Weight Loss Before And After

Ideal Weight

2010-07-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

Ideal Weight

The most accurate assessment of your ideal weight takes into account the composition of your body - how much of your weight is lean body mass (muscle and bone) and how much is body fat. For optimum health, body fat should be no more than 20% of total body weight for men and 30% for women.

Ideal Body Weight

To determine how much you should weigh (your ideal body weight) several factors should be considered, including age, muscle-fat ratio, height, sex, and bone density. Some say your Body Mass Index (BMI) is the ideal way to calculate whether your body weight is ideal. Others say BMI is faulty as it does not take into account muscle mass, and waist-hip ratio is better.

Ideal Weight For Women

One person's ideal body weight may be completely different from another's. If you compare yourself to family and friends you risk either aiming too high if you are surrounded by obese or overweight people, or too low if everyone around you works as fashion models.

Ideal Weight For Men

Even comparing yourself with people outside your immediate surroundings may not work.

Ideal Weight Table

Ideal Weight

The following table is a guide to a healthy weight range for each height and gender. The table does not take into consideration your age or your frame size. A person with a petite physique ought to aim for an ideal weight at the lower end of the range. A person of the same height but with a larger frame could quite satisfactorily weigh in at the top of the range.

Height		Men		Women
Feet & Inches	Metres	Kg	lbs	Kg	lbs
4' 7"	1.40	...	...	40 - 53	88 - 116
4' 9"	1.45	...	...	42 - 54	92 - 119
4' 11"	1.50	...	...	43 - 55	94 - 121
4' 11½"	1.52	...	...	44 - 56	97 - 123
5' ½"	1.54	...	...	44 - 57	97 - 125
5' 1"	1.56	...	...	45 - 58	99 - 128
5' 2"	1.58	51 - 64	112 - 141	46 - 59	101 - 130
5' 2½"	1.60	52 - 65	114 - 143	48 - 61	105 - 134
5' 3½"	1.62	53 - 66	116 - 145	49 - 62	108 - 136
5' 4½"	1.64	54 - 67	119 - 147	50 - 64	110 - 141
5' 5"	1.66	55 - 69	121 - 152	51 - 65	112 - 143
5' 6"	1.68	56 - 71	123 - 156	52 - 66	114 - 145
5' 6½"	1.70	58 - 73	127 - 161	53 - 67	117 - 147
5' 7½"	1.72	59 - 74	130 - 163	55 - 69	121 - 152
5' 8½"	1.74	60 - 75	132 - 165	56 - 70	123 - 154
5' 9"	1.76	62 - 77	136 - 169	58 - 72	128 - 158
5' 10"	1.78	64 - 79	141 - 174	59 - 74	130 - 163
5' 10½"	1.80	65 - 80	143 - 176	...	...
5' 11½"	1.82	66 - 82	145 - 180	...	...
6' 0"	1.84	67 - 84	147 - 185	...	...
6' 1"	1.86	69 - 86	152 - 189	...	...
6' 2"	1.88	71 - 88	156 - 194	...	...
6' 2½"	1.90	73 - 90	161 - 198	...	...
6' 3½"	1.92	75 - 93	165 - 205	...	...

Low Birth Weight and Depression Risk

2010-07-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

Depression Risk Higher in Girls with Low Birth Weight

Depression Symptoms

Girls’ risk for developing depression after puberty increased significantly if they had low birth weight, in a study funded in part by NIMH. Yet low birth weight didn’t appear to be just one more risk factor for depression. Rather, it seemed to increase the risk effects of other adversities.

Among the 5.7 percent of girls in the study with low birth weight, more than 38 percent developed at least one episode of depression as teens, compared to only 8.4 percent with normal birth weight.

If a teenage girl with low birth weight had just one other risk factor — such as teenage pregnancy or sexual abuse — her odds of developing depression increased to 19.6 percent versus 3.6 percent for normal birth weight girls. If she had two more risk factors, the risk rose to 68.5 percent versus 19.7 percent for normal birth weight girls. But if she had no other risk factors, low birth weight posed no additional risk. Nor did it increase depression risk in teenage boys.

The findings suggest that adaptations in the womb that optimize survival under adverse conditions that can lead to low birth weight may later impair girls’ ability to cope with stress. Their lower thresholds for stress-triggered illness may remain latent until they “encounter adversities that strain their capacity,” suggest Drs. Elizabeth Jane Costello, Adrian Angold, Duke University, and colleagues, in the March 2007 Archives of

General Psychiatry.

Adolescent Depression

The researchers drew on assessments of depression in 1,420 North Carolina boys and girls, ages 9-16, during the l990s, relying on mothers’ recollections of birth weights and other risk factors.

“Low birth weight predicted depression, only in adolescence and only in girls,” even after other depression-related adversities — such as living in a dangerous neighborhood, having single or mentally ill parents, or poor health — were factored into the analysis, report the researchers.

Even though boys are more prone to low birth weight, fewer than five percent of low birth weight teenage boys became depressed — about the same rate as other boys. The researchers note that boys appear to be more prone to early developmental insults and have higher rates of early-onset disorders like ADHD and autism, while girls seem more prone to later-onset disorders like depression.

Fighting Depression

Social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety disorders were three times higher in girls with low birth weight than in boys or girls with normal birth weight. However, evidence suggested that this was likely a reflection of the fact that these disorders co-occurred with depression.

“The findings suggest that pediatricians and parents of girls who were of low birth weight should pay close attention to their mental health as they enter puberty,” suggest the researchers.

Girls with low birth weight showed much higher rates of depression after puberty than boys with low birth weight or girls with normal birth weight. Chart shows three-month prevalence of depression.

Low Birth Weight

2010-07-15T22:33:00.000-07:00

Low birth weight refers to infants who weigh less than 5.5 pounds at birth. Most normal babies weigh 5.5 pounds by 37 weeks of gestation. Intrauterine growth restriction refers to delayed growth within the uterus, which then leads to low birth weight. Some babies are just small and happen to weigh less than 5.5 pounds at birth. Though this is considered low birth weight, in these cases, it is not abnormal or a cause for concern.

Low birth weight

Low birth weight may be suspected before delivery if the size of the mother's uterus is small, or if a small fetus is shown by ultrasound. The fetus may appear symmetrically small, or have a head that is of normal size for gestational age but an unusually small abdomen. Although the overall size of the fetus or infant is small, the organ systems are appropriately mature for gestational age. If the mother is small, it may be normal for her to have a small fetus.

Several factors can cause delayed growth of a fetus. Babies with congenital anomalies or chromosomal abnormalities are often associated with low birth weights. Sometimes problems with the placenta can prevent it from providing adequate oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Infections during pregnancy that affect the fetus, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, and syphilis, may also affect the baby's birth weight. Risk factors in the mother that may contribute to low birth weight include multiple pregnancies, previous low birth-weight infants, poor nutrition, heart disease or hypertension, smoking, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, lead exposure, and insufficient prenatal care. Low birth weight is more common in first-time pregnancies and among pregnant women under the age of 17 and over the age of 35.

The infants that weigh less than 2500 grams or less are at a greater risk of death within the first month of life, as well as increased risk for developmental disabilities and illness throughout their life. Lifelong problems include chronic lung disease, adult-onset diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities, and psychological and emotional distress. Very low birth weight infants are also at higher risk for SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

How Is Low Birth Weight Identified?

Prenatal care is very important since few women carrying infants with delayed growth experience any symptoms. The most common symptom is simply a feeling that the baby is not as big as it should be. Because of this lack of symptoms, your health care provider should carefully measure your abdomen during each prenatal visit. If the measurements do not increase sufficiently over time, a follow-up exam will most likely include an ultrasound. The ultrasound can determine more precisely the gestational age of your baby and whether or not there is intrauterine growth restriction.

Low birth rate is also determined when your newborn is examined after delivery. If your baby's weight and length fall below the 10th percentile for his age, then he is considered to be low birth weight.

Is Low Birth Weight Treatable?

While there is no specific treatment, it is very important to maintain adequate nutrition during pregnancy for you and the fetus, and for your infant once he is born. In some cases, risk factors that may lead to low birth weight can be identified early on in the pregnancy and be reduced or eliminated through behavioral changes and treatment of chronic conditions. Most low birth-weight infants eventually catch up with the growth of other babies their age somewhere between the 18th and 24th month.

A number of complications may occur if your infant has experienced intrauterine growth restriction. A lack of oxygen during the birthing process, called birth asphyxia, may occur if the growth restriction is caused by problems with the placenta. Meconium aspiration (aspiration of amniotic fluid that is contaminated with the infant's first stool) may occur as a result of stress during delivery. There may also be low blood glucose levels during the first hours or days of life.
It’s hard for a mother to tell if she’s carrying a smaller-than-normal fetus, particularly it’s your first pregnancy. Nevertheless, call your health care provider if you are pregnant and your baby seems very small. You should also call if your infant or child does not seem to be growing or developing at a standard rate.

