Battle of the Bulge

Obesity is a problem all developed countries are facing. Infact according to the National Center for Health Statistics, 66.3% Americans above age 20 years are overweight and 32% are obese. Alarmingly 19% of children in the age group of 6-11 years are overweight.

When my wife became pregnant and started putting on weight, slowly but surely I started gaining weight too. In all terms, I guess, the pregnancy effect spread on me with full force. My weight ballooned by almost 15 kilos. More importantly I put on a lot of fat and seemed round and pudgy.

I have been reasonably fit throughout my life and this new state didn't quite gel with me. I started hitting the gym and focussed on getting myself in shape. Since then, I have lost around 15 kilos. More importantly, my body fat % has dropped to approximately 15% from 30%!  I have started fitting back into the clothes I wore during my college days. Yipeee!

During this phase I have learnt a lot and decided to share my new found knowledge with all those who are interested in getting in shape. 

First and foremost, for all those 'How much do I weigh?' obsessed people out there, its not about how much you weigh, but how much body fat are you carrying around with you. Thats the question you should be asking yourself. Take bodybuilders for instance, most of them weigh 90+ kilos! Do they seem unhealthy, fat or overweight to you? Its a fact that muscle weighs more than fat and takes less space too. Ultimately you want to replace fat with muscle to look good. Also you need to get into good cardio shape too. Therefore our ultimate plan will be to lift weights as well as do cardiovascular exercise for building strength, endurance and stamina.

To start off, measure your body fat % by following this link

http://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Body-Fat-Using-the-US-Navy-Method

This will give you a rough idea as to how much FAT you are carrying around.  Then determine what your ideal body fat % should be, for your age group.

http://www.weightlossforall.com/fat-percentage-ideal.htm

This will give you a target to aim for. Remember, as you lose body fat, automatically you will weigh less (unless of course you are a hard core body builder!).

A careful planning of diet coupled with REGULAR exercise will be your way to fitness and good health. Don't fall for crash diets or any other miracle cures. Did you put on all that fat overnight? No? Similarly you cannot expect to lose all that weight overnight. It will take focus, dedication and a strong will to achieve your goal. BUT believe me, its very easy once you get into the groove. Just stick with it for a month and see the results yourself.

'The most important wealth a person can have, is their Health'