Wednesday 20 May 2020

How to Lose Weight Naturally | Weight Loss Home Remedies

Weight Loss Home Remedies | How to Lose Weight Naturally

Obesity or excessive weight is a serious health concern in which the accumulation of excess body fat exhibits adverse effects on the body. Excessive weight increases the risk of various medical conditions and diseases, especially Type–2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, depression, and some types of cancers.


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Excess weight and obesity have become one of the leading health problems all over the world. Various health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and medical experts perceive obesity as one of the most severe public health concerns of the 21st century.


According to the WHO website–
  • Obesity is the foremost preventable cause of death globally.
  • The number of obese individuals nearly tripled since 1975 worldwide. In most countries of the world, obesity has killed more people than underweight.
  • Around 1.9 billion adults aged more than 18 were overweight in 2016, in which more than 650 million people were classified as obese. It means that 39% of the world’s adults were overweight, and 13% of them were obese.
  • More than 340 million children and adolescents grouped in the age from 5 to 19 were overweight or obese in 2016.
  • In 2018, about 40 million children below the age of 5 were overweight or obese.

The Causes behind Weight Gain [Overweight]

Understanding the causes of weight Several studies and researches were conducted to determine the causes behind weight gain in most people.
1. Excessive Eating
Excess eating is the primary factor behind gaining more weight. The blend of bellyful food energy intake, along with a lack of physical exercise aggravates the problem of weight gain.
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Most people overeat due to taste, habit, or stress. In any case, since the calorie intake is more than required, it leads to weight gain.


2. Sugars


Added sugars are probably the worst ingredient for someone who is trying to lose weight.


Sugar is mainly carbohydrates and extremely high in calories. It is half glucose and half fructose. When consumed regularly, sugars can alter hormones and biochemistry of the body, which can contribute to weight gain. A large amount of fructose intake can develop insulin resistance and elevate insulin levels in the body.


Sugars are often known as ‘empty calories’ because they are incredibly high in calories.


3. Availability of Engineered Junk Food


This is one of the primary reasons for the expansion of people’s waistlines.


Big corporations have created heavily processed foods mixed with additives, and they do aggressive marketing of their products. Junk food is designed to be cheaper, tastier, and last longer. Other than this, these delicious, sugar-sweetened junk food creates a food addiction by stimulating reward centers in the brain.


Most junk or fast foods contain high quantities of sugar, fat, and carbs and least or no amount of other nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It means that people having junk foods are consuming a lot of unhealthy calories that lead to weight gain.


4. Lack of Physical Activities


Lack of physical exercise and more tilt towards a sedentary lifestyle has promoted obesity in the past few decades. Physical activities help in burning extra calories and stimulate the release of endorphins and dopamine that lifts the mood of the person.


5. Genetics


The causes of excessive weight include a genetic factor also, which increases the genetic susceptibility of someone to gain extra weight if their family members suffer from obesity as well.


6. Pregnancy

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Pregnancy is the number one reason to promote obesity among women. Most women intentionally eat more during pregnancy to support the child’s growth. However, it becomes difficult to shed the extra weight after delivery.


7. Insomnia


Lack of sleep or alterations in sleep cycles significantly affects the eating patterns of a person.


A 2013 study has indicated that sleep-deprived people are more skewed towards eating carbohydrates than required for energy needs, leading to weight gain.


8. Hormonal Changes


Hormonal changes, especially during menopause, women experience weight gain around the abdominal area and hips. It is because of the hormone responsible for regulating menstruation and ovulation – Estrogen – begins to decline.


Due to some hormonal changes in the middle years of both genders, the metabolism of the body slows down, which can lead to weight gain.


Several medical conditions that can cause hormonal changes in both genders include hypothyroidism, elevation in cortisol production, and increased production of aldosterone.


9. Fluid Retention or Edema


Fluid(or water) retention is another condition that can lead to obesity. It can cause the hands, feet, abdomen, and face to look swollen.


People with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems, kidney diseases or liver issues may suffer from weight gain due to edema.


10. Certain Medications


Certain medications can also cause weight gain or obesity rapidly.

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Some of these are –

  • Corticosteroids
  • Antidepressants
  • Antipsychotic medications
  • Birth control pills

Harmful Effects of Overweight or Obesity

Excess weight and obesity are linked to various risks and health problems.

1. Hypertension


Excess weight contributes to high blood pressure and other related problems.


2. Type – 2 Diabetes


High weight promotes insulin resistance and elevates high blood sugar levels in the body.