Prevention

Although there are no proven prevention strategies, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of giving birth to a baby with healthy weight. Proper nutrition, adequate rest, and avoidance of cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol will contribute to the development of a healthier child.

Low birth weight

What can a mom do to prevent low birth weight?

There is general agreement among pediatricians, the March of Dimes, American Heart Association, and local and state health professionals that drinking, smoking and using drugs during pregnancy negatively impact the size and health of a newborn. Lack of pre-natal care and poor pre-natal nutritional habits also play a role. Some studies have also shown that having a previous low birth weight baby or multiple births, or unplanned pregnancy, and a mother being over 35 can contribute to having a low birth weight infant. There is also concern that environmental factors, stress, racism and poverty contribute to the terribly high rate, of 13.1% low birth weight infants, among African American mothers.

No drinking, smoking or using drugs during pregnancy
Healthy food during pregnancy
Regular pre-natal check-ups

Other ways of getting the best possible outcome for you and your infant are avoiding stress, developing relaxation techniques, and maintaining a health weight. An important element of pre-pregnancy is taking a multivitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid every day, to avoid neural tube defects in your baby.

PROBLEMS OF LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT INFANTS

Low birth weight

•Low-birth-weight, premature babies are more likely to have underdeveloped lungs and
breathing problems. Extremely premature babies (under 28 weeks) also can have heart
problems that can lead to heart failure.

• Very low-birth-weight babies (less than 3 pounds, 5 ounces or 1,500 grams at birth) can
develop bleeding in the brain, leading to learning or behavioral problems later in life.

• The liver may be immature and not function properly.

• Anemia (too few red blood cells) or polycythemia (too many red blood cells) also can occur.

• Often, low-birth-weight babies do not have enough body fat and have trouble
maintaining normal body temperature.

• Feeding problems may occur, and risk of infection may be increased.

PREVENTING LOW BIRTH WEIGHT

• Have regular checkups throughout your pregnancy.

• Eat a balanced diet high in fiber and low in fat.

• Consume sufficient calories, vitamins, and minerals, including at least 400 micrograms of
the B vitamin folic acid every day.

• Gain a healthful amount of weight during pregnancy—the recommended amount is 25
to 35 pounds.

• Stop smoking and stay away from tobacco smoke during pregnancy.

• Do not use alcohol or other drugs, including herbal preparations, unless they are
prescribed by your doctor.

Although a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, low birth weight can often be
treated. Your baby might have to stay in the hospital longer to be treated and until he or
she gains sufficient weight. Medications can help correct or improve many low-birth-weight
problems, and there are devices and medicines to help the baby breathe more easily during
the critical early days of life.

Why are babies born with low birthweight?

There are two main reasons why a baby may be born with low birthweight:

Premature birth: Babies born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy are called premature or preterm. About 67 percent of low-birthweight babies are premature . The earlier a baby is born, the less it is likely to weigh and the less developed its organs will be. Very low-birthweight babies (those who weigh less than 3 pounds, 5 ounces or 1,500 grams) have the highest risk of health problems. Some premature babies born near term do not have low birthweight, and they may have only mild or no health problems as newborns.

Small-for-date babies (also called small-for-gestational age or growth-restricted): These babies may be full-term but are underweight. Some of these babies are healthy, even though they are small. They may be small simply because their parents are smaller than average. Others have low birthweight because something slowed or halted their growth in the uterus.

Some babies are both premature and growth-restricted. These babies are at high risk for health problems.

What causes low birthweight?

Preterm labor frequently results in the birth of a premature, low-birthweight baby. The causes of preterm labor are not thoroughly understood. However, we do know that women with these risk factors are at increased risk of delivering prematurely :

Had a premature baby in a previous pregnancy
Are pregnant with twins or other multiples
Have certain abnormalities of the uterus or cervix

Other factors that may contribute to premature birth and/or fetal growth restriction include:

Birth defects: Babies with certain birth defects are more likely to be small for date because genetic conditions or environmental factors may limit normal development .
Chronic health problems in the mother: Maternal high blood pressure, diabetes, heart, lung and kidney problems sometimes can reduce birthweight .
Smoking: Pregnant women who smoke cigarettes are nearly twice as likely to have a low-birthweight baby as women who do not smoke . Smoking slows fetal growth and increases the risk of premature delivery .
Infections in the mother: Certain infections, especially those involving the genito-urinary tract, may increase the risk of preterm delivery .
Infections in the fetus: Infection with certain viruses, including cytomegalovirus, rubella and chickenpox, can slow fetal growth and cause birth defects .
Alcohol and illicit drugs: Alcohol and illicit drugs can limit fetal growth and can cause birth defects. Some drugs, such as cocaine, also may increase the risk of premature delivery.
Placental problems: Placental problems can reduce flow of blood and nutrients to the fetus, limiting growth. In some cases, a baby may need to be delivered early to prevent serious complications in mother and baby.
Inadequate maternal weight gain: Women who gain too few pounds during pregnancy increase their risk of having a low-birthweight baby. Women of normal weight should usually gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy.
Socioeconomic factors: Low income and lack of education are associated with increased risk of having a low-birthweight baby, although the underlying reasons for this are not well understood. Black women and women under 17 and over 35 years of age are at increased risk .

What can a woman do to reduce her risk of having a low birthweight baby?

There are some steps a woman can take to reduce her risk of having a low-birthweight baby. A woman who is planning pregnancy should see her health care provider for a pre-conception check-up. Her provider can help make sure she is as healthy as possible before she conceives. At this visit the provider can screen her for certain infections, make sure her vaccinations are up-to-date, and discuss her health habits and nutrition.

The provider can make sure any medications the woman takes are the safest possible choices during pregnancy. A preconception visit is especially important for women with chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Good control of these disorders, starting before pregnancy, reduces the risk of low birthweight and other pregnancy complications.

A woman should stop smoking before she becomes pregnant and remain smoke-free throughout pregnancy. At a preconception visit, a woman's health care provider can refer her to a smoking-cessation program or suggest other ways to help her quit.

Once a woman is pregnant, she should get early and regular prenatal care. When women receive adequate prenatal care, health care providers can identify many problems early. This allows treatment that may reduce the risk of having a low-birthweight baby.

All women who could become pregnant should take a daily multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid, starting before pregnancy. When taken before and early in pregnancy, folic acid helps prevent certain serious birth defects of the brain and spine. When taken throughout pregnancy, folic acid also may help reduce the risk of having a premature and low-birthweight baby .

A woman who suspects that she is developing preterm labor should call her health care provider immediately. Her provider may want to examine her and do some tests to see if she really is in labor. If she is in labor, the provider may give her a medication (called a tocolytic) to try to delay or stop delivery. These drugs are most effective when given early in labor. Tocolytics often postpone delivery for only a day or two, but even such a short delay can make a difference in the baby's health.

Women who have already had a premature baby may benefit from treatment with a hormone called progesterone. Recent studies show that this treatment appears to reduce their risk of having another premature baby by about one-third .

How is fetal growth restriction treated?

About 10 percent of fetuses are considered growth-restricted. A health care provider may suspect fetal growth restriction if the mother's uterus is not growing at a normal rate. This can be confirmed with a series of ultrasound examinations that monitor how quickly the fetus is growing. In some cases, fetal growth can be improved by treating any condition in the mother (such as high blood pressure) that may be a contributing factor.

The provider will closely monitor the well-being of a growth-restricted fetus using ultrasound and fetal heart rate monitoring. If these tests show that the baby is having problems, the baby may need to be delivered early.

What medical problems are common in low-birthweight babies?

