease and fat calories.

Let yourself think outside the box and don’t get stuck in old habits. You’ll feel better, look healthier and be more content when you have control of your health.


Source: University of Royal Holloway London. "New study reveals how changes in lifestyle are contributing to dramatic rise in obesity." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 September 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150901120807.htm>.

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