Health fitness blog

BODY POSITIVITY AND WEIGHT LOSS

The topic of body positivity has gained much importance in recent years. The idea of body positivity suggests that people should have a positive image regarding their body irrespective of  what the society perceives as ideal body shape or size. This idea promotes acceptance and self love, it challenges the unrealistic standards of beauty created by the media. Weight loss is pursued for improving self esteem, health reasons and increasing mobility. But it is seen at times that weight loss is portrayed in a light that it can seem to undermine body positivity. The question now is that can these two ideas coexist? Yes, you lose weight while still remaining body positive by not resorting to unhealthy diets and un realistic approaches to weight loss. Here is how,

Focusing On Health, Not Size

Instead of focusing on achieving a specific body weight and size, divert your attention on attaining a healthy body. One should focus on their well being while taking a nourishing diet and being physically active, this will make you feel good about yourself. By following this approach it will help you feel good about yourself, while practising self care.

Challenging Internal Beliefs

Unlearning the toxic internal beliefs is one of the significant steps for attaining a healthy body image. It should be recognized that beauty and worthiness is in diversity. Channel healthy ideas and remember that your worth is not determined by the number seen on the weight scale. Avoid self depreciation and negative self talk, adopt the ideas of having a healthy body instead of a thinner one.

Setting Realistic Goals 

Set goals that are achievable rather than unrealistic ones. Setting goals that align with health objectives rather than the goals that align with the society’s standards of the perfect body. It will help you focus on maintaining a positive image of yourself. Every little progress should be celebrated like improved stamina, increased strength and better sleep, without just focusing on the pounds of weight you have lost.

Practising Self Compassion

Remember setbacks are natural in a weight loss journey so it is important to maintain a healthy positive mindset. Keep in mind that losing weight is not a linear process, it has its ups and downs. Speak to yourself in a way how you would talk to a loved one, with kindness. Surround yourself with supportive people like friends and family who do not impose unrealistic expectations on you and respect you.

Challenging Media Influences

Being critical of the ideas that perpetuate narrow minded standards of beauty is important as media, magazines and advertisements can often promote unrealistic body image and harmful diet cultures. Seek out diverse representations that promote inclusivity and acceptance of the body. 

It is important to remember that body positivity does not disregard personal goals or health objectives. It is about fostering a positive relationship with your body. Weight loss can be a part of your journey if it aligns with your well being and is practised in a sustainable manner. In short the intersection of body positivity and weight loss is a holistic approach to self care. It prioritises emotional as well as physical well being.

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THE RELATION OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION WITH WEIGHT LOSS

As we know that sleep plays an important role in the well being of the body, mood and brain performance. According to studies done it has come to attention that sleep and weight loss are connected with each other. In America it is observed that with the decrease in the duration of sleep the body mass index of the people has also increased which has become one of the factors that lead to obesity. It has also been observed by research that lack of sleep can also result in many metabolic disorders and some life threatening diseases as well.

Effect on  Appetite 

It has been seen that people that have had less hours of sleep have increased appetite. The scientific reasoning behind it is that the neurotransmitters i.e. Ghrelin that stimulates hunger, becomes active which leads to high calorie intake. Studies have also shown that people who were deprived of sleep had higher craving, bigger portion sizes and had more fat consumption. A sleep deprived person consumes 385 more calories than a person with a healthy  sleep schedule.

Dysregulation of Metabolism 

Sleep also affects the chemical reactions going on in the body known as the metabolism. During sleep a slow metabolism is promoted. It has come to attention that sleep deprivation can lead to dysregulation of metabolism. Keeping yourself awake for extra hours disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, which might lead to gain in weight. Studies have also revealed that people who lack sleep are more susceptible to disorders like type 2 diabetes. 

Physical & Mental Aspects

Among the sleep deprivation symptoms are laziness and lack of energy that can result in moody, angry agitated behaviour. The sleep deprived brain has dull activity in the frontal lobe of the brain that is used to make decisions making your judgments clouded. While a  person with a healthy sleep cycle would be able to resist the cravings of junk food easily, a person whose brain is tired will have less willpower to say ‘No’ to their junk food cravings.

Tips for Better Sleep

Here are some tricks that can help you achieve a sound sleep;

  • Turn off your electronic devices i.e. laptops and mobile.
  • Meditate, read or take a nice bath before sleep.
  • Avoid caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee and sodas before sleep. 
  • Melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, is stimulated in the dark so it is advised to turn off the lights at bed time.
  • Exercising regularly can improve the quality of sleep.
  • Stop eating right before going to bed. 
  • Maintain a sleep schedule.

Besides weight loss, it is important to note that sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy body. Not having the appropriate duration of sleep can lead to depression and a wide range of medical conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, diabetes and high blood pressure. A person who does not prioritise sleep is putting his health at various risks. 