3. Risk of Heart Diseases

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Obesity is related to a heightened risk of high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, which can increase the chances of heart diseases and heart attacks


4. Risk of Stroke


Excess weight elevates blood pressure, which is a leading cause of stroke.


5. Sleep apnea


Excess weight can lead to narrowing or blocking of airways at night when the muscles are too relaxed. It can result in breathing problems for some periods at night.


6. Cancer


Obesity has been associated with certain types of cancers, such as liver cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer.


7. Liver Disease


Obesity has been affiliated with a spectrum of liver abnormalities– extra fat can build up around the liver that can lead to liver damage and, sometimes, liver failure.


8. Gallbladder problems


Excessive weight elevates the risk of gallbladder problems and gallstones, which sometimes may require surgical procedures.


9. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease


Obesity has been directly associated with a higher risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or more commonly known as heartburn. It occurs when the acids present in the stomach flows towards the esophagus, which is the food pipe connecting the throat and stomach, due to pressure exerted by excess abdominal fat on the stomach.


10. Kidney Diseases


The risk of diabetes and high blood pressure is higher in obese people, which are the leading factors of kidney damage. Other than this, kidneys have to work harder and filter wastes above the average level due to heightened metabolic demands of high body weight.


11. Muscles and Bones weakening

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Obesity can deteriorate muscle mass and bone density in a person that can lead to fracture risk and disability.


12. Joint pains


Excess weight exerts additional strain on the joints,  such as knee joints, which can result in joint pain and stiffness.


13. Promotes infertility


Excessive weight has an inverse effect on the reproductive health of a person. Obese women experience issues related to menstrual dysfunction and anovulation.


The risks of infertility, lower conception rates, miscarriage rates, and pregnancy complications are higher in overweight women. The low fertility issues are visible in obese men due to a decrease in testosterone levels and erectile problems.


14. Skin problems


Obesity can cause several skin problems such as stretch marks, skin rashes, intertrigo, etc. Excess weight creates body folds that retain moisture. It promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi in the folds leading to body fold rashes and various other infections like intertrigo.


15. Increases Depression


Several kinds of research have linked obesity with depression and mental health problems. Obesity can lead to poor self – image, low self – esteem, and social isolation, which are well-known contributors to depression.


Now, that we know what causes obesity and what risk factors are involved with excess fat. Let’s look at some of the most effective home remedies for weight loss.



Home Remedies for Weight Loss Naturally

You can easily lose your body weight by doing simple methods. Some people ask how to lose weight naturally or how to lose weight in 7 days or without exercise. Then there is no secret method to lose weight you have to make a diet plan for weight loss.

There are so many diets that nutritionists recommend for losing weight, such as low–carb diet, the Dukan diet, the Atkins diet, the keto diet, the paleo diet and the list goes on.


However, a few lifestyle changes and a little knowledge about what to eat and what not to eat is sufficient to lose weight without feeling starved all the time.


Here, we present a list of lifestyle changes and home remedies to lose weight naturally and without exercise.


1. Consume whole, single-ingredient foods and avoid processed food items


One of the most effective ways to reduce weight is by cutting all types of processed and junk foods from the diet and replace them with whole, single-ingredient foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, pulses, nuts, seeds, meat, dairy, and other foods that occur in nature.

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By eliminating junk foods, you are avoiding a large portion of added sugars, added fats, and extra calories.


Most whole foods are naturally very filling, which is extremely helpful in limiting the calorie intake by a person.


Furthermore, the naturally occurring whole, single-ingredient foods items are loaded with various essential nutrients required by the body to function well.


2. Eat healthy snacks


Everybody likes to munch between meals while watching TV, reading, or working. So, stock up your refrigerator with healthy snack options like fruits, nuts, vegetables like carrots, yogurt, or hard-boiled eggs. These food items are easy to prepare and serve as the best snacks for someone who wants to shed some extra weight.


3. Indulge in some physical exercise


Regular physical activity is hugely beneficial in losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy weight.

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Indulging in any form of physical activity such as running, jogging, cycling, power walking, or hiking burns off several calories, reduces the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and improves physical and mental health.


Less caloric intake, along with burned calories from physical activities, creates a “calorie deficit,” which results in weight loss. It is particularly useful in lowering dangerous belly fat that develops around the organs and gives birth to metabolic diseases.


4. Drink water


Drinking lots of water can assist you in losing weight. Drinking water helps in boosting metabolism, cleanse toxic elements out of the body, and behave like an appetite suppressant.

