Lose weight the right way

When 38-year-old Sreedip Ghosh, a software professional from the city, enrolled in a well-known gym, he assumed his problems, including high cholesterol, lethargy and regular taunting from friends, would come to an end. This was about a year ago, when he weighed 88 kg. Cut to present—Sreedip has added on a few more pounds, and now weighs 93 kg.

Not just Sreedip, but many who intend to lose weight end up with no results in the long run, because of certain mistakes. Sreedip initially lost 10 kg in the first two months. “But after the first three months at the gym, when I had to stay back late at work, my weight loss programme went for a toss,” he said. It was time for weight reversal and no sooner he stopped attending his gym, he ended up gaining weight.

Why is it that most of the weight loss programmes are failures? Dr HV Shivaram, chief of gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, said: “For a permanent solution using such programmes, one needs to continue with it for the rest of his or her life, which is impossible. However, in 90% of the cases, the moment people stop going to the gym and exercising, they regain weight.”

What seems to be a long-term solution is bringing in behavioural changes and lifestyle modification, along with exercising and dieting, said Dr Shivaram. “One should not lose more than half to one kg per week. Otherwise, it can harm the body,” he added.
It is best to consult a doctor, before enrolling for a weight loss programme.

“Often people want to lose weight just before an event, giving themselves a few weeks to achieve results.  However, they need to keep in mind factors such as their fitness history and realise that months or years of lack of exercise cannot be reversed in a short span of time,” said Anjali Sareen, co-founder of The Zone Pilates Studio, and a fitness trainer.

Moreover, incorrect training methods and forms of exercise lead to boredom, injuries and lack of results, she said.
A good fitness plan must be a combination of exercise and nutrition.

“A successful fitness plan is characterised by how it can be incorporated into your lifestyle. Only then can anybody stay with it in the long run,” Anjali said.

“I have seen people achieving great results. They find the right mix whether it was pilates and cardio, yoga and strength training, or an outdoor sport,” added Anjali.

Diwali to New Year’s Eve is the time for parties and get-togethers. The best way to maintain your calorie count is by taking a serving of soup, salad or sprouts from home before hitting a party, she added.