Many people in Canada want to undertake a weight loss program or activity because they want to feel better about themselves and, of course, to be healthier.
A physically fit mind and body increases feelings of self-worth, but not everyone is successful in attaining it. Some people complain how hard it is to get the fat out of their bodies, and they are not alone.
Obesity has become a serious health concern that government officials warned that it is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the country. According to the Canadian Community Health Survey in 2004, about 23 percent of Canadians, particularly those 18 years of age and above, were categorized as obese, while 36 percent were overweight. The survey was determined using the body mass index or BMI. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in America defines BMI as a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
The 2004 survey also revealed the following percentage of obese and overweight Canadians by province:
- British Columbia at 19 percent
- Quebec at 22 percent
- Ontario at 23 percent
- Nova Scotia at 25 percent
- Prince Edward Island at 26 percent
- Alberta at 25 percent
- Manitoba at 28 percent
- New Brunswick at 29 percent
- Saskatchewan at 31 percent
- Newfoundland and Labrador at 34 percent
Aside from the more popular regular body exercise and caloric measurement, there are many weight loss programs out there that involve a structured diet.
A fat that reduces fat
There is a food supplement currently out in the market called conjugated linoleic acid or CLA, a type of good fat naturally extracted from beef and dairy products. However, the amount of CLA in these food items is reduced due to massive food processing practices.
According to experts, CLA intake speeds up metabolism that helps to efficiently burn fat, minimizes their appetites, lowers the blood sugar levels, and boosts the immune systems.
Besides reported benefits to diabetics and people with heart problems, its discovery and distribution has contributed to the decrease in obesity and overweight problems of many people living in Canada and elsewhere. As an antioxidant, it is said to help prevent cancer, as well as aging.
Proponents of this food supplement showed numerous people who took CLA and consequently lost significant pounds in their weight compared to those who did not. After the diet is over, many claim to have gained more muscle, rather than fat.
Leaves of nature
For many centuries, brewed green tea drinks are used to help boost energy, enhance mental concentration, and maintain a good heart and immune system.
Actually, it contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which stimulates the brain’s neurotransmitters to further boost brain wave activity; thus, making the mind more alert and calm.
It was only when researchers discovered that it contains a polyphenol called “epigallocatechin gallate” or EGCG, which appears not only to make weight loss possible, but also fights toxins that cause cellular damage, aging, cancer, and other harmful diseases.
For elderly people, green tea is very beneficial. Polyphenols look for, and destroy free radicals that cause skin spots and wrinkles, and help maintain smooth and healthy skin. In addition, there are studies that found drinking tea helps fight memory loss, dementia, cognitive problems, and Alzheimer’s disease.
