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Simple Guide to Tackling Obesity

Published

6 years ago

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Simple Guide to Tackling Obesity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By Shobha John

This lucid and revealing book by a bariatric surgeon gives advice on how to tackle this lifestyle problem with simple, long-lasting solutions

A book with a catchy title can grab one’s attention immediately. In a world where obesity reigns supreme –266 million men and 375 million women globally in 2014—“Fight With Fat” is just what the doctor ordered. Coming from a writer, Dr Kamal Mahawar, who is alsoa bariatric surgeon, his words carry weight. Even Shakespeare said about obese people: “Thou seest I have more flesh than another man, and therefore more frailty.” All the more reason to lose weight.

Dr Mahawar from Sunderland Royal Hospital in the UK has had wide experience in treating people with weight issues. With some 5 percent of Indians being obese, it is a health epidemic which needs to be tackled on a war-footing as it can lead to other life-threatening illnesses such as BP, diabetes, cancer, liver disease, etc.

Books on obesity have been written earlier too, but what makes this one different are surprising, but little known facts. For example, did you know there is a link between obesity and Vitamin D deficiency? That India is the third most obese country in the world? That even lower middle classes are getting obese? That fat first appears around the waist from where it is hard to displace?

For those who have always been perplexed about body mass index (BMI) issues, Dr Mahawar says that besides weight and height, muscle mass, body mass and body frame too should be taken into consideration. Anyway, Indians have a higher body fat content so standard BMI figures may not be so apt for us. Perhaps a better way to measure obesity is by waist circumference. Anything over 80 cm for women and over 94 cm for men is bad news and increases the risk of diseases.

The good news is that there are healthy overweight individuals and unhealthy normal weight individuals. How is that possible? It all boils down to how fit you are. And a bit of fat is not bad at all as it helps in the time of major illness and old age.

Obesity happens when one is consuming more calories than one can burn off, be it carbohydrates or proteins. And this fat gets deposited around all our organs and impairs their functions. Besides the debilitating effects on health, obese people, says Dr Mahawar, are more likely to be unemployed. That says a lot about society and outdated social norms.

However, weight loss can reverse these conditions in the early stages. And that is why fasting once in a while is good as the stored excess fat is used up then. It is also important to be aware of the calories in common food items so that lifestyle and dietary changes can be made. And while going on a diet is fine, unless it is balanced and healthy, there is the risk of getting nutritional disorders, not to mention loneliness and depression.

It is important to understand what fast food and sugary drinks do to one’s body. They spike sugar levels and once they are stored, glucose and other food components in the body drop again, triggering hunger, leading to a vicious cycle. That is why a natural balanced meal is important – it takes longer to digest and get absorbed, leading to a feeling of fullness.

So what is a balanced diet? It derives 60 percent of calories from carbohydrates, 25 percent from fat and 15 percent from proteins. All have to be included in the diet. But it is important to stop eating before one feels full. Dr Mahawar suggests slowly cutting down on food; it won’t make a difference as the body adjusts to lower levels. Also, eat fruits, vegetables and high protein foods which give you more satiety per calories. But beware of fruit juices and aerated drinks as they have some of the highest amounts of sugar and are one of the leading causes of diabetes.

Along with diet changes, exercise is also important. Did you know that exercise actually reduces hunger, helps reduce calorie intake and improves the heart? However, our modern lifestyles and machines  hardlyhelp in this regard. So it is important to do physically demanding jobs as they make the heart worker harder and its muscles stronger. But exercise too has tobe done properly. Start with walking, brisk walking, jogging and then running.

The book also talks about childhood obesity, surgery to reduce obesity and better options in food (eg, replace refined flour with whole wheat flour, sweet potato with potato).It would, however, have been a good idea to also include some sample diets for vegetarians and non-vegetarians in India to illustrate these points.

