Getting Healthy Lifestyle Solutions
Will A Body Detox Help Me Lose Weight?
From fasting to colon cleansing, detoxification diets are all the rage with those individuals interested in losing weight and getting healthy. But these advertised remedies are not always as beneficial to the body as they may claim. Detoxification, or the tradition of expelling toxic or harmful substances, is widely promoted on a myriad of websites and sanctioned by a host of famous individuals.
If healthy, our liver and kidneys perform a fantastic job of cleansing our bodies on a daily basis. If we concentrated more effort on improving our diet by consuming more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and drinking a lot more water, good health would naturally improve far quicker than carrying out a cleanse. The major organ responsible for naturally detoxifying the body is the liver.
Absolutely everything we consume or breathe is eventually absorbed into the bloodstream and destined to pass through the liver, which as a matter of fact, is the largest internal organ. The human body greatly depends on the liver to regulate, manufacture, store and excrete many essential hormones, nutrients, and proteins, and also to purify, convert and expel toxic or unessential substances.
Then there are the numerous detoxification products that claim to cleanse the liver, but in most healthy individuals, those not addicted to alcohol or drugs, the liver is not actually an area of the body where toxins are stored. In relation to toxins, the task of the liver is to convert potentially harmful substances into water soluble chemicals that can be excreted or sweated from the body.
Without artificial assistance, the liver really does an outstanding job of detoxifying the body, however there are a few exceptions. Individuals with definite liver conditions such as viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, or hepatitis C virus, or alcohol/drug induced liver disease may not have healthy livers, and toxic substances can sometimes accumulate throughout their body.
Specific substances such as high doses of vitamin A, copper, and iron, can be toxic and cause liver disease thereby allowing accumulation throughout the body. But still there is no scientific evidence that detoxifying diets or liver cleanses are of any benefit to a diseased liver. Some supporters of liver cleansing argue that certain liver cleansers assist the liver to function better. Again there are no serious studies to support such claims, although there is support for the notion that certain foods and herb and spice supplements may promote good liver health.
Is Your Weight Affecting Your Health?
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a utility that can assist individuals in establishing whether they are at a greater risk of a weight associated illness by determining the ratio between their height and weight. This practice of measuring the amount of tissue mass such as muscle, fat, and bone has long been sanctioned by nutritional research to classify an individual as being underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
Now to keep all things in perspective, the BMI is only used as a screening utility to identify possible weight related health issues for individuals. To determine if inadequate weight or excess weight is a true health risk, a qualified healthcare professional would be required to perform further evaluations. These evaluations may include a full blood count (FBC) blood test, diet assessments, physical activity capabilities, skin fold thickness measurement, family history, and other suitable health procedures.
Although being underweight is just as dangerous as being overweight in respect to health and wellness, the majority of unhealthy individuals appear to be suffering with health issues relating to overweight and obesity. Carrying excess weight puts strain on the heart and can lead to serious health issues such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions. More than 300,000 lives could be saved each year if a healthy weight was maintained.
Generally speaking, if you have a body mass index of:
* Under 18.5 - then you are considered to be underweight and possibly undernourished.
* 18.5 to 24.9 - then you are within a healthy weight range for young to middle aged adults.
* 25.0 to 29.9 - then you are considered to be overweight and possibly heading for obesity.
* Over 30.0 - then you are considered to be obese and in danger of developing serious health issues.
Once you have calculated your body mass index, you will have a general idea of your body weight status.
For individuals over the age of 70 years, general health status may be of more importance than being mildly overweight. Studies have concluded that a body mass index range of 22-26 is desirable for the elderly.
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index Calculator
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Classification:
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Below 16Well Underweight
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16 - 18.5Underweight
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18.5 - 25Normal
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25 - 29.9Overweight
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30 - 34.9Obese Class I
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35 - 39.9Obese Class II
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40 & OverObese Class III
BMI - Well Underweight
A body mass index score of less than 16 indicates that you are 'well underweight' according to the standards set forth by the World Health Organisation. Returning a body mass index score below 16 may also indicate serious health issues such as malnutrition, under-nutrition, or other eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia nervosa.
Apart from the lack of physical attractiveness, being too thin can sometimes be a warning sign of other potentially harmful issues such as depression, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or other degenerative diseases. Certain long term medications may also affect appetite and generate sensations of fatigue thereby limiting an adequate diet.
Genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis and coeliac disease can drastically affect an individual's weight just the same as stress or enzyme deficiencies. Being too thin is not always going to mean bad news, if your BMI score indicates that you are well underweight then it is time to seek professional healthcare advice. Being well underweight can be very dangerous to your long term health.
