Nearly 70% of South African women and 31% of men are overweight or obese.
This is according to findings by Dr Rosetta Guidozzi, a general practitioner from Johannesburg with a special interest in weight loss.
The weight problem of South African women and men adds to the global figure of an estimated 2,1 billion people who are overweight or obese.
“Losing weight is becoming more and more of a necessity for many. We are all becoming increasingly aware of the frightening health implications of being overweight, which include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes and certain types of cancer,” Guidozzi said.
“With so many eating plans out there, it can be difficult to know which one to follow and which will deliver the best results. Although it can be quite a challenge and take time, the truth is that weight loss is not complicated at all. For most of us, it is a simple equation of energy in and energy out.”
In weight control, the “balancing act” means consuming only as much food and drinks as you need to fuel your body’s basic functions, activities of daily living and exercise.
According to Guidozzi, the body requires calories while at rest and during movement.
Because calorie consumption increases when moving, exercise is vital to weight loss.
during which the calories consumed are increased which is why exercise is vital.
“People should exercise at least 30 minutes per day, or equivalent to a brisk walk. The more we move, the more calories we utilise,” Guidozzi said.