Low-birthweight babies are more likely than babies of normal weight to have health problems during the newborn period. Many of these babies require specialized care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Serious medical problems are most common in babies born at very low birthweight.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS): About 23,000 babies a year—most of whom were born before the 34th week of pregnancy—suffer from this breathing problem. Babies with RDS lack a protein called surfactant that keeps small air sacs in the lungs from collapsing. Treatment with surfactant helps affected babies breathe more easily. Babies with RDS also may need additional oxygen and mechanical breathing assistance to keep their lungs expanded. The sickest babies may temporarily need the help of a respirator to breathe for them while their lungs mature.
Bleeding in the brain (called intraventricular hemorrhage or IVH): Bleeding in the brain occurs in some very low- birthweight babies, usually in the first three days of life. Brain bleeds usually are diagnosed with an ultrasound examination. Most are mild and resolve themselves with no or few lasting problems. More severe bleeds can cause pressure on the brain that can lead to brain damage. In such cases, surgeons may insert a tube into the brain to drain the fluid and reduce the risk of brain damage. In milder cases, drugs sometimes can reduce fluid buildup.
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA): PDA is a heart problem that is common in premature babies. Before birth, a large artery called the ductus arteriosus lets the blood bypass the baby's nonfunctioning lungs. The ductus normally closes after birth so that blood can travel to the lungs and pick up oxygen. When the ductus does not close properly, it can lead to heart failure. PDA can be diagnosed with a specialized form of ultrasound (echocardiography) or other imaging tests. Babies with PDA are treated with a drug that helps close the ductus, although surgery may be necessary if the drug doesn't work.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC): This potentially dangerous intestinal problem usually develops two to three weeks after birth. It can lead to feeding difficulties, abdominal swelling and other complications. Babies with NEC are treated with antibiotics and fed intravenously (through a vein) while the bowel heals. In some cases, surgery is necessary to removed damaged sections of intestine.
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): ROP is an abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye that can lead to vision loss. It occurs mainly in babies born before 32 weeks of pregnancy. Most cases heal themselves with little or no vision loss. In severe cases, the ophthalmologist (eye doctor) may treat the abnormal vessels with a laser or with cryotherapy (freezing) to preserve vision.

Can medical problems in low-birthweight, premature newborns be prevented?

When a provider suspects that a woman may deliver before 34 weeks of pregnancy, she may suggest treating the mother with corticosteroid drugs. Corticosteroids speed maturation of the fetal lungs and significantly reduce the risk of RDS, IVH, necrotizing enterocolitis and infant death. These drugs, which are given by injection (a shot), are most effective when administered at least 24 hours before delivery. Treatment with tocolytic drugs to delay labor can give the health care provider time to treat the pregnant woman with corticosteroids. The provider also can arrange for delivery in a hospital with a NICU that can give specialized care to a premature, low-birthweight infant.

Birth weight

2010-07-15T22:27:00.000-07:00

Birth weight

Birth weight is the weight of a baby at its birth. It has direct links with the gestational age at which the child was born and can be estimated during the pregnancy by measuring fundal height. A baby born within the normal range of weight for that gestational age is known as appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Those born above or below that range have often had an unusual rate of development – this often indicates complications with the pregnancy that may affect the baby or its mother. The incidence of birth weight being outside of the AGA is influenced by the parents in numerous ways, including:

Genetics
The health of the mother, particularly during the pregnancy
Environmental factors
Other factors, like multiple births, where each baby is likely to be outside the AGA, one more so than the other

There have been numerous studies that have attempted, with varying degrees of success, to show links between birth weight and later-life conditions, including diabetes, obesity, tobacco smoking and intelligence.

Birth weight

Conditions

Associated conditions include:

Large for gestational age
Small for gestational age

Low Weight Babies

Influence on adult life

Studies have been conducted to investigate how a person's birth weight can influence aspects of their future life. This includes theorised links with obesity, diabetes and intelligence.

Obesity

A baby born small or large for gestational age (either of the two extremes) is thought to have an increased risk of obesity in later life.

GH therapy at a certain dose induced catch-up of lean body mass (LBM). However percentage body fat decreased in the GH-treated subjects. Bone mineral density SDS measured by DEXA increased significantly in the GH-treated group compared to the untreated subjects, though there is much debate over whether or not SGA is significantly adverse to children to warrant inducing catch-up.

Diabetes

Babies that have a low birth weight are thought to have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life.

Intelligence

Some studies have shown a direct link between an increased birth weight and an increased intelligence quotient.

Effects on the mother

There is some evidence of a link between a child's birth weight and its mother's risk of cardiovascular disease.

Human Weight

2010-07-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

Human weight

Weight, in the context of human body weight measurements in the medical sciences and in sports is a measurement of mass, and is thus expressed in units of mass, such as kilograms (kg), or pounds (lb).

Human Weight Scale

Body weight is measured in kilograms throughout the world, although in some countries people more often measure and describe body weight in pounds (e.g. United States and Canada) or stones and pounds (e.g. among people in the Commonwealth of Nations).

Human weight

A quantity called body mass index (BMI) is often used to express weight relative to height. This is determined by dividing the weight of a person in kilograms by the square of the height in meters.

Weight Loss Pills

2010-07-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

In the United States alone, more than 70,000,000 people have been looking for weight loss treatments to help them lose weight. Just like you, there are many people researching into diet pills to find the best one available to suit their requirements. The problem you'll find is that there are so many weight loss pills out there and it's hard to find the best one without reading for hours and hours on end.

Weight Loss Pills

"Every day a new weight loss "wonder pill" pops up. The question we asked when they first came into the market was, do these pills really work? The answer is YES and NO."

Each year, about 17.2 million Americans buy diet and weight loss pills hoping to lose weight. Using drugs to speed up weight loss, burn extra fat or control obesity has always been irresistible. Many dieters prefer to use weight loss pills or diet drugs to control their weight and shape rather than follow a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Weight Loss Pills

History of Diet & Weight Loss Drugs and Pills

In the 50s and 60s diet pills were mainly amphetamine derivatives (speed). But due to addiction, doctors stopped prescribing drugs for weight loss. Diet and exercise then replaced drug therapy, temporarily. But in 1973 the FDA (the food and drug administration) approved a new drug for weight loss, called fenfluramine (trade name Pondimin). Then came dexfenfluramine (trade name Redux) in 1996. Some doctors prescribed phentermine (another type of weight loss medication) in combination with fenfluramine and the combined weight-loss drug was called fen-phen. Phentermine was also used in combination with dexfenfluramine (known as dex-fen-phen).

Weight Loss Pills

The drugs worked by increasing Serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical (neurotransmitter) associated with improved mood, appetite and satiety. Fen-phen had a double action. It tricked the brain into believing the stomach was full, and increased a person's metabolic rate.

People did lose weight on these diet and weight-loss medications, but in 1997 after reports of heart valve disease, the makers of fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine withdrew these diet pills from the market. Prescriptions were no longer written for Redux, Pondimin or fen-phen.

Weight Loss Pills

During the 18 months that fenfluramine (Pondimin) and dexfenfluramine (Redux) were being used as weight loss drugs, 14m prescriptions were written for people who wanted to lose weight..

The medication drug called Sibutramine (trade name Meridia) is the newest weight-loss drug currently being prescribed and many others are in development or waiting for FDA approval.

Weight Loss and Diet Pills May Help Reduce Obesity

Faced with this epidemic of overweight, it's hardly surprising that doctors are increasingly turning to weight loss drugs and diet pills to help reduce obesity and improve associated health risks.

Types of Weight Loss and Diet Pills

There are two types of weight loss pills:

Prescription Pills (available on doctor's prescription only)
These are referred to as weight loss or diet drugs.
Nonprescription Pills (available over-the-counter)
These are typically called weight loss or dietary supplements.

Prescription Weight Loss and Diet Pills - Weight Loss Drugs Most brands of prescription diet pills, like Adipex, Bontril, Didrex, Ionamin, Phentermine and Tenuate work by reducing appetite. They stimulate the brain and nerves, which increases heart rate and blood pressure and typically decreases appetite. These weight loss diet pills are FDA-approved only for short-term use (typically from a few weeks to a few months). Only Meridia is FDA-approved for long-term use.

Weight Loss Pills That Inhibit Fat Uptake

Xenical is a relatively new type of prescription weight loss drug. Called a 'lipase inhibitor' (lipase means fat), Xenical works in the gut and stops up to 30 percent of fat (and therefore fat-calories) from being digested.

Xenical is combined with a low-fat diet. Although bowel movements are affected, Xenical does not affect the nervous system, blood pressure or metabolism and thus is considered ideal for patients with hypertension or heart risks.

Off-label Use for Diet & Weight Loss Pills The FDA regulates how a manufacturer can advertise and promote a diet medication. These regulations restrict a doctors ability to prescribe diet and weight loss pills for different conditions in larger doses or for different lengths of time. The practice of prescribing weight loss medication for periods of time or for unapproved conditions is know as off-label use. Using more than one appetite suppressant medication at a time (combined drug treatment) or using a currently approved appetite suppressant medication for more than a few weeks is also considered off-label use.

How Effective Are Prescription Weight Loss and Diet Pills?

Prescription weight loss drugs are effective when combined with diet and exercise, as part of a medically supervised weight loss program. Studies vary, but an extra 10-15 percent loss of body weight (vs. placebo) is not uncommon over time.

Do Prescription Weight Loss and Diet Pills Have Side Effects?

Yes, but it's important to balance the health and side effects of weight loss pills with the risks of obesity. Remember, prescription diet pills are designed for patients who already have significant health risks. Side effects of prescription pills that decrease appetite include things like: restlessness or tremor, nervousness or anxiety, headache or dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea or constipation, or impotence. Exceptionally, there may be a risk of more serious side effects, (seizures, strokes) but these are rare events. Because prescription weight loss pills are stringently monitored by both manufacturers and the FDA, side effects are well sign-posted.

