Weight Management
Those of us who have ever tried to diet can testify that it is never as easy as it sounds. This is because there are a multitude of factors at work such as our own metabolic rate, whether we are doing the right type or the right amount of exercise, whether we are eating too much or too little or at the right time.Then there is the underlying psychology of changing our old habits and why we make the decisions we do. Weight loss may be successful after much hard work but if diet, exercise and behaviours have not been addressed and corrected in the meantime, weight maintenance may be too difficult and weight will be regained. Even worse, more weight than was lost in the first place.
Beware of 'fad' diets. If weight loss is not achieved in the appropriate manner, lean tissue or muscle can be lost, resulting in a decreased metabolic rate. Weight management must include a healthy, balanced diet, low enough in energy to achieve a gradual weight loss. Eating habits and behavioural factors must also be considered in order for the weight not to be regained.
Dawnlife Dietetics uses the science of nutrition, physiology and metabolism, combined with specialised experience in lifestyle modification to provide individualised programs to help you reach your health goals.
Body Fat Distribution and Health
Fat above the hips carries a far greater health risk than fat on or below the hips. For this reason it is better to be a 'pear' shape than an 'apple' shape.
Abdominal obesity greatly increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, high blood fats, hypertension, stroke and some cancers.
Waist measurement (High Health Risk):
Men: over 102cm (40 inches)
Women: over 88cm (35 inches)
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a general indicator of body fatness. It measures your weight in relation to your height. The higher the BMI, the greater the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
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BMI =
Weight (kg)
Height (m)2 |
Example BMI calculation:
75kg person, 1.7m tall
BMI = 75 ÷ (1.7 x 1.7) = 26
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BMI classification (adults):
<19
19-25
25-30
30-40
Over 40 |
Underweight
Healthy weight range (low health risk)
Overweight (moderate health risk)
Obese (High health risk)
Morbid obesity (very high risk) |