Classification:
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Below 16Well Underweight
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16 - 18.5Underweight
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18.5 - 25Normal
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25 - 29.9Overweight
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30 - 34.9Obese Class I
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35 - 39.9Obese Class II
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40 & OverObese Class III
BMI - Underweight
A Body Mass Index score of less than 18.5 falls into the classification of 'underweight' according to the standards set forth by the World Health Organisation. Returning a body mass index score below 18.5 indicates that your body is not receiving adequate nutrition to function properly. It may also indicate that other health conditions are probably contributing to the problem.
Many individuals often find it very difficult to gain weight even when they want to. While there can be various reasons for this condition, being underweight can also indicate that an underlying medical issue maybe at fault. Just be aware that being underweight can be a symptom of depression, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or other degenerative diseases.
Your stress levels and mental state can also lead to rapid weight loss, stress and depression together can often cause weight loss if left untreated. Being underweight could just mean you have a fast metabolism and need to adjust your diet accordingly, but to err on the side of caution, it is advisable to seek professional healthcare advice just in case there is an underlying health concern.
Classification:
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Below 16Well Underweight
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16 - 18.5Underweight
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18.5 - 25Normal
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25 - 29.9Overweight
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30 - 34.9Obese Class I
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35 - 39.9Obese Class II
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40 & OverObese Class III
BMI - Normal Range
A Body Mass Index score of above 18.5 but below 25 is considered to be in the classification of 'normal' according to the standards set forth by the World Health Organisation. Returning a body mass index score above 18.5 but below 25 indicates that your body is probably balancing the ratio of energy intake and energy expenditure quite well.
With the numerous studies announcing that the worlds obesity rates are rising at an alarming rate, having a body mass index in the classification of normal is fantastic news. This fantastic score does not mean you can relax and forget about acquiring the proper regular exercise, diet, and healthy lifestyle habits, it only means you are presently within normal weight limits for your height.
It is advisable to regularly check your body mass index, particularly if you are close to either end of the normal scale range. Be aware that it is quite possible to have a healthy looking body but still be affected by a whole range of medical conditions. Do not become complacent, excess alcohol consumption, smoking, insufficient nutrition or exercise can still affect your health and longevity.
Classification:
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Below 16Well Underweight
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16 - 18.5Underweight
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18.5 - 25Normal
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25 - 29.9Overweight
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30 - 34.9Obese Class I
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35 - 39.9Obese Class II
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40 & OverObese Class III
BMI - Overweight
A Body Mass Index score of above 25 to 29.9 falls into the classification of 'overweight' according to the standards set forth by the World Health Organisation. Returning a body mass index score within this weight classification is quite concerning for most individuals, and because it sits between normal and obesity class I, the individual is often referred to as being pre obese.
Being in the overweight classification is a sign that you need to take action now to improve your health and fitness levels. Persistent weight gain should be detected and managed as early as possible because it directly affects your energy levels, dietary choices, exercise intensity, and overall wellbeing, thereby making weight management all that more difficult.
If you have suddenly found yourself in the classification of being overweight, be aware that you are more at risk from health issues such as diabetes type-2, sleeping disorders, high blood pressure, gall stones and bladder diseases, heart disease, and various types of cancer. Crash dieting is not the answer, it is more about dietary choices and becoming more consistently active.
Classification:
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Below 16Well Underweight
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16 - 18.5Underweight
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18.5 - 25Normal
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25 - 29.9Overweight
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30 - 34.9Obese Class I
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35 - 39.9Obese Class II
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40 & OverObese Class III
BMI - Obese Class I
A Body Mass Index score of 30 to 34.9 falls into the classification of 'obesity class I' according to the standards set forth by the World Health Organisation. Returning a body mass index score within this weight classification is most certainly distressing for most individuals because there is just no more hiding from the fact you are no longer classed as overweight, but in fact clinically obese.
The obesity rates reported worldwide have seriously escalated in the past twenty years, and now surprisingly, obesity has overtaken tobacco smoking as the leading cause of premature death and illness. In fact obesity currently stands as the single largest threat to public health in many western countries. If weight issue is left unaddressed, obesity will directly affect your health and longevity.
Finding yourself classified as obese is not just about how an individual may appear, it is more about their vulnerability to a plethora of health issues and degenerative diseases. The condition of obesity is associated with an entire range of severe health issues such as asthma, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke, just to name a few.
Classification:
-
Below 16Well Underweight
-
16 - 18.5Underweight
-
18.5 - 25Normal
-
25 - 29.9Overweight
-
30 - 34.9Obese Class I
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35 - 39.9Obese Class II
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40 & OverObese Class III
BMI - Obese Class II
A Body Mass Index score of 35 to 39.9 falls into the classification of 'obesity class II' according to the standards set forth by the World Health Organisation. Returning a body mass index score within this weight classification is quite alarming, and common sense dictates that the individual must take action immediately to seek effective treatment in the effort to reduce their weight.
