Ten Important Things to Know Before You Join a Weight Loss Program

1. What is my BMI and how do I calculate it?

BMI means Body Mass Index.
The value is associated with body fat and health risks.

Healthy weight is defined as a BMI equal to or greater
than 19 and less than 25 among all people aged 20
or over. Between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight;
more than 30 is considered obese.

To determine body mass index:
[Weight in pounds ÷ Height in inches ÷ Height in inches] x 703.

Fractions and ounces must be entered as decimal values.

The metric formula is: BMI= Body Weight(kg)/height(m)2.
Remember that: 2.2 lbs.=1 kg and 39.4 ins.=1m.

For example, if you are 1.75 M tall and weigh 80 kg. , your
BMI will be = 80/1.75X1.75 = 26.122, i.e. slightly overweight
(Always keep in mind that "obesity" is defined as a BMI greater
than 30)

2. What are carbs, proteins, fats?

Carbohydrates provide your body with its basic fuel, very
much like a car engine and gasoline. Glucose goes directly
into the cells, which convert it into the energy they need.

There are two types of carbohydrates:

Simple carbohydrates (also called "sugars" on food
package labels): glucose etc.

Complex carbohydrates ("starches"), made up of chains
of glucose molecules, which is simply a way plants store
glucose.

Starches can be found in great quantities in most
grains (wheat, corn, oats, rice) and things like potatoes
and plantains.

Your digestive system breaks a starch back down into
its component glucose molecules so that the glucose
can enter your bloodstream.

Carbohydrates provide cells with energy, proteins
provide cells with the building material they need to
grow and maintain their structure.

Protein can be found in both animal and vegetable foods.
Most animal sources (meat, milk, eggs) provide "complete
protein": they contain all of the essential amino acids.

Fats are also an important part of our diet. Many foods
contain fat in different amounts. High-fat foods include
dairy products like butter and cream as well as mayonnaise
and oils.

There are two kinds of fats: saturated and unsaturated.

Fat is necessary because: the only way to get certain
fat-soluble vitamins is to eat fat, your body has no way to
make certain essential fats, so you must get them in your
food.

Another reason is that fat is a good source of energy,
in fact it contains twice as many calories per gram as
do carbohydrates or proteins. Your body can burn fat as
fuel when necessary

3. What else does my body need?

Mainly vitamins and minerals. These can be found in various
foods, fruits, etc..It seems the "Standard Western Diet" is
deficient in vitamins and minerals. This has led to the
creation of vitamin and mineral supplements.

4. What are the dangers of being overweight (too fat)?

When it gets to a certain level, overweight becomes "obesity",
which has been described as "a serious, chronic disease
that is known to reduce life span, increase disability and
lead to many serious illnesses including diabetes, heart
disease and stroke, cancer, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea,
gall bladder disease, gout."

5. What exactly is Atkins diet?

Dr. Atkins diet, first introduced in 1972, is strictly
focused on limiting carbohydrate consumption.

That is why it is called a low-carb, high-protein diet or
sometimes simply a low-carb diet, together with other
diets such as South Beach Diet, Protein Power Diet etc...

Please read the end of the article and get still more valuable
information (over 25,000 words) on weight loss and nutrition
at: http://www.health-beauty-wellness.com/10.htm

A.M.Sall invites you to cash in on his 30 years experience as a professional medical translator and say goodbye forever to all your Health, Beauty and Wellness problems!
http://www.health-beauty-wellness.com/10.htm

---

Why Did Your Diet Fail You? Or Did You Fail Your Diet?

Are you someone who has, in the past, been on... Read More

Dieting? What You Need to Know About Physical Activity

What is the best form of physical activity?The best form... Read More

How Water Can Help You Lose Weight Fast

Here are the 4 things you need to know about... Read More

How You Can Chew to Lose Weight

There Is A Right Way to Chew!Chewing your food is... Read More

Good Night, Sleep Tight!

One of the most important things you can do for... Read More

20 Ways to Lose Weight

20 WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT1. Take it one step at... Read More

The Thermogenic Fat Burner

The term 'thermogenic' refers to a group of drugs or... Read More

Natural Weight Losss: The Minor Changes That Can Have Huge Affects On Your Future Health

People always ask me " how it is that your... Read More

Weight Loss Maintenance Tip - Staying Aware

Stop Weight From Creeping Up By Staying AwareEveryone has small... Read More

When Cellulite Attacks!

Cellulite is a recent addition to the English language. In... Read More

Help to Reduce Belly Fat

Can You Lose Weight Where You Want?If you have excess... Read More

Cellulite: Do We Have To Lump It?

What is cellulite? Ask a doctor and he will probably... Read More

The Second Half of My Life

Have you ever wondered where destiny would lead you? Have... Read More

Weight Loss Setbacks and the All or Nothing Attitude

I want to talk about the "all or nothing" outlook... Read More

Eat Out and Lose Weight -- 25 Easy & Healthy Tips for Dining Out

Diners have become more health-conscious the last few years, and... Read More

Confessions From A Fat Doctor

I never intended to get fat! I am not exactly... Read More

9 Quick Ways To Conquer Cellulite

In our never ending search for the illusive "Fountain of... Read More

Loose 10 Pounds by Drinking Water?

Drink plenty of water. Our body needs a lot of... Read More

Weight Loss Myths

Every regime has its supply of useless folk lore and... Read More

Obesity and Fat Control Myths

- Are your ideas of obesity and fat control based... Read More

A Revolutionary Product Called Hoodia Part 2

The rediscovery of the wealth of the wonder drug Hoodia... Read More

The Big FAT Lie

Over two thirds of Americans are over weight, and half... Read More

Slimmer Legs... Stress-Free

Well, with the success of my article, "Wrinkle Remover That... Read More

The Tao of Weight Watchers Part Two

As I explained in the first part of this article,... Read More

Weight Loss - Make a Significant and Lasting Lifestyle Change

Losing weight can make a significant and life altering change... Read More

Court Overturns Ban

In December 2003, the FDA incorporated an ephedra ban making... Read More

Low Carb Diets: Craze or Crazy?

Low carb diets, though popular, have met with much controversy.... Read More

Weight Loss, Exercise, and Bodybuilding Tips ? Keeping Your Body-Fat Low: Part 4 of 10

Which is easier to do ? turn a car's steering... Read More

Weight Loss Workout Routine Benefits

Is a weight loss workout routine right for you? Answer... Read More

Weight Loss With Bontril: Smooth Sailing On The Weight Loss Ocean

As many of us know, it's the first few days... Read More

Gastric Bypass ? The Nightmare for Food Lovers

While the gastric bypass may seem like the perfect solution... Read More

Free Weight Loss Tips - Help For Beginning a New Diet

If you are about to begin a diet, the number... Read More

Obesity in Old Age May Disable, Not Kill

Many physical problems are related to obese condition, like difficulties... Read More