Dangers of Diet & Weight Loss Drugs

Diet and weight loss pills can have a significant impact on our blood pressure, metabolism and general health. Pills are not an easy option for easy or fast weight loss. Whether they assist weight loss or not, most diet and weight loss pills have unpleasant side effects, create drug-dependency and interfere with other medications. Weight loss medications are really designed for obesity control where the advantage of losing weight outweighs the disadvantage of side-effects. They are a short-term diet aid for severely overweight dieters. Finally, nearly all clinical trials of diet and weight loss pills show that weight loss drug therapy is only effective when part of a comprehensive weight management program of diet, exercise and weight loss support.

Diet & Weight Loss Pills

Diet and weight loss drugs or pills, whether prescription or over-the-counter weight loss supplements, are only effective when combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Consult Your Doctor Before Using Prescription Weight Loss Pills

Whatever brand of prescription weight loss pills you use, you MUST consult your doctor. Ask for a full explanation of your weight control options (with or without pills) as well as the side effects and dangers of weight loss pills. Only you and your physician can make an informed choice as to whether weight loss medication can be a useful part of your weight-management program.

Don't Misuse Diet & Weight Loss Pills

Example 1 Weight loss pills can be very useful, but it's easy to allow yourself to be controlled by them. Meaning, instead of learning about calories, healthy eating habits and healthy fitness, we watch TV and eat pills. When this fails to achieve the 100 pound weight loss we're looking for, we quit. Then, a few months later we buy more pills and repeat the whole process. Example 2 Another way to misuse diet pills is to overdose. We think, if 4 pills a day helps me lose weight, then 8 pills a day must be better, right? Wrong! Be very careful when using diet pills or weight loss supplements - even herbal supplements. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and be sure to keep in touch with your doctor while you're taking the diet pills.

Weight Loss Pills Inappropriate For

You are pregnant or breastfeeding
You have a history of drug or alcohol abuse
You have a history of an eating disorder
You have a history of severe depression or manic-depressive disorder
You are taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor or any other type of anti-depressant medication
You get migraine headaches and take medication for them
You have an unstable medical condition, such as glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease or a heart condition such as an irregular heartbeat.

Are Weight Loss Pills Appropriate for You?

You are female, 5'3", 121 pounds

pills are inappropriate for you. You have no health risk factor associated with your extra pounds. Instead of pills, you should follow a conventional weight loss plan which is lower-calorie and combined with exercise.

You are female, 5'4", 150 pounds and overweight

Diet/Weight Loss pills are not appropriate for you. You are overweight but not clinically obese. You should avoid diet and weight loss pills and instead follow a conventional low-calorie diet and exercise program.

You are female, 5'4" and weigh 190 pounds

Since you are clinically obese, then (subject to your health status and history) you are a candidate for weight loss pills. However, discuss your medication options with your doctor and ask about side-effects of suggested diet or weight loss pills. Lastly, don't rely exclusively on your weight loss medication. Be sure to follow a healthy diet and exercise program.

Diet Weight Loss Pills - Are they Effective

If 10 dieters take the same diet or weight loss pills and 8 of them lose weight, the diet drugs work, right? Not necessarily!

Suppose weight loss is followed by weight regain?
Suppose the diet drugs cause heart problems as well as weight loss?
Suppose the diet or weight loss medications become addictive?

Diet & Weight Loss Pills vs. Diet Exercise Program

Suppose 100 dieters are divided into two diet groups. Group A is put on a weight loss diet and exercise program. Group B is given weight loss pills. Suppose Group B dieters lose the same amount of weight as Group A? Does this mean the diet or weight loss pills are effective? Is this weight loss (achievable by normal dietary and exercise methods) worth the huge cost of diet pills and weight loss supplements? Is it worth risking your long term health?

Diet & Weight Loss Pills Work Best When....

You are seriously overweight (obese), or your weight poses health problems; and
You have tried a conventional weight loss diet & exercise plan, without success; and
Your doctor prescribes weight loss medication for you; and
The diet or weight loss drug is part of a proper diet and exercise program; and
Whatever weight loss pill you take, you follow manufacturer's instructions; and
You revisit your doctor regularly to check whether the weight loss pills are working and be examined for side-effects; and
You use diet & weight loss drugs as a short-term aid to weight control.

Studies on Weight Loss Pills Success

The idea that a diet pill or supplement can make losing weight easy is seductive - that's why dieters spend billions of dollars buying diet drugs and drug companies spend billions of dollars developing new weight loss pills. But while drug therapy offers hope of lower weight to many, studies show that weight loss medications work only when used in combination with a low calorie diet and exercise plan.

Side Effects of Diet & Weight Loss Pills

Diet/Weight Loss pills, both over-the-counter and prescription, (as recommended, continuously, or in excess) can cause the following: nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, high blood pressure, fatigue and hyperactivity, heart arrhythmias and palpitations, congestive heart failure or heart attack, stroke, headaches, dry mouth, vomitting and diarrhea or constipation, intestinal disturbances, tightness in chest, tingling in extremities, excessive persperation, dizziness, disruption in mentrual cycle, change in libido, hair loss, blurred vision, fever and urinary tract problems.

Overdoses can cause tremors, confusion, hallucinations, shallow breathing, renal failure, heart attack and convulsions. People who used some appetite suppressant medications for more than three months have a greater risk for developing primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) - a rare but potentially fatal disorder that affects the blood vessels in the lungs. Forty five percent of PPH victims die within 4 years of contracting the disorder, which affects about one in 22,000 to one in 44,000 patients per year. In a report published by the New England Journal of Medicine, UC San Francisco researchers linked diet and weight loss supplements to as many as 10 deaths and 20 heart attacks and strokes within the past two years.

Some of the harmful effects listed on the back label of diet pills include dry mouth, nightmares, nausea, diarrhea, irritability, head aches, passing out, dizziness, psychosis, seizure and anxiousness. Serious problems include high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes, and brain hemorrhaging.

Side Effects of Over-the-counter Diet/Weight Loss Pills

The side-effects of less regulated over-the-counter Diet/Weight Loss pills and supplements can be especially severe as labelling and dosage requirements for these diet pills are too lax to guarantee consumer security. For example, a herbal diet pill was given to dieters at a Belgian weight loss clinic. Within 3 years, more than 100 dieters had kidney damage. Ten years later, several people who took these diet pills are developing urinary tract cancers.

Testing of Diet & Weight Loss Drugs

Weight-loss drugs have been subjected to very little testing. Almost no long-term studies have been produced. Research indicates that risks of certain diet and weight loss drugs increase dramatically the longer the drugs are used. In addition, many drugs produce minimal weight loss (independent of diet and exercise). Also, after discontinuing the use of these diet drugs, the weight is virtually always regained.

Potential Side Effects of Herbal Weight Loss Pills Can be Equally Dangerous

Anecdotal evidence suggests that consumers eager to speed weight loss frequently take multiple, more dangerous doses of weight-loss drugs. Vulnerable consumers have also been harmed by unregulated "natural" herbal, weight-loss drugs.

In 2001, FDA issued a nationwide alert on the recall of thirteen herbal weight loss products because of a dangerous ingredient, because of potential damage to the kidneys.
In 2002, the FDA is considering a criminal prosecution against a major producer of herbal weight loss pills.

Side Effects of Appetite Suppressants

Drug dependency with consequent withdrawal effects is one of the side effects of appetite suppressant weight loss pills. It is possible to become dependent on appetite suppressants. Signs of dependency include:

A strong desire to continue taking the diet drug, even when it's effects fade
A need to increase the dose to boost the effects of the appetite suppressant drug.

Withdrawal Side Effects These include:

Noticeable mood swings.
Hyper-activity.
Insomnia and nightmares.
Stomach Cramps or Pain.
Severe irritability.
Listlessness or extreme fatigue.
Depression.
Nausea, even vomiting.
Trembling.

Sources:diet-pills-information.org,diet-i.com

Jump Rope Workout

2010-07-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

Jump Rope Workout

Jumping Rope

Jumping rope is one of the best forms of aerobic exercise. It burns a lot of calories, is easy and fun, and can be done at home without expensive equipment.As a low-impact exercise, it won't put your knees under stress and will loosen up your shoulders.

Jump Ropes Fitness

Jump Rope Skills

Kids Jumping Rope

A regular jumping rope routine will help you develop your fitness coordination and agility. It targets your calves, thighs, and buttocks. It also makes an excellent addition to a cross-training program, in which a variety of aerobic and resistance activities are combined to create a complete cardiovascular workout to achieve all-around fitness.