Read this well-written book so that good eating habitscan be passed on to your kids. Then only can a whole nation improve.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1557122516377{border-top-width: 10px !important;border-right-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-left-width: 10px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #cccccc !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”]Fight with Fat

By Dr Kamal Mahawar

Fingerprint! Publishing

Rs 299; 269 pages[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Lifestyle

Happy Nowruz 2025: Wishes, messages, and quotes to celebrate Persian New Year

Nowruz 2025, the Persian New Year, is celebrated on March 20, marking the arrival of spring. Share these wishes, messages, and quotes with your loved ones.

Published

7 days ago

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March 20, 2025

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Nowruz 2025 celebrations with festive decorations and Persian traditions

Nowruz, also known as Navroz, marks the beginning of the Persian or Iranian New Year and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in several countries around the world. Observed during the vernal equinox, this festival symbolizes renewal, hope, and joy as the days begin to grow longer. In 2025, Nowruz falls on March 20, bringing with it celebrations filled with traditions, prayers, and festivities.

The significance of Nowruz

Nowruz is derived from two Persian words—”Now” meaning new and “Ruz” meaning day—translating to “New Day.” The festival marks the arrival of spring and is deeply rooted in Persian history and culture. It signifies new beginnings, optimism, and the triumph of light over darkness.

Where is Nowruz celebrated and how?

Nowruz is widely observed in regions across Central Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Black Sea Basin. Countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Turkmenistan officially recognize Nowruz as a public holiday, allowing people to partake in grand celebrations.

In India, the Parsi community celebrates Nowruz with religious and cultural significance. Families visit Fire Temples to offer special prayers, clean their homes as part of the ritual of renewal, and prepare traditional delicacies like fried fish, herb rice, and sweet desserts to mark the occasion. Loved ones gather to share meals and extend best wishes for the new year.

Nowruz 2025 wishes, messages, and quotes

Celebrate Nowruz by sharing heartfelt wishes with your family and friends:

  • “As the new year blooms, may it bring fresh opportunities, abundant health, and lasting happiness. Nowruz Mubarak!”
  • “Nowruz Mubarak! May the spirit of renewal and growth bring you peace and happiness in the year ahead.”
  • “Wishing you and your family a joyful Nowruz! May the upcoming year bring you happiness, health, prosperity, and good luck.”
  • “May the first day of the month of Farvardin bring hope and light to you. Happy Nowruz!”
  • “Sending warm wishes for a happy Nowruz to you and your loved ones. May the year ahead bring joy and prosperity in abundance.”
  • “On this auspicious day, let me wish you love, luck, prosperity, and a whole lot of warmth.”
  • “Happy Nowruz! May this occasion mark the beginning of new opportunities and the fulfilment of your aspirations.”

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Festivals

Holi 2025 on March 14! Everything about Holika Dahan, Muhurat, and festivities

Holi 2025 will be celebrated on March 14, with Choti Holi (Holika Dahan) on March 13. Know all about the festival’s significance, rituals, and best places to celebrate.

Published

2 weeks ago

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March 13, 2025

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Holi 2025 celebrations with colors and joy

Holi, one of India’s most vibrant and joyous festivals, will be celebrated on March 14, 2025. The festival, which marks the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, is observed on the Purnima (full moon) day of the Hindu month of Phalguna.

The festival kicks off with Holika Dahan or Choti Holi on March 13, 2025. This ritual involves lighting a bonfire, symbolizing the burning away of negativity. The following day, March 14, is celebrated as Holi, when people come together to play with colors, sing, dance, and enjoy festive gatherings.

Choti Holi (Holika Dahan) – March 13, 2025

Holika Dahan is a significant ritual that takes place on the night before Holi. This event commemorates the legend of Prahlad and Holika, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness. Community bonfires are lit to signify the end of evil and the ushering in of positivity and renewal.

  • Purnima Tithi Begins – 10:35 AM on March 13, 2025
  • Purnima Tithi Ends – 12:23 PM on March 14, 2025

Holi – March 14, 2025

The main celebration takes place the next day, where people across the country engage in playing with Gulaal (colored powders), music, dance, and festive feasts. Holi is especially grand in regions like Mathura and Vrindavan, which hold historical significance with Lord Krishna. Other cities like Jaipur, Pushkar, and Udaipur also host extravagant and tourist-friendly Holi celebrations.

