Monday, September 27, 2010

Weight management: Understanding the concept first

This was an article written after I had interviewed Venu Hirani, a weight management specialist running her own studio in Andheri called “Bodyworks”. It was a pleasure meeting her and I am glad we have been in touch even after that. Writing for a health portal with a B2C angle is difficult. While health is all technical, where you cannot twist diabetes for 'the' cause for heart disease you have to be very gentle in your approach in explaining the disorders. The purpose of meeting her was to create a write up on successful means of managing weight. But after having met her, she made it clear that it is important to understand the technical meaning of weight management. It is neither only losing weight through not eating, nor is it that exercising desperately to lose your flab works every time. The basic idea is to eat properly and lose weight through exercising that suits the body type. She made this concept very clear by answering to my queries. Understanding the basics is important before you take the second step towards it. Read through the following article posted originally in www.bolohealth.com and later on carried by Rediff Get Ahead as well.

We all have at some point of time or the other, obsessed about our bodies. Today especially, being overweight is also recognized as a health issue, apart from the fact that it is socially embarrassing. In such a scenario, a weight management program can help you to effectively lose weight and achieve your target body image.


But what does weight management really involve? We had a discussion with fitness expert and nutritionist, Venu Hirani of Bodyworks, to find out. Here are a few quick facts to demystify the concept: 



What is weight management?
Weight management, simply put, is management of body weight based on individual needs. Weight management, thus, does not only mean losing extra kilos, but maintaining body weight based on a healthy range determined by your body mass index or BMI. Somebody who is underweight will thus need to gain weight, while someone who is over the desired range will have to lose kilos to maintain that ideal weight.



A weight management plan usually involves two main aspects: balanced diet and exercise. The actual combination, in which these two aspects are applied, will depend on your current body weight, body fat percentage and basic body composition.  



So how is a weight management program planned?
As specified earlier, weight loss or management requires an individualistic approach. Your weight management professional will decide whether and how much weight loss is required, based on your BMI (body mass index) and body fat percentage. He or she will assess your current health status and make an effort to understand your lifestyle.



This will be followed by a specific diet and exercise plan to help you reduce body weight. Such a plan will take into consideration your individual preferences, as also issues such as allergies to certain foods.



How are the goals set for a person undergoing a weight loss program?
Goals are usually determined based on individual requirements. Do you wish to merely shed a few inches, get a toned body or completely alter your body image? The answer to this will determine your specific goals. 



Who should enroll for a weight loss program? 
Anybody who is unhealthy or uncomfortable because of his or her body weight should consult a doctor or weight management professional to achieve body weight more appropriate to his or her BMI. Weight loss programs basically cater to people who want to lose weight to remain fit and healthy.


Lack of adequate nutrition or physical activity leads to excess body weight .This, in turn, can lead to serious health hazards like  diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol problems. Weight management is thus an important aspect of ensuring good health. 



Are there specific plans for people who have specific health problems?
Yes, a person may need to lose weight, for instance, because he or she is a diabetic. Also, a thyroid patient will require a different plan from, say, a woman who wants to lose weight after childbirth. The requirements are different in each case. 


These individuals will be advised specific physical activities and exercises that will not interfere with their condition. Similarly diet plans for these people will also address their special requirements.



How important is physical activity for weight management?
Exercise is an important factor for staying fit and healthy. Only diet cannot help you lose weight and stay fit. You need to burn excess calories you take in through food. But it is important to draw up a fitness plan that is realistic. This is done keeping individual preferences and factors such as physical fitness and time availability, in mind.


Randomly adopting exercise plans just because they have worked for others could even end up harming you. A complete assessment of what is acceptable to the body is necessary before drawing up a fitness plan.



A final word of advice
If you believe you need to lose weight, consult a weight loss professional for advice. Do not believe in popular myths associated with weight loss or go by what your peers, family and colleagues say. Remember, an ideal body weight is important to be mentally and physically healthy.


Nutritionist and fitness consultant Venu Hirani is the proprietor of Bodyworks (Weight Management Specialists).