Speed Jump Ropes

Jump Rope Workout

Buying the Right Rope

The most important thing when buying a jump rope is to make sure that it is the right length. It is usually possible to adjust the length if the rope is too long. Stand with both feet in the center of the rope and pull up the ends. The handles should reach to your armpits.

Jump Rope Workouts

Getting Started

Jumping Rope

Jumping Basics
Wearing loose, comfortable clothing and training shoes, begin to jump. Try to keep your shoulders relaxed and your upper arms close to your body. Use your wrists, not your whole arms, to turn the rope and try to keep them as low as possible. Keep your back straight and your stomach pulled in.
Rocking Skip
This is the easiest way to jump rope, and because you are half running rather than jumping, it does not require as much energy. At first, step each time with the same foot leading, then try alternating the leading foot. To avoid strain, keep your feet within 1 inch of the ground and your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact. Keep your head upright, in line with your spine.
Jumps
As your fitness level increases, begin adding jumps with both feet together. To avoid boredom, you could try some variations, such as hopping on one foot, then the other. Again, make sure you do not jump too high. If you keep your feet in fairly close contact with the ground, you will minimize the chance of strain and will more likely keep jumping for a longer time.
Introducing a Regimen
If you have not jumped rope for some time, you may find a normal training level too hard. To build up stamina, jump initially for 2 minutes, or if this is too much, for 30 to 40 jumps, and then rest for 30 seconds. Repeat twice. At each subsequent session, reduce every rest interval by 5 seconds, until you have eliminated all of them.
Starting a Regimen
You should now be ready to begin a formal training regimen, but this, too, should be introduced gradually. Start with a 3-minute jumping session once a week; then graduate to a 4-minute session twice a week; then a 5-minute session twice a week, building up to three 20-minute sessions a week.

Aerobics For Weight Loss

2010-07-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

Aerobics for weight loss

Aerobics For Weight Loss

Aerobics is a type of aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise refers to the fact that muscles uses oxygen for energy. Aerobic exercise is any exercise that is of moderate intensity and has a long duration. There are two different types of aerobics. There is free-style aerobics and pre-choreographed aerobics. Aerobics enjoyed a huge surge of popularity in the 1980s, with stars like Jane Fonda releasing aerobics exercises on tape, and Richard Simmons becoming a house-hold name. The aerobics craze has tapered off, but aerobics are still done in gyms and homes across the country because of the many known benefits of aerobic exercise.

Aerobic exercise can be low, moderate or high in intensity. It may be rhythmic, but it must be continuous. Aerobic exercise must be of a certain duration in order to keep the heart pumping and the blood flowing and increase the Serotonin in the brain that leads to relaxation. A minimum of thirty minutes three times a week or twenty minutes five to six times a week is optimal for the best results.

Brisk walks, dancing, rowing and cycling are excellent sources of low impact aerobics, with the added bonus, that they can be fun.

Aerobics is rhythmic action performed at a stretch involving large muscle groups. Aerobics is also referred to as cardiovascular exercise. It makes the lungs work fast since the body’s requirement for oxygen is enhanced. Aerobics For Weight Loss

There are various advantages for health and overall well being that can be acquired from frequent cardiovascular exercise. It helps in enhancing energy levels and is also responsible for diminishing stress. It also aids in the maintenance of proper mental health. Aerobics also augments heart and lung efficiency. It is also helpful in reducing blood pressure, and diminishes the threat of stroke or heat attack.

Aerobics for Reducing Weight

Generally an individual can lose weight by means of a calorie deficit diet which means burning greater amounts of calories than one takes in.
Hence performing activities that burn huge amounts of calories is an ideal supplement to a calorie controlled diet to aid in eliminating unwanted fat from the body.
For instance, jogging at a slow pace for half an hour can burn approximately 300 calories.
This can play a significant part in attaining the required calorie shortfall for losing weight. Aerobics For Weight Loss

Aerobic activities can be conveniently undertaken at homes and there are several exercises that an individual can perform in the comfort of his or her dwelling place. Indulging in vigorous cleaning activities is one of the ways to effectively perform aerobic action.

One can obtain the advantages of outdoor aerobic exercise by taking a few additional brisk walks which can be adequate to enhance fitness. One can gain the benefits of aerobic exercises providing one is working vigorously enough to ensure that the heart rate is enhanced and one is breathing more rapidly.

Running and jogging are ideal types of aerobic exercise that can be undertaken for weight loss. The actual advantages of aerobic exercise can be obtained from continuous movement.

Various aerobic options that are available in the gym can be undertaken for losing unwanted weight. Treadmills, cross trainers, exercise bikes, stairmasters, and rowing and ski machines are suitable equipment by means of which aerobic activities can be performed.

For effective cardiovascular condition it is a good idea to exercise 3 to 5 times a week and for 30-60 minutes. The crucial thing is to make certain that the heart and lungs are made to function vigorously long enough to acquire the advantages of aerobic exercise but should not be overworked so as to give rise to injury. To find out if one is exercising at the proper intensity, one should run out of breath but still be in position to speak.

To obtain the desired result aerobic exercises must be started slowly and its intensity should be increased gradually.

Walking Weight Loss

2010-07-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

Walking (also called ambulation) is the main form of animal locomotion on land, distinguished from running and crawling.

Walking Weight Loss

Weight is determined mostly by the balance of calories - how many you burn vs. how many you eat each day. To lose weight, you need to increase your activity to burn more and/or eat fewer calories each day.

"The minimum daily requirement of exercise to prevent weight gain is 30 minutes a day of walking, or 12 miles a week of walking or running. A study of sedentary, overweight men and women (aged 40-65 years) showed they lost body fat and weight when they walked or ran 12 miles a week during an 8-month study, without changing their diet. A control group of non-exercisers all gained weight and fat during the 8-month study."

Walking Weight Loss

Walking at a moderate pace for 30-60 minutes burns stored fat and can build muscle to speed up your metabolism. Walking an hour a day is also associated with cutting your risk of heart disease, breast cancer, colon cancer, diabetes and stroke. Isn't it time to work 1-hour walks into your busy lifestyle?

Why start walking?
The popularity of walking as a weight loss activity is growing in leaps and bounds.

A regular walking program can help you to:

Burn Calories

Lose Weight

Reduce blood cholesterol

Lower blood pressure

Increase fitness

Boost bone strength

For those of us who want to lose weight, walking is often the best exercise to get started on because:

It is one of the easiest exercises to do

It can be done almost anywhere at any time

No special equipment or expertise is required to get started

Progress is easy to plan and measure over time

It isn't too taxing on the body so it can be done everyday

It can easily be done with others making motivation easier

Even a little bit can produce beneficial results

Warm-Up

First, you want to wake up your muscles and let them know you plan to be active for awhile. Walking at an easy warm-up pace for 5-10 minutes tells your muscles they can't just sit back and burn up the available sugars, they need to call on the fat reserves.

This is why you should not start off at a high speed - when you do that, your cells don't get the signal that this is a long-term activity, so instead they burn up sugars only.

Work-out

The speed to walk for optimal fat-burning is a "determined" pace.
At this rate, you should be breathing noticeably but able to carry on a conversation in full sentences.
Heart rate 60-70% of your maximum heart rate.
Marilyn L. Bach in "Shapewalking" describes this as if you are on your way to an appointment, or up to 10 minutes late for an appointment.
Walk at this speed for 30 minutes at a time, once you have built up to that duration.

Walking "equipment"
The only essential equipment needed to get started walking are comfortable clothes and shoes.

As far as clothes are concerned, layering loose pieces of clothing often works best.

Because walking elevates our body temperature, layering clothes means that we can take off a layer or two as our body begins to heat up.

When it comes to shoes, those designed specifically for walking or jogging are best. To make sure we get the right shoes to suit our needs and walking style, buying shoes fitted by specialist shoe and sports apparel stores is a good idea.

As well as wearing comfortable shoes and clothes, it is almost always a good idea to wear a hat, sunglasses, a factor 30+ sunscreen and some Aerogard or similar insect repellent if we plan to walk between 11am and 3pm, especially in the warmer months of the year.

While not absolutely necessary to begin a walking program, a heart rate monitor may provide valuable exercise feedback, a walkman or iPod can certainly help make our walks much more enjoyable and a mobile phone can be great in an emergency.

A must for anyone walking for more than 15 minutes is a water bottle full of clean, refreshing water.

Once we have the right footwear, appropriate clothes and other necessities, we're ready to go.

How Long is Enough?

30-60 minutes at 50-70% of your maximum heart rate is recommended.
Start with walking at an easy pace for 5-10 minutes.
Stop and do some stretches and flexibility exercises.
Walk at your target heart rate for 30-60 minutes.
Cool down at a slower pace for 5 minutes.
Finish with some gentle stretches.
For longer walks, walk 30-60 minutes at your target heart rate and slow a bit to complete 90 or 120 minutes at a comfortable pace. Walking Weight Loss

How Often Should I Walk?

