Lose Weight

Maintaining a healthy body weight is vital to good health, but losing weight can be a challenge. In the US, obesity rates are rising rapidly, along with a host of associated health problems, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Most people become overweight simply because they eat more food than they burn the body stores the excess calories as fat. A high level of alcohol intake and a sedentary lifestyle also contribute to overweight. Genetic factors also influence body weight and body shape, and some metabolic conditions can lead to overweight or obesity.

The best way to lose weight is through a combination of diet and exercise. To determine your ideal body weight, consult your doctor. He or she may also consider whether a weight-loss drug or medical procedure to enhance weight loss (e.g., gastric banding) is appropriate for you.

How to tell if you are overweight

Clinical overweight and obesity can be calculated using a simple formula called the Body Mass Index or BMI formula. To calculate your BMI:

(1) Multiply your weight (in pounds) by 703

(2) Divide the answer by your height (in inches)

(3) Divide the answer by your height (in inches) again.

The final number is your BMI.

BMI values are categorized as follows:

< 18.5 Underweight

18.5 - 24.9 Healthy Weight

25.0 - 29.9 Overweight

30.0 - 39.9 Obese

> 40 Morbidly Obese

It is important to note that BMI values are not absolute. That is, some adults with a high BMI may not be overweight for example, athletes often have a BMI (above 25) but are not overweight.

How to lose weight

There are many things you can do to help lose weight. Even moderate changes to your diet and small increases in exercise levels will help promote weight-loss and improve your overall health. Some general guidelines for healthy eating are to avoid foods that are high in sugar or fat, reduce alcohol intake, avoid stress and address, with your doctor's help, any underlying emotional issues that may cause you to overeat (e.g., depression or anxiety).

Before starting any exercise program, consult your doctor. Some guidelines for exercise recommend that you try to engage in aerobic exercise (walking, gentle swimming, or other exercise recommended by your doctor) for at least 30 minutes three times a week. However, depending on your level of fitness, this may not be appropriate initially. Your doctor will tell you what level and types of exercise are appropriate for you.

Weight loss products from Netpharmacy:

Prescription medication

Reductil

Duromine

Xenical (orlistat) is a popular weight loss medication that may now be purchased after a face to face consultation with your pharmacist.

Other products which require supervision by a medical professional that may assist weight loss

Optifast As Optifast's VLCD (very low calorie diet) at below 800kcal per day is for rapid weight reduction, it is recommended that this product range is used under medical supervision by a doctor/specialist, pharmacist, or a dietician.

Natural weight loss products

Appetite Suppressants

Hoodia - Hoodia works by direct action of the appetite centre in the brain - the Hypothalamus, reducing cravings and feelings of hunger.

Carbohydrate Blockers obstruct the absorption of carbohydrates thus preventing them turning into fats in the body.

Synergistic Blends - These combination weight loss formula share ingredients which are thermogenic/suppress the appetite and increase metabolism.

Slimshots - A patented, all-natural, innovative weight management product that allows you to simply and effectively manage your calorie intake.

Meal replacements/weight loss powders

Optifast As Optifast's VLCD (very low calorie diet) at below 800kcal per day is for rapid weight reduction, it is recommended that this product range is used under medical supervision by a doctor/specialist, pharmacist, or a dietician.

Other weight loss powders may be used a snack in-between meals or as an extra supplement at meal times.

Scales

Tanita

Tanita was the first company to design and manufacture body fat monitoring scales for in-home use. The technology you get when you buy a home scale is based on the same advanced technology found in our professional body composition analyzers used by doctors, medical centers, professional athletic teams, fitness clubs and personal trainers. We continue to focus on meeting your needs with more styles, models and more personalized features.

Tanita Scale Bodyfat Monitor Bf682
Tanita Scale Bodyfat Monitor Um070
Tanita Scale Bodyfat Monitors BC532 Top Inner Scan
Tanita Scale Bodyfat Monitors BC540 Inner Scan

See Your Doctor

If you think you are overweight, or if you are overweight and cannot lose weight on your own, see your doctor. He or she will likely perform a physical exam and need to know certain facts about your health and weight, such as how long you have been overweight, whether there have been any changes in your eating habits, details about your exercise habits, and whether you are under stress that might lead to overeating.

Helpful Links

Obesity: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Obesity: New Zealand Ministry of Social Development

Everybody.co.nz