High-Carb Diets and Obesity Connection

The mere thought of standing by the roadside and stuffing in those hot fried stuff makes your tongue water. Even the most hygiene-conscious can’t deny the hunger spell induced by those aromas! But if you peel back the covers and look little beneath the aroma and taste, a whole different picture starts to emerge.

Thanks to the intake of simple carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, and the wide availability of fast food, India has broken into the list of the top five countries in terms of obesity. Adding to the worries, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) in 2016 revealed that the percentage of obese men and women has doubled over the decade.

Obesity, a malaise in itself can also lead to several diseases like diabetes, stroke, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, respiratory problems, etc.

Do you know the factors that lead to obesity? Here is a list of the top factors that contribute to making you obese.

1. High amount of carbohydrates in diet

Our diet is often held as the primary factor responsible for causing obesity. The problem starts right from childhood. Doctors and researchers opine that wrong eating habits developed in one’s childhood, lead to obesity. India is on the path to becoming a home for 17 million obese children by the year 2025, making it second among 184 countries.

Doctors are of the opinion that eating a greater amount of simple carbohydrates, like white rice, bread, usually found in ‘junk food’, as compared to proteins and complex carbohydrates is causing an increase in obesity. So, the next time you drool over fried food or other mouth-watering delicacies, think about the impact it would have on your health.

2. Sedentary lifestyle and a reduction in physical activity

Along with the diet, experts also put the blame on lack of physical activity for an increase in obesity. It is only inevitable that burning more calories than the amount you consume, will result in a healthy or lower Body Mass Index (BMI).

Experts blame increased mechanisation along with apathy and lethargy as the reason behind a lack of participation in physical activity. An important factor to note in this regard is as per NFHS report, cases of obesity are rising in the countryside as well.

The next time you think of taking the lift instead of the stairs, think again! Stair climbing and a daily workout routine might just be the activities that can get you back in shape.

3. Genetics

The maxim ‘it’s all in your genes’ seems to hold true for obesity. Doctors state that there are several different genes which enhance the risk of obesity. These genes are those regulating appetite, metabolic rate and satiety.

While 5% of the carbohydrate is converted to fats in an adult, a genetic abnormality can increase the percentage to 60%. If there is an immediate family member who is obese, you would be better off managing your diet even more strictly so as to keep your weight under control.

The solution

Where there are problems, there are solution, and the same holds for the problem of obesity. Listed are some of the simple hacks to keep your weight in check and prevent you from getting obese

1. Constant monitoring

The first step to controlling any situation is identifying and monitoring it. The simplest way in which you can keep a check on your weight is to monitor it constantly. You should be extra vigilant if there is a history of diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure in your family.

Measuring your weight on a regular interval is a good option. You could also calculate your BMI using your weight and height. A BMI reading of more than 25 is considered overweight and more than 30 is considered obese.

Other measures like waist to hip ratio and body scan can also help to identify fat deposition. A common indicator of fat accumulation is to check whether daily activities are tiring you more easily.

2. Change in lifestyle and eating habit

Most people do not take corrective measures regarding their weight until it is too late. However, experts believe in prevention being better than the cure. They are of the opinion that weight gain should be stopped in its tracks rather than waiting for it to cross a limit.

What is important is to bring about a change in eating habits, lifestyle and quality of food. Eating a balanced diet, going for regular workouts and incorporating a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in giving you a healthy body and mind.

Along with all these steps, do not forget to get yourself a comprehensive health insurance plan that provides mediclaim facility to cushion you from financial impact during a health-related emergency.

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