For weight loss, walk most days of the week.
Time spent walking per week should be 5-10 hours.
On your non-walking days, try some strength training exercises.
If you find yourself worn out, take a day off. But be sure to get back walking the following day.

Where to walk and how far

Walking To Lose Weight Fast

Often the hardest part of any walking program is deciding where to walk and how far to walk.

For some of us, the thing that often makes this decision an easier one is the amount of time we have / or are prepared to devote to walking on any given day.

If we only have a little bit of time, there isn't too much point in wasting most of it traveling to scenic walking tracks to walk.

This time would be better spent actually walking.

If our time is limited, walking around our own neighbourhood for as long and as far as possible is often best.

If we have the time to travel to the beach or a local lake for added motivation and still have enough time for a considerable walk, then great, by all means let's do that. Otherwise, let's put what valuable time we have into actually walking.

In addition to the amount of time we have or make available, our current fitness level, injuries, and the number of kilojoules or calories we want to burn should also come into consideration when determining how far or for how long we should walk.

If our current fitness level or injuries limit the amount of walking we can do, we can start with very short walks – like a five-minute stroll for example – and gradually but consistently build on the distance and time as our fitness and health improves.

Beginning walkers can make their workouts less strenuous by limiting how fast and far they walk.

In addition, beginner walkers should forget about walking speed and concentrate on walking at a comfortable pace for the maximum amount of time.

As a general guide to walking speed, if you can't talk comfortably while walking, you are probably walking too fast.

How many kilojoules or calories we want to burn should also help determine how long we walk for each day.

To work out how many kilojoules or calories you'll burn while walking at different speeds, See Exercise Energy Charts.

Activity	Cal/Kg	50Kg	100Kg	150Kg
Aerobics (low impact)	2.54	127	254	380
Step Aerobics (beginner)	3.20	160	320	479
Badminton	3.31	165	331	496
Basketball (game)	4.85	243	485	728
Basketball (leisurely)	2.87	143	287	430
Bicycling, 15kph	2.76	138	276	413
Bicycling, 20kph	4.41	220	441	661
Bowling	1.21	61	121	182
Canoeing, 4kph	1.54	77	154	231
Canoeing, 6.5kph	2.98	149	298	446
Cross country ski (hard)	7.28	364	728	1091
Cross country ski (easy)	3.42	171	342	513
Cross country ski (mod)	4.85	243	485	728
Dancing	2.20	110	220	331
Dancing (slow)	1.21	61	121	182
Golfing (walk w/o cart)	2.20	110	220	331
Golfing (with a cart)	1.54	77	154	231
Handball	5.07	254	507	761
Hiking with 5kg load	3.97	198	397	595
Hiking with 10kg load	4.41	220	441	661
Hiking with 15kg load	5.18	259	518	777
Hiking, no load	3.42	171	342	513
Jogging, 8kph	4.08	204	408	612
Jogging, 10kph	5.07	254	507	761
Raquetball	4.52	226	452	678
Rowing (leisurely)	1.65	83	165	248
Rowing machine	3.97	198	397	595
Running, 13kph	6.72	336	672	1009
Running, 14kph	7.28	364	728	1091
Running, 16kph	7.72	386	772	1157
Skipping rope	6.28	314	628	942
Snow skiing, downhill	2.87	143	287	430
Soccer	4.30	215	430	645
Squash	4.52	226	452	678
Stair climber machine	3.53	176	353	529
Stair climbing	3.09	154	309	463
Swimming (25 meters per minute)	2.65	132	265	397
Swimming (50 meters per minute)	4.96	248	496	744
Tennis	3.53	176	353	529
Tennis (doubles)	2.43	121	243	364
Volleyball (game)	2.65	132	265	397
Volleyball (leisurely)	1.54	77	154	231
Walking 3 kph (20 minutes per km)	1.32	66	132	198
Walking 5 kph (12 minutes per km)	1.76	88	176	265
Walking 6 kph (10 minutes per km)	2.20	110	220	331
Waterskiing	3.53	176	353	529
Weight training fast	5.62	281	562	843
Weight training mod	4.19	209	419	628
Weight training slow	2.76	138	276	413

Walking Weight Loss

Please note that the above figures are provided as estimates only and before beginning any new exercise program, we strongly suggest you consult your doctor.

Weight Loss Through Walking

Get Moving Walking For Weight Loss

A 100kg (220 pound) person burns an average of around 550 kilojoules or 130 calories per half-hour of walking at 3kph (2mph).

As our fitness improves, we should all try to walk a little faster and a little further so we can burn even more kilojoules or calories.

Raising your Metabolism
Good work, you've tricked your body into dipping into your fat stores for energy. You are also building muscle and raising your basal metabolic rate so you are burning more calories all day long.

Calories and Weight

A pound of fat equals 3500 calories. To lose 1 pound a week you will need to expend 3500 more calories than you eat that week, whether through increased activity or decreased eating or both. Losing 1-2 pounds of fat a week is a sensible goal, and so you will want to use the combination of increased activity and eating less that will total 3500 calories for 7 days.

Burn Your Calories

Your weight x distance = energy used walking. Time does not matter as much as distance. If you speed up to walking a mile in 13 minutes or less, you will be burning more calories per mile. But for most beginning walkers, it is best to increase the distance before working on speed. A simple rule of thumb is 100 calories per mile for a 180 pound person.

The Calories Chart

You burn more calories per mile at very low speeds because you are basically stopping and starting with each step and your momentum isn't helping to carry you along. Meanwhile, at very high walking speeds you are using more muscle groups with arm motion and with a racewalking stride. Those extra muscles burn up extra calories with each step. Running may burn more calories per mile as there is an up and down motion lifting your weight off the ground as well as moving it forward.

Calories burned per mile by walking

Speed/Pounds	100 lb	120 lb	140 lb	160 lb	180 lb	200 lb	220 lb	250 lb	275 lb	300 lb
2.0mph	57	68	80	91	102	114	125	142	156	170
2.5mph	55	65	76	87	98	109	120	136	150	164
3.0mph	53	64	74	85	95	106	117	133	146	159
3.5mph	52	62	73	83	94	104	114	130	143	156
4.0mph	57	68	80	91	102	114	125	142	156	170
4.5mph	64	76	89	102	115	127	140	159	175	191
5.0mph	73	87	102	116	131	145	160	182	200	218

Walking Weight Loss

Burn Calories While You Sleep

You can burn more calories, every hour, every day, even while sleeping by building up muscle. When you add muscle to your body, you are increasing your basal metabolic rate - the number of calories you burn each day at rest. We aren't talking about Schwarzenegger-like muscles, just toning your legs, arms, stomach and shoulders.

Absolute Beginner Walkers:

You build leg muscles as you increase your walking time and distance. Concentrate on building the amount of time you spend walking.

Seasoned Walkers:

For those who have been walking for months or years, you will need to alter your walking style to build more muscles just from walking. Learning to racewalk, you would be building new muscle and burning more calories per mile.

Not Interested in Racewalking:

For those who are not interested in racewalking to build muscle, you should add some strength training to your weekly exercise schedule in addition to walking in order to build muscle.

Burn More Walking Calories per Mile

Learn to Racewalk:

At speeds over 13-minute mile rate you are burning more calories per mile as you use more muscle groups, as well as building muscle. How to Walk Faster.

Use Walking Poles:

Fitness walking poles such as Nordic Walker, Exerstrider sticks or Leki poles is an option for those who cannot walk fast and want to burn more calories per mile.

Carry Extra Weight:

Weight Loss Walking Plan

I do not recommend doing this, but if you do it you should add no more than 10 pounds and wear it in a backpack or at your hips so your body can remain balanced and your posture is not thrown off. Walking with poor posture or adding weight to your arms or legs can lead to injury.

Walking Schedule

Walking Programs For Weight Loss

Short Day:

Warm up 5-10 minutes. Stretch. Walk at target pace (determined, 50-70% of maximum heart rate) for 30 minutes. Slow to easy pace for 5 minutes. Finish with gentle stretching.

Long Day:

Warm up 5-10 minutes at easy pace. Stretch. Walk at target pace for 60 minutes. Slow to easy pace for 5 minutes. Finish with gentle stretching.

Long Easy Day:

Warm up 5-10 minutes at easy pace. Stretch. Walk at target pace for 30 minutes. Slow to easy pace for additional 30 - 90 minutes. Finish with gentle stretching.

Day Off:

When walking for weight loss, you should take no more than 1 to 2 days off a week.

Alternate these days to fit your personal weekly schedule.

