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F is for Fatness
From a health perspective, the presence of excess fat is termed overweight or obesity. Both are graded classifications reflecting the amount of fat in the body and are defined based on the probability of experiencing long-term health problems. The classification of obese reflects a more clear and present danger of health problems than overweight. Considering that currently half of the Australian adult population is overweight or obese, the importance of the problem has long-term health implications for the nation.
At the individual level, overweight and obesity can be a very complex issue, however at the level of the population overweight and obesity is caused by a positive energy balance. We simply take in more energy (food) than we expend (activity). From that perspective there are two ways to control one’s weight. Some combination of restricted caloric intake and increased energy expenditure would seem to be the most appropriate approach to weight control or weight loss.
Again, however, weight control at an individual level can be very complex. The body reacts in very different ways to calorie-restricted diets. It is possible to negatively affect metabolism – the body’s ability to burn the energy you consume – by engaging in a sever calorie-restricted diet. Should this happen, one may find that the reduced calorie intake is distressingly not showing itself in terms of expected weight loss. This is due to the body literally turning down the amount of energy its consuming.
Physical activity and exercise will burn calories and can assist in maintenance, or even improvement of the body’s metabolic rate. Muscles burn energy: The more muscle you have the more energy you burn – even when sitting still! As we age we tend to lost muscle mass. Adding some form of resistance training as you age can literally help you burn calories as you sleep!
Ultimately fat goes on slowly, and it must come off slowly. Establishing positive physical activity and nutrition habits over the long term will assist in the maintenance of a healthy weight.
Written by Professor Kerry Mummery
College of Health and Human Services
CQUniversity
