From high blood pressure to heart disease, from gout to depression – obesity is a known risk factor for a wide variety of health problems. Unlike other conditions, obesity is largely self-inflicted. Eating too much of the wrong kind of food along with a sedentary lifestyle are two of the most crucial reasons for the occurrence of obesity. However, since obesity depends on your diet and lifestyle, you have much control over this problem. Losing even a little weight can enormously improve heart health and keep diseases at bay.
Now, researchers at the University of California have found that losing weight can slow down degeneration of the cartilage in the knee.
Why is cartilage important?
Your knee has to bear much of the body weight. This puts the knee joint under great stress on a routine basis. The cartilage in the knee protects the bones in the joint from rubbing against each other. Cartilage also acts as a shock-absorber, allowing the knee to sustain sudden movements and pressure. If the cartilage wears out due to disease or ageing, it makes the usage of knee joint extremely painful. This can severely restrict your ability to complete even simple daily activities. In some cases, this can leave you bound to a wheelchair.
The study
The researchers observed 500 obese participants who had mild or moderate Osteoarthritis. The participants were then separated into two groups. One group was assigned daily exercise and diet control in order to bring down the body weight by at least 10%. The other group was asked to maintain their current diet, lifestyle and level of activity.
The findings
After four years, the researchers looked at the condition of the knee joint in people belonging to the two groups. It was found that cartilage in the people who lost some of their body weight was in better condition compared to those who were not assigned any exercise or diet control. In the former group, the weight-bearing sections of the knee joint were healthier than that of the latter group. The researchers observed that cartilage degeneration was not totally eliminated but the rate of degradation could certainly be controlled to an extent by losing at least 10% of the body weight.
Losing weight safely – 5 simple tips
1. Get regular exercise: Simple aerobic exercises for 30 minutes daily can slowly but surely reduce your weight and normalize your Body Mass Index (BMI). You will end up with stronger bones and muscles along with a better overall physique.
2. Drink enough water: This will boost your metabolism while reducing the urge to eat more. Just 1 glass of water taken 30 minutes before a meal reduces calorie intake and helps in weight loss.
3. Take green tea: Just 3 cups of green tea per day is known to boost metabolism while gradually reducing weight. Green tea is rich in powerful anti-oxidants like catechins which help in burning fat.
4. Reduce sugar consumption: If you want to lose weight, you have to reduce your sugar intake. You can try out many kinds of sugar substitutes (like honey) to slowly replace sugar from your diet.
5. Limit carbohydrate intake: Eating less carbohydrate-rich foods can help you lose weight faster. It will also help improve your health by reducing your dependence on carbohydrates.
By Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution
Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.
www.zilaxo.org
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