Example: Day : Workout - Time at Target HR
Sun.: Long Day - 60 min.
Mon.: Day Off - 0 min.
Tue.: Short Day - 30 min.
Wed.: Short Day - 30 min.
Thu.: Long Day - 60 min.
Fri.: Short Day - 30 min.
Sat.: Long Easy Day 30 min. at target HR, 30-90 easy.

Walking Weight Loss

The Long Easy Day may be spiced up by joining in a local non-competitive volkssport walk or a charity walking event.

Feeling Worn Out:
If your walking workout leaves you feeling sore or worn out the next day, take a day off. If this happens each day that you walk, check your heart rate to be sure you are not overdoing it, and drop back to 50% or less of your target heart rate and cut back on the number of long days in preference for short days.

Fast or Slow?

A study by Katarina T. Borer, Ph.D. showed different benefits for slow and fast walking. Brisk walking, 15 minutes per mile or faster, increased secretion of pulsatile growth hormone, which promotes bone formation and tissue regeneration. But longer, slower walks were shown to heighten insulin sensitivity in previously sedentary post-menopausal women.

Which should you do, fast or slow? In my humble opinion: Just WALK!

Slow Walkers ??

Walking Fitness

Easy exercise and slow walking burns calories--and sheds pounds--as effectively as a high-intensity workout, a University of Pittsburgh study says.

Experts tracked 201 overweight women, ages 21 to 45, for 1 year. Some walked off 1,000 calories per week; others, 2,000. In each group, some women ambled along comfortably, taking longer to reach their goal; others maintained a bristling, nearly breathless pace.

Ultimately, everybody in the 1,000-calorie group lost an average of 13 pounds regardless of walking speed; those in the 2,000-calorie group shed about 20 pounds--again, regardless of exercise pace.

Walking Weight Loss Tips

Walking Exercise Weight Loss

When walking try to focus on good posture, keeping our head lifted and shoulders relaxed.

Always try to swing our arms naturally and breathe deeply. If we can't catch our breath, we should slow down and avoid hills.

Once we have reached a point where we can walk a few kilometres, we should start to vary the intensity and increase the length of our walks.

Walking hills, in addition to increasing our fitness and burning extra calories, is a great way to tone our legs and butt.

Don't forget to reward yourself after each workout with a few minutes of relaxing stretches to help prevent sore muscles.

Listening to music while walking is a great way to energize our workout. But if you wear headphones, keep the volume down and watch out for traffic that you may not hear.

It can be very motivating and rewarding to keep track of our improved fitness by recording each of our walking times and distances covered in an exercise diary.

It can also be very motivating and rewarding to sign up for, and participate in a walking event, particularly if your entry fee goes to a good cause like the local children's hospital or some other equally worthy charity.

Many experts recommend that we walk a minimum of 20 minutes a day. But there are no hard and fast rules, just try to walk as long as you can, as often as you can.

Fit walking into your schedule whenever you can. That may mean two 10-minute walks each day or even hour-long walks two to three times a week. The best schedule is one that keeps you walking and keeps you fit!

If you'd eventually like to add jogging to your exercise program, incorporate some very short jogs into your walks and over time increase the number of those jogs and their duration (for example, walk 5 minutes, jog 1 minute, walk 5 minutes, jog 1 minute, etc).

For maximum enjoyment, motivation and safety, find a walking partner to share your walks with. Choose from family (including your dog(s), friends, colleagues and neighbours with similar weight loss and fitness goals to you.

Be very careful walking at night or early in the morning when it is dark. Where reflective clothes so you are more visible to cars and be careful where you step, potholes and overhanging branches can be particularly dangerous when unseen.

Weight Loss Management

2010-07-14T22:10:00.001-07:00

Weight Loss Management

Weight Loss Management

Many people don't like carrying extra pounds with them because of the effect on appearance of their. However, the danger and risk to health is actually more worrisome than the image in the mirror they see of them self. The truth is that the more overweight you are, the greater your risk for health problems.So everyone should follow proper Weight Loss Management Programs.

Weight Loss Weight Management

Eating too much or not being physically active enough in a day will make you overweight. To maintain and manage your weight, the calories you eat must equal the energy you burn each day. To lose weight, you must use more calories than you eat. A Weight Loss Management strategy might include

Choosing low-calorie, foods low-fat
Eating smaller portions each day
Drinking water enough instead of sugary drinks
Being physically active for Weight Loss

People are constantly trying to either lose or maintain their weight. It is perceived as a never-ending battle to achieve a desired weight loss goal in exact period of time. Even if a person is counting calories, watching fat intake,exercising regularly, and making schedule it can be discouraging at times, especially when the body hits a weight loss plateau.

"It typically takes longer to lose weight than it does to gain weight, but that doesn’t mean weight loss has to be a struggle."

Weight loss and Americans,the two go together like apple pie and ice cream. You may need to lose weight but not know how to go about it in proper manner. Or, you have lost weight before only to gain it back.

Weight Loss Management Program

How you can make lifestyle changes that will result in permanent weight loss.

"For someone who is very overweight, simple daily tasks can be a struggle. Excess weight can limit your activities, erode your health and diminish your quality of life."

Weight Loss Management simply means to choose Right programs and habits to Manage your weight.

Weight Loss Management

Lose Water Weight

2009-05-08T00:46:00.000-07:00

Drink More Water

Many times people do not realize how little water they drink. And the more water you drink the better. Not only does water improve ones complexion and immune system, but water can help you eat less. The next time you feel like having a snack, reach for a bottle of water instead. The water will fill your stomach, causing you to not feel hungry. If you replace a daily snack with a bottle of water, you could curve the number of calories consumed per week by almost 2,500 calories.

THE FACTS ABOUT H20

· 75 per cent of our hunger pangs are signals of thirst

· Our brain is 75 per cent water

· Blood is 92 per cent water

· Bones are 22 per cent water

· Muscles are 75 per cent water

· Brain cells are 82 per cent water

· Moderate dehydration can cause headaches and even dizziness

· On hot days, sweating can cause you to lose up to 16 glasses of water a day

· The body loses as much water when asleep as when awake

· Mild dehydration slows the metabolism by as much as 3 per cent

· A 2 per cent drop in hydration can slow mental recall

Can you believe that?

Being just 1 percent dehydrated could be keeping you from losing that stubborn excess fat! Drinking plenty of pure water will speed up your metabolism and help you to shed pounds faster. But before you start guzzling a gallon a day, make sure there’s not rocket fuel in your water! If you drink too much contaminated water, you’ll overload your kidneys and slow down your metabolic rate. A home water filterwill remove rocket fuel and other nasty contaminants from your drinking water.

“It is very difficult for the body to differentiate hunger from thirst,”

“If you don’t drink enough water throughout the day, you may mistake thirst for hunger and eat more than you really need, which can also impair weight loss. So staying well hydrated is important, particularly if you are trying to lose weight. And don’t forget to eat lots of water-based foods like soups, vegetables and low-fat dairy, which are equally important for weight loss, as they lower the calorie density of meals. That can help you reduce calories without reducing portions.”

Be sure to filter the water you use for cooking, too!

Drinking massive amounts of water (gallons and gallons) can cause a dangerous condition known as hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood), which can cause confusion, irritability and seizures and may even lead to a coma.

“This condition is very rare in healthy people but can sometimes be seen in the elderly or in endurance athletes who sweat significantly and drink water only to replace lost fluids. Most people should be far more concerned with not drinking enough water versus drinking too much.”

Drink Water Lose Weight

2009-05-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

'Drink at least two litres a day and you will soon see the difference - glowing skin, weight loss, less cellulite, better immunity and a huge boost to your energy levels’

People are constantly trying to lose weight and I believe that more and more will continue to struggle with this issue; especially since we are a society who tends to be overweight.

You may have already heard that water and weight loss is a great way to shed the weight that you say you want to lose; it is completely true. If you learn how to lay off the sugar filled drinks and begin drinking more water; you will notice it in your waistline

So if we all know and understand the benefits of weight loss; then why aren’t more of us drinking more water? So many people are not drinking the daily requirement and they tend to make all kinds of excuses about why they do not drink the allotted amount

Choosing to drink water instead of all the other drinks that you may currently drink is a great way to lose weight. Water will help you control your calorie intake and is great substitution for all the other high calorie soft drinks you see on the market

Being properly hydrated will help to keep you in peak health. Our bodies are 75 per cent water, but if this level drops by just 2 per cent then we become dehydrated. As soon as this happens, our bodies slow down and begin to operate less efficiently.

Drink at least two litres of water a day

*On a hot day, increase the daily amount by at least half a litre. Make sure at least one-and-a-half litres of the water is still (not sparkling) water.

*The water should be fresh and, ideally at room temperature.

*Spread your water intake over a day, ideally drinking a glass an hour.

*When you exercise, drink throughout the workout and afterwards. This extra water is in addition to your two daily litres.