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Having a glass of water before eating a meal is very helpful in reducing calorie intake by decreasing the food requirement of the body.


Water is particularly beneficial in replacing high calorie, sweetened beverages like soft drinks, hot chocolate, etc.


5. Take adequate sleep


Sleep plays a significant role in a healthy body and mind.


Many studies have associated a lack of sleep to a higher body mass index (BMI) and weight gain. One of the obvious reasons is that people don’t eat when they are asleep.


Besides this, poor sleep also increases a person’s appetite by impacting two hunger hormones – Ghrelin and Leptin.


The levels of ghrelin are high in the stomach when the stomach is empty, which signals hunger in the brain. Leptin quashes hunger and indicates fullness in the brain.


Lack of sleep triggers more ghrelin and less leptin production, increasing the person’s appetite. Hence, short sleepers generally have higher body weights.


Also, the level of hormone cortisol arises when an individual does not get enough sleep. Cortisol is a stress hormone that also contributes in increasing appetite.


6. Intermittent Fasting


Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that fluctuates between the periods of fasting and eating food. This practice does not limit the type or amount of food intake. It only restricts food consumption to a particular time window.


There are several methods to do intermittent fastings, such as the 5:2 diet, the 16:8 method, and the eat-stop-eat method.


Intermittent fasting is associated with weight loss as well as other health benefits, such as blood sugar levels improvement, cholesterol levels reduction promotes heart health, improving brain functions, and increasing lifespan.


7. Eat meals in small plates


Human psychology affects every aspect of our lives. It affects our eating habits also.


Some studies have proven that people who eat their meals in smaller plates tend to eat less. It is human tendency to fill the plates equally regardless of the plate sizes. Therefore, eating food in small plates can help you in losing weight.


8. Chew your food properly


Eating slowly by properly chewing food offers several benefits.


Firstly, by eating too fast, there is always the risk of consuming more calories before the brain signaling the body to stop. So, more time people take to finish their meal; higher is the probability that they will feel full even after consuming smaller portions.


Secondly, chewing aids in the proper digestion of food. Chewing breaks down food into smaller fragments before swallowing, which is beneficial for the digestion of food.


9. Divide your meals


The division of meals is an interesting concept verified by numerous researchers all over the world. Instead of consuming three heavy meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, try eating six lighter meals every 3 – 4 hours. It prevents you from excessive eating because the stomach is never empty.


10.Consume unsweetened green tea


Green tea is linked with various health benefits, including weight loss. It is loaded with antioxidants, boosts metabolism rates, and prevents fat storage in the body.


Many researchers believe that green tea increases energy expenditure by 4% and escalates selective fat burning, particularly dangerous belly fat, by up to 17%.


So, substituting coffee or regular tea with green tea is a good option for those who are trying to lose weight.


11. Have more fiber


Fiber-rich foods are incredibly useful in weight loss process.


Soluble fiber foods such as citrus fruits, berries, apples, potatoes and barley are particularly helpful because they mix with water to produce a viscous, gel-type substance that slows down the pace of release of digested food into the gut from the stomach. It provides a sense of fullness for a more extended period.


Fibers also encourage friendly gut bacteria diversity, which is also linked with reducing obesity, especially belly fat.


12. Eat more fruits and vegetables


Fruits and vegetables are the best weight loss-friendly foods. They are low energy density eatables; so, even by having large servings, the person is not consuming high calories.

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Fruits and vegetables provide other health benefits also. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, soluble and insoluble fiber, antioxidants, and other micronutrients. They keep the body hydrated, aids in the digestion of food, and beneficial in the removal of toxins from the body.


13. Lemon water


Lemon water is a fantastic remedy to lose belly fat. It helps in detoxifying the liver, which enhances the metabolism of the body. This drink is refreshing and non-fattening.


For maximum benefits, drink it in the morning before consuming anything by squeezing half a lemon in one glass of water.


14. Drink unsweetened coffee


Drinking unsweetened tea is one of the most popular home remedies for weight loss. Coffee supports weight loss by suppressing appetite and stimulating calorie burning. It is also beneficial because it contains antioxidants and other useful compounds.


Excess weight or obesity is the root of several health disorders and diseases. Hence, it is incredibly essential to maintain the ideal body weight. The key to maintaining the ideal weight of the body is by eating healthy foods and do some physical activities regularly.

I hope you like this post about Weight Loss Home Remedies | How to Lose Weight Naturally. Please share this article with your friends and on social media to let others know this information. If you have any suggestions or query then feel free to comment below.

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