Researchers from the University of Cincinnati, in a study they carried out earlier this month, have found that the best way to motivate obese individuals is to emphasise the immediate benefits they will enjoy from exercise and eating right rather than warning them about the more long term effects they are leaving themselves open to by not changing their diets and amending their lifestyle choices.
One of the greatest sources of pain for those who suffer from obesity is the immense strain of weight on the musculoskeletol system. According to Susan Kotowski, study collaborator, increasing the level of focus on the pain reduction benefits associated with exercise and a change in diet, the more motivated sufferers become.
The researchers found that of those involved in the local weight loss programme, 21% felt a considerable relief from pain in the back and lower part of the body after losing ten pounds. Furthermore, the results showed that even the smallest amount of could benefit those who experience great pain daily. The researchers believe that this will influence an entirely different approach to weight loss programs.
So, what is the best way to approach diet and exercise? The media is full of different potions and lotions but how do we pick which one is best for us? Doing a little bit every day and making small changes is the best approach and fad diets do not keep the weight off.
It is said that we should be pumping money into the preservation of ‘wellness’ as well as obesity. An estimated £3 billion is spent by the NHS each year on obesity. By funding anti-obesity campaigns and programs, we are not getting rid of the problem, we are maintaining it. According to Dr. Weiler of Imperial College Healthcare Trust, London, only 1 in 20 people are exercising the recommended daily amount and yet most of the money goes into helping those who already have a weight problem.
A recent survey revealed that one in five children do not receive any encouragement from their parents to join in with after school sports or other physical activities outside of the mandatory physical education classes. But so many factors affect this type of behaviour like psychological factors relating to the parents’ own level of activity, physical situations- such as distance from after school activities, attitudes, socioeconomic status…. the list goes on. This is why campaigns which seek to teach healthy youngsters on a large scale are making giant steps in the eventual combat of obesity.