Regional and Cultural Celebrations

Holi is celebrated with different traditions across India:

  • Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon, where women playfully beat men with sticks.
  • Braj Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan, deeply rooted in Krishna’s legends.
  • Royal Holi in Rajasthan, where traditional festivities are accompanied by grand celebrations in palaces.

Holi 2025 is set to bring colors, joy, and festive spirit across India. With Choti Holi on March 13 and Holi on March 14, people will come together to spread happiness, enjoy delicious sweets, and celebrate the essence of togetherness.

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India News

International Women’s Day 2025: Powerful speeches & slogans for students

Celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 with inspiring speeches and slogans for students. Acknowledge the contributions of women and promote gender equality.

Published

3 weeks ago

on

March 7, 2025

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International Women’s Day celebration with students giving speeches

International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, is a global event that recognizes the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women. The day also serves as a call to action for gender equality, urging individuals and communities to work towards a more just and inclusive world.

For students, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the impact women have had on shaping society. It’s a time to raise awareness about gender equality issues and inspire positive change. Here, we provide speech ideas and powerful slogans that students can use to mark this special occasion.

Powerful speech ideas for students

1. A Tribute to the Spirit of Indian Women

“Today, we celebrate the indomitable spirit of Indian women, who are breaking barriers and shaping our nation’s future.”

2. From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Leadership

“From ancient scholars like Gargi to modern-day leaders, Indian women have consistently demonstrated strength, resilience, and wisdom.”

3. Recognizing Women’s Role in Society

“We acknowledge the tireless efforts of our mothers, sisters, and daughters, who balance tradition and modernity with remarkable grace.”

4. Advocating for Equal Opportunities

“Let us reaffirm our commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for women in education, employment, and leadership roles across India.”

5. Addressing Gender-Based Challenges

“We must address the persistent challenges of gender-based violence and discrimination, striving for a safer and more equitable society.”

6. Empowering Women for a Stronger Nation

“Empowering women is not just a moral imperative but a crucial step towards realising India’s full potential as a global leader.”

7. Women Driving Grassroots Change

“We salute the women in our villages and cities who are driving change at the grassroots level, empowering their communities.”

8. Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs

“Let us celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Indian women, who are creating jobs and contributing to our nation’s economic growth.”

9. Preserving Culture and Heritage

“We recognise the vital role of women in preserving our cultural heritage and passing on our values to future generations.”

10. A Pledge for Inclusivity

“On this International Women’s Day, let us pledge to build a more inclusive and just India, where every woman can thrive and reach her dreams.”

Speech on International Women’s Day

Good morning, respected teachers, fellow students, and guests.

Today, we gather to celebrate a special occasion that honors the achievements, struggles, and triumphs of women across the world – International Women’s Day. Celebrated on March 8th, this day is not just a moment of appreciation but a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality. It recognizes the tremendous contributions of women to society while urging all of us to ensure their rights, dignity, and opportunities.

The need for action

International Women’s Day is more than a celebration. It is a call to action – to break stereotypes, remove barriers, and promote an inclusive society where women can thrive without limitations. It is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and how much further we still need to go.

Women who inspired change

India has witnessed the inspiring contributions of strong women who shaped its history and continue to influence its future. From Rani Lakshmi Bai, a fearless warrior, to Indira Gandhi, a powerful political leader, and Kalpana Chawla, a pioneering astronaut—Indian women have shattered barriers across all fields. Their courage, intelligence, and resilience serve as a beacon of hope for future generations.

The road ahead

Despite progress, gender discrimination, unequal pay, and violence against women remain significant challenges. True progress can only be achieved when women have equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and leadership opportunities.

As Gloria Steinem, a renowned feminist, once said: “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”

On this International Women’s Day, let us not only celebrate but also commit to creating a future where every woman can thrive. Let’s raise our voices for equality, break barriers, and uplift one another.

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