Medically an increased weight can be described as an increased deposit of fat tissue around the body which is seen mainly around the abdomen, thighs, and arms. It should, however, be noted that obesity or increased weight can have many causes, a few conditions which can lead to obesity are thyroid conditions, diabetes, and other hormonal disorders. Apart from this an increased belly also has some common causes such as constipation, bloating or gas etc. Therefore, it is necessary for a person to consider a medical exam ruling out all possibilities which may cause an increase in weight or an increased belly.

Ruling out all the other possibilities and having a general medical exam can help you to determine your health status, and help in identifying possible hazards to avoid such as hypertension.

Apart from this, a physiotherapy examination can also help you to estimate any postural disturbances, your fitness levels, the muscles which are weak and need to be exercised, flexibility, strength, power etc.

The current approach to weight loss:

There have been many guidelines prepared by regulatory bodies for weight management. The focus of these guidelines has been on increasing physical activity and reducing calorie intake. 

The general recommendations are summarized below:

1. There should be an increase in the physical activities which can be easily incorporated into the daily routine.

2. The general recommendation is to undertake 30-40 minutes of moderate physical activities 6 days a week, to prevent obesity.

3. Reduce calorie intake.

These interventions in the daily life can prevent the development of weight gain, and can possibly reverse weight gain.

Why do some weight loss programs work and some don’t?

1. Myths about weight loss: People generally start off on a weight loss program having very less information about how to lose weight.

2. Myths about some exercises: It is very common to see people follow some general exercise patterns. I have heard about claims like walking is the best exercise! While other exercises such as those in the gyms are only suitable for people who want to look good.

3. Lack of commitment: Some people are not able to commit to an exercise program. It may be boring, or too stressful.

4. It just doesn’t work: Some people stick to a regimen but it just doesn’t seem to work for them.

5. Crash dieting: Crash dieting and some other harmful practices.

Tips to lose weight:

1. Simply speaking additional weight is additional energy: There are many ways to spend this additional energy. But what will matter to you is when you expend energy constantly throughout the day.

A study compared the amount of energy utilized by people who did their usual household chores, as to those who went to the gym. It was found that the group of people who did their household work did spend an almost equal amount of energy to those who went to the gym. But, it should be kept in mind that doing regulated gym/ other activity can help to look after other important aspects such as strength and power.

2. Myth such as walking is the best exercise etc. do not hold true: This is because everyone is different, scientifically some people spend more energy doing the same exercise than the others. This is because people have different metabolic rates.

3. Every exercise has its own place in a weight loss program: Different exercises work the body in various intensities and burn a different number of calories. You should consult a trained individual to construct a suited exercise program.

4. The best way to lose weight is in a gradual pattern: This saves you from nasty side-effects such as growth marks, loose hanging skin etc. It is therefore recommended to stick to a regimen suitable to you to have slow and sustained weight loss.

5. There may be many reasons that your exercise program doesn’t work for you: It is generally seen that the body becomes used to the amount of stress you place on it, this may cause a plateau in your weight loss or it may be possible that you are not using the other types of exercise which are more beneficial.

6. Restriction of calories: Restriction of calories is a serious matter, it can often be the predictor of success of exercise programs. It is recommended that a nutritionist is sought to address the calorie restriction whilst maintain adequate nutrition.