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HEALTHY EATING HABITS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

It is observed in people that in order to lose weight at a fast pace people opt for diets that are unhealthy and while can help you lose weight drastically it is not beneficial in the long run. Your diet plays a very important role in weight loss, only exercise will not make you achieve your desired goals. Gaining weight is much easier than losing it therefore it is advised to be mindful while choosing what food to consume. So, let’s get started and learn how to do,

Watch Calories You Are Drinking 

As drinks in the market can have a lot of sugar added to them they could be high in calories. Even if you switch to a diet and use carbonated beverages or drinks containing zero calories they still have some amount of artificial sweetener. Therefore it is better to go for the natural zero calorie drink, known as water. Which boosts the metabolism and ultimately helps in weight loss. To not make it boring and encourage yourself to drink water add slices of citrus fruits like lemon, orange, berries or mint leaves.

Eat More Vegetables

Fibre and water are present in high quantities in fruits and vegetables.You can start your day with a plate of fruits in addition to your normal breakfast. This will keep you full for the whole day. Besides weight loss plant foods have countless other benefits as well. It has been proven through research that people who have a plant based diet have lower weight. Eating plants can make you feel fuller and you do not consume as much calories.

Control Your Portion SIze 

It is important to control the portion size. For managing the calories you consume one should consider controlling  the portion size by age. You can get to know how to eat in a healthy way by consulting a doctor specialising in the field. Look at the packaging of the packaged food and see the size of the serving mentioned on the packet. Another way to manage your portion size one can make versions of your favourite foods in a smaller portion. 

Avoid Late Night Snacking 

Snacking on food that has sugar in high amounts can cause interruption in your sleep. Also mindlessly snacking at night while watching T.V. before bed can lead to gain in your weight due to increase in the intake of calories. If the time of when you eat something can cause weight gain if unclear it has other negative impacts on the body like indigestion and sleep problems. Therefore, it is advised to consume overly processed food and food with high sugar content in moderation.

Practise Mindful Eating

Mindful eating and weight loss go hand in hand. It involves being aware of the signals of your body, assessing the level of your hunger, knowing about what you are eating, eating it slowly without any distractions and savouring every bite. This not only helps you have a better eating experience but also improves digestion and prevents overeating .

Drink More Water 

Do you know that by drinking an extra cup of  water you can lose weight that is equal to walking about 2 miles? Drinking 1 percent  more water can make you consume less calories and also suppresses hunger. Consuming water boosts the metabolism, detoxifies the body, burns fats and reduces the liquid calorie intake as it has zero calories. 

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The Benefits of Losing Weight

The Benefits of Losing weight can profoundly impact your health and well-being. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can lead to many health benefits, including:

Reduced risk of heart disease: Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, so losing weight can help to lower your risk of developing this condition. Studies have shown that even a small weight loss can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 30%.

Lower blood pressure: High blood pressure is another risk factor for heart disease, and losing weight can help to lower your blood pressure. In fact, losing just 10 pounds can lower your blood pressure by 5 mmHg.

Reduced risk of stroke: Stroke is another serious condition that is linked to obesity. Losing weight can help to lower your risk of stroke by up to 25%.

Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, so losing weight can help to prevent or delay the onset of this condition. Studies have shown that losing just 5-7% of your body weight can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 58%.

Improved cholesterol levels: Obesity can also lead to high cholesterol levels, which is another risk factor for heart disease. Losing weight can help to lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Improved sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. Obesity is a major risk factor for sleep apnea, so losing weight can help to improve your sleep quality.

Increased energy levels: When you’re overweight or obese, your body has to work harder to move around. This can lead to fatigue and decreased energy levels. Losing weight can help to improve your energy levels and make it easier to get through the day.

Improved mood: Obesity is linked to a number of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. Losing weight can help to improve your mood and reduce your risk of developing these conditions.

Increased self-esteem: Obesity can also lead to low self-esteem. Losing weight can help you to feel better about yourself and improve your self-confidence.

Increased lifespan: Obesity is linked to a shorter lifespan. Losing weight can help you to live longer and healthier.

If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. There are many different ways to lose weight, so find an approach that works for you and stick with it. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your weight loss goals and improve your health.


Here are some tips for losing weight:

Set realistic goals. Don’t try to lose too much weight too quickly. Aim to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

Make gradual changes to your diet and exercise habits. This will make it easier to stick with your weight loss plan.

Find a support system. Having friends or family members who are also trying to lose weight can help you stay motivated.

Don’t give up. Weight loss is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs along the way, but if you keep at it, you will eventually reach your goals.

Losing weight can be challenging, but it’s worth it for the health benefits. If you’re ready to start your weight loss journey, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you create a safe and effective plan to reach your goals.

Dr. Salma is a leading expert in weight loss. She has helped hundreds of people lose weight and improve their health. Her program is based on the latest scientific research and is designed to be both effective and sustainable. Don’t wait and Join now!