Weight control in a junk filled world

The need for people to look good and healthy is becoming more pronounced as several weight control programs and establishments prop up. The issue of body size and form transcends science alone. Indeed, there are several cultures where weight gain symbolizes fertility, prosperity and the like.

In Africa as an example, a research conducted by Puoane T et al, found out that Beliefs regarding body image indicate that two thirds of the girls perceived fatness as a sign of happiness and wealth. Socially, fatness was accepted but one third of the girls had contradictory views about its advantages. This study was conducted among black African girls in Cape Town, South Africa. This study though localized appears to be the norm through several other African cultures. Size of the body matters a lot in choosing a marriage partner as well as for arousal and sexual satisfaction in some cases.

The internet is awash these days with a lot of products ranging from creams to surgical procedures to bizarre interventions like prayers and hypnosis.

All these act to conscript body size typically for those whose sizes have become predatory on their beauty or could suffer from a medical condition. The African definition for beauty none the less still encompasses a healthy size of buttocks, a firm set of breasts and hips together with some calf muscles in some instances. Most men are attracted to these on a woman and it’s been reported to be a great arousal tool. While most women would rather want a man who’s well built but not excessively fat or obese, there appears to be a worrying trend where men these days allude riches and wealth to the size of their bellies and belts. This allusion holds not to be entirely true as many poor fellows have developed pot bellies stemming from malnutrition and probable renal failure or heart problems rather than eating of good food as it’s purported.

The meaning therefore for obesity or fatness in men and women is reliant on a host of factors.

What remains to be true however is that, an increase in body size or mass leads to a greater predisposition to diseases. Most obese people have a greater potential to contract cardiovascular diseases like Hypertension, Stroke , Arthrosclerosis , Diabetes and Heart attacks than do those of regular body proportions. What this means in plain terms is that an (Oboshie-fat woman) sitting somewhere at Dansoman and eating (Domedo-pork) has a high chance of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to a Kayayoo drinking her (Koko-porridge) in the evening before going to bed.

Are we to blame?

What can we do ?

The problem of weight gain though found to have genetic dimensions is usually a lifestyle challenge. The following pieces of advice may prove beneficial to someone who has a problem with weight control.

In summing up, remember that a delicate balance ought to be maintained between weight gain and loss as these two could predispose you to a lot of emotional, social and financial constraints. Your health is your first asset, all others could be liabilities based on how wise you invest in it. TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE AND CHECK YOUR WEIGHT….