Obesity

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Skipping Breakfast

46.     Skipping breakfast slows your metabolism but having a moderately substantial breakfast increases your metabolism by 25% which helps to burn more calories. Studies show that a breakfast providing about 25% to 30% of daily energy needs can be important in maintaining a healthy weight. Those who eat high fibre nutritious breakfast tend to be noticeably slimmer than those who skip the all important first meal of the day. This is because a healthy breakfast lowers mid morning cravings for fat and sugar laden foods such as chocolates, cakes, biscuits and sweets which would otherwise promote obesity.

 Too Much Choice of Food

47.     Although a varied diet is likely to be rich in nutrients, US Scientists found that the availability of lots of different foods can also encourage overeating as variety decreased the feeling of satisfaction, making people more vulnerable to obesity.

 Lack of Breast Feeding

48.     According to American research, breast milk contains important protein “adiponectin” and “leptin”. Adiponectin is secreted by fat cells and affects how the body processes sugars and fatty substances in the blood. Low levels of this protein have been linked to obesity, insulin resistance, Type-II diabetes and coronary artery disease. It has been established that there is a clear link between breast feeding and a reduced risk of obesity later in life. Children who are breast-fed during first 6-12 months grow into healthy adults with less of weight problems.

Chronic Stress

49.     According to a study by Georgetown University, chronic stress at work and at home has a direct effect on fat accumulation, body weight and metabolism. Scientists have demonstrated that neuropepticle Y (NPY), a molecule the body releases when stressed, can unlock Y2 receptors in the body’s fat cells through physiological response, stimulating the cells to grow in size and number and result in weight gain. Higher levels of NPY also cause the heart rate and blood pressure to go up.

50.     It has been known for a long time that people who are chronically stressed produce large amounts of body steroid hormone called “cortisol”, secreted from the adrenal gland, which has direct connection to fat accumulation. The adrenal system is linked to the stress response of “fight or flight”. The large doses of cortisol not only results in weight gain on the belly but also many other disorders connected to insulin malfunctioning.

51.     A recent study suggests that stress not only increases consumption of food but can also shift people’s food choices from lower fat to higher fat foods resulting in weight gain. Other psychological factors like boredom, anger and depression can also cause weight gain.