It has been reported that obesity is the leading avoidable cause of death worldwide with escalating rates in both adults and children. It is expected that if this current trend continues, by the time our children reach the age of twenty years, they will have a significantly shorter lifespan than that of the preceding generations. In 2013 the AMA justifiably classed obesity as a disease.
In most cases, obesity is caused by a combination of unnecessary food intake, lack of regular exercise, or genetic vulnerability. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or reputable dietician to address your current dietary choices and establish a sensible balanced diet plan based on your personal dietary requirements, and begin immediately with a regular exercise routine.
Classification:
-
Below 16Well Underweight
-
16 - 18.5Underweight
-
18.5 - 25Normal
-
25 - 29.9Overweight
-
30 - 34.9Obese Class I
-
35 - 39.9Obese Class II
-
40 & OverObese Class III
BMI - Obese Class III
A Body Mass Index score of 40 and over falls into the classification of 'obesity class III' according to the standards set forth by the World Health Organisation. Returning a body mass index score in excess of 40 usually indicates that the individual is already suffering an overabundance of health issues. Caring for obesity class III patients brings a unique set of demands to any healthcare facility.
The numerous health consequences for obese class III individuals fall into two main categories, those attributed to the effects of accumulated fat mass such as obstructive sleep apnoea, fatigue, osteoarthritis, and social indignity, and those due to the accumulated number of fat cells such as fatty liver disease, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, just to name a few.
This class of obesity is most certainly a major health issue and does take a long time to develop, so common sense dictates that returning to a healthy weight will also take quite a while as well. With the assistance of a professional healthcare provider and by making the correct healthy lifestyle choices, it is possible and never too late to begin on the path to acquiring a healthy body weight.
The Body Mass Index assists in possibly establishing an individuals risk for acquiring chronic disease, but should never be used in isolation. Although we are all powerless to alter our age, gender, ethnic background, and genetic history, other common risk factors such as unhealthy eating habits, insufficient physical activity, tobacco smoking, excess alcohol, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and overindulgence in general can be effectively managed.
The practical body mass index utility above performs the calculation of dividing your body weight in kilograms by your body height in centimetres squared. The result of this equation indicates the classification for your body mass according to the standards set forth by the World Health Organisation, whether that be Well Underweight, Underweight, Normal, Overweight, Obese Class I, Obese Class II, or Obese Class III.
Please be aware that the body mass index is intended to provide an indication only and does not take into account an individual’s age, gender, ethnic background, or body composition. Before making any significant dietary or lifestyle changes, it is always advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or reputable dietician. There is plenty you can do to take action against personal health risks, and checking your body mass index is just a sensible place to start.
Note: The parameters used in this BMI Calculator derive from the body mass index specifications of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), in cooperation with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), of the National Institutes of Health, to develop clinical standards for healthcare practitioners relating to the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults.
Varied Ratios Of Body Fat Percentage For Male and Female
When most individuals hear the term ‘body fat percentage’ they would normally believe it to be only associated with professional athletes or bodybuilding. This is because professional athletes are usually handicapped by carrying too much extra body fat weight, especially in the body building circles. These professionals must obtain a very low body fat percentage of around 5% or so in order to even compete.
While this certainly does promote awareness to the reason for developing low body fat, it also creates a rather inadequate perception. In fact, just 5% of body fat on the average individual may generate serious health issues, and further along on the scale, an individual with 25% of body fat may be either unhealthy or healthy all based upon their gender and age. It is probably better to see just what body fat percentages actually looks like.
It is essential to notice the variation of percentage between men and women when it comes to establishing healthy body fat percentages. Generally women are much healthier with a higher body fat percentage than men. This is largely because women require higher fat levels for a safe pregnancy, so as a result, you will notice that seperate body fat percentages are provided with the same health estimation for both genders.
For males aged between 20 and 40, 10% to 20% of body fat is considered to be generally good to excellent. For males aged between 40 and 60, 18% to 22% is considered to be good to excellent.
For females aged between 20 and 40, 18% to 26% of body fat is considered to be generally good to excellent. For women aged between 40 and 60, 24% to 30% is considered to be good to excellent.
Generally speaking, if your body fat percentage, for your gender, is lower than the lowest listed healthy body fat percentage, then it may indicate that you are carrying insufficient body fat. If your body fat percentage, for your gender, is higher than the highest listed healthy body fat percentage, then it may indicate that you are carrying surplus body fat.
In the event that you have surplus body fat then seeking a way to lose body fat is essential. Losing body fat will require perseverance in some sort of exercise program as dieting alone will not help with sufficient fat loss.