*Coffee, tea, alcohol and fruit cordials do not count as water.

*As soon as you get up, drink a glass of water to rehydrate you from the night before.

*Drink a glass of water before lunch and supper to dampen your appetite and to stop you from drinking water with your food, which decreases the absorption of nutrients.

*Make sure you have had at least 1½ litres of water before 6pm.

Drinking Water Weight Loss Secrets

Is drinking water also hard for you? Most people don’t drink enough water. And that is true although water is nature’s magical weight-loss mineral. Read here how Drinking Water may effect also your weight loss success.

Water and your metabolism.

It has to do with your metabolism. The metabolism of fat is something that the liver does when it converts stored fat to energy. The liver has other functions, but this is one of its main jobs. Another of the liver’s duties is to pick up the slack for the kidneys, which need plenty of water to work properly.

If the kidneys are water-deprived, the liver has to do their work along with its own, lowering its total productivity. It then can’t metabolize fat as quickly or efficiently as it could when the kidneys were pulling their own weight.If you allow this to happen you’re also setting yourself up to store fat. Therefore use the drinking water weight loss "formula".

Drinking Tips for the 7 day diet:

- Drink at least 12 large glasses of water or herbal teas per day (your drinking water weight loss guarantee)

- Add the fatburning vitamine C, press 3 times a day half a lemon in your water glass

- Drink max. two cups of coffee per day, no alcohol!

- Resolve daily a fizzy tablet of each calcium and magnesium in water. Calcium helps you cover the lack of milk products while dieting. Magnesium strengthens your nerves, activates your muscels and help lose weight.

What is going on in your body while Drinking more

The problem is that, though many decide to increase their water intake, very few stick with it. It’s understandable. During the first few days of drinking more water than your body is accustomed to, you’re running to the bathroom constantly.

As you continue to give your body all the water it could ask for, it gets rid of what it doesn’t need. You are excreting much more than you realize.Your body figures it doesn’t need to save these stores anymore; it’s trusting that the water will keep coming, and if it does, eventually, the flushing (of both the body and the potty) will cease, allowing the human to return to a normal life.

Water – a Wonderful Beauty Treatment

Water is the best beauty treatment. You’ve heard this often, and it’s true. Water will do wonders for your looks! It flushes out impurities in your skin, leaving you with a clear, glowing complexion.

In addition it makes your skin look younger. Skin plumps up very nicely when the skin cells are hydrated.It also improves muscle tone. Muscles that have all the water they need contract more easily, making your workout more effective, and you’ll look much nicer than if you had flabby muscles under sagging skin.

The Perfect Drinking Water for Weight Loss Consumption

Water consumption – at leat 12 glasses minimum – should be spread out throughout the day. It’s not healthy at all to drink too much water at one time.

Try to pick three or four times a day when you can have a big glass of water, and then sip in between. Don’t let yourself get thirsty. If you feel thirsty, you’re already becoming dehydrated. Drink when you’re not thirsty yet.

"How cold should it be?"

Most experts lean toward cold water, because the stomach absorbs it more quickly. There is also some evidence that cold water might enhance fat burning.

On the other hand, warmer water is easier to drink in large quantities, and you might drink more of it without even realizing it. Herbal Teas are also ok, but no coffein! Do whatever suits you, here. Just drink it!

Special Effect: Your appetite decreases

When you drink all the water you need, you will very quickly notice a decrease in your appetite, possibly even on the first day! This is perfect for your cabbage soup diet.

But stick to this "drinking water formula" -also afterwards. If you’re serious about becoming leaner and healthier, drinking enough water for weight loss effects is an absolute must to achieve!

Of course you do not have to take my word for it; continue browsing the internet and you will easily find all kinds of information about why you should be drinking more water; especially if you want to lose weight.

Water Help To Loss Weight

2009-04-28T22:03:00.001-07:00

People should consume 8 glasses of water a day to remain hydrated and healthy.If you are not getting enough water, your body will start to store water thus putting on some extra inches of water weight. Proper hydration is essential to your body’s processing of fluids.

Did you know that:

• Caffeinated beverages act as a diuretic which can further dehydrate you

• Sodas with sugar or juices not only greatly increase your sugar intake with empty calories, but are often consumed so quickly that there is no sensation of fullness associated with those calories

• Sugar substitutes have been linked to everything from migraines to bone loss to cancer

The truth is, water is simply the best thing that you can possibly drink.

We know it is not always the most popular choice, so here are a few suggestions for helping you get your eight glasses a day.

• Try changing the temperature of your water – Some people find that it is easy to chug a room temperature glass, while others prefer their water ice cold or heated

• Add lemon, lime, or caffeine free tea for flavor

• Drink it from a fancy glass. Put your entire day’s worth of water in a large container so you can see yourself reaching your goal

• Drink it through a straw

• Drink one glass when you get up, one with each meal, and sip the other two throughout the day

Water and Weight Loss

2009-04-28T22:01:00.002-07:00

Weight loss and water is a way to make your body shed pounds fast and keep them off! Losing weight is quite tough to do without measuring yourself against someone. Measure against yourself, and you will have lots of work to do.If we give the opportunity, the body will definitely tell us when we need something. That’s hunger pangs. And the body will also tell us when we need water. That’s thirst.

The difficulty is that we are not good at noticing thirst. Most people’s thirst signals become weaker as they get older. And when our body is thirsty, we take it as feeling hungry, rather than getting a glass of water. In this way the weight begins to get higher.

In order to lose weight, it is suggested that you should drink 20 glass of water in a day on regular basis. This would be the first and most important method to reduce weight.

Keep drinking water regularly.
Drink a large glass of water.
If you want it to be a special treat, make it iced, or drink it with a slice of lemon.
Drink water as much as you can, in frequent intervals.
When that one large glass of water is done, drink another. Then wait. Just 15 minutes.
Drink 2 glasses of water 15 minutes before eating a meal.
Every time you want to have a snack, do this.

You will be astonished that something like this is good for you to lose those pounds you want to get rid of.

Another method can be to have “water rich” foods to help lose weight. By water rich, I mean foods that have a high percentage of water naturally. Such foods will almost always be lower in calories than other foods.

The regular intake of plenty of water will enable you to lose weight in a healthy way. Just remember the above suggestions properly and discover a fit and healthy body forever.

Drinking Water Weight Loss

2009-04-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

Water plays an important role in weight loss. Water contains zero calories, has no fat, no cholesterol, and is low in sodium; therefore, it appeals to those wanting to lose weight. Water is also an appetite suppressant.

The more water you drink, the less of an appetite you will develop.

This is another reason why drinking water can potentially help those who are trying to lose weight.

Drink water during any weight loss program and that will give you the fast result.You don't drink enough water and most of you feel that drinking water is the most difficult thing.

It is a well known fact that increased water consumption helps metabolize stored fat.

In order to do so however, the kidneys must receive a sufficient amount of water. If the kidneys are not receiving enough water, they will end up relying on the liver for help.

When the liver is working on its' own, it breaks down fat and distributes it as energy to different parts of the body. However, if the kidneys are not getting enough water, and need to rely on the liver, the liver no longer breaks down fats in the body. When the liver is overloaded like this, it causes it to store fat in the body instead of breaking it down. By consuming water, the liver will continue to metabolize fat instead of storing it in the body.

Nowadays most people know why we should drink plenty of water, but can water make you lose weight? That is the question.

Increased water consumption also effects different parts of the body that help us to lose weight. Generally when we drink more water the endocrine gland's function will improve. When there are signs of improvement an increased amount of fats are used as fuel. So, the more water we drink, the more fats will be fueled.

If you have enough water on a regular basis your total calorie intake will increase by a big fat “ZERO” Yep that’s right zero.

Drinking water also reduces fluid retention, and causes the body to store less fat.

Normally when we don't drink enough water the body will try to store as much fat as it can under the skin. However, when we consume a sufficient amount of water, it makes it harder for the body to store that fat.

There are all sorts of theories or misconceptions going around on a regular basis that it’s hard not to get confused and feel overwhelmed with all the information.

“Enough already I say”The best way to lose weight is to drink more water every day but don’t just live on a water diet you need to also make good food choices and have some sort of training program in place whether it’s using fitness equipment or taking a walk in the park as long as it’s exercise it’s all good.The water you drink helps suppress the appetite making you less likely to make poor eating choices.

So in a nutshell water will aid in weight loss but on it’s own you will lose weight also but not in a way that would be healthy and safe for you.So people be smart, listen to your body, make good choices and always use common sense.

Overall, drinking water is important whether you are trying to lose weight or not, but if you are, it makes a huge difference if you drink a sufficient amount of water.

Keep in mind that drinking lots of water is not a weight loss gimmick but one of many tools to help you achieve a healthy and leaner body. You still have to exercise and eat right if you want to achieve great results.