A Dietician, Tunde Ajobo, of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, says reducing extra fat in obese patients is crucial for good health.
Ajobo made the remark in an interview on Thursday in Ibadan.
He said reducing the extra fat was also essential for improving the body figure or appearance.
The dietician says that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 10 per cent initial weight to be shed, which reduces the risk by 30 per cent.
According to him, an individual is considered obese when the body weight is 20 per cent or more above the desirable weight.
He noted that illness and disabilities caused by obesity outnumbered all the diseases of vitamin and minerals deficiencies put together.
“The fat under the skin on the stomach and upper arm is representative of the percentage of overall body fat. If it’s more than one and half inches, one is considered overweight.
“If it’s under half inch, one is considered underweight.
“Individual’s weight history, medical history, behavioral eating pattern, among others should all be considered,” he said.
Ajobo said that genes could also set the stage for overweight or obesity but that one’s body weight is ultimately determined by the diet and physical activities.
In the management of obesity, Ajobo recommended a more liberal approach to reducing the fat intake without restricting calories, coupled with an exercise programme to burn calories.
He advised people to avoid fried foods, but rather, choose boiled ones because boiled ones had low calories.
“Plan three moderate meals per day at a set time. Emphasise food selection from a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, complex carbohydrates and fibre,” he said.
Ajobo also emphasised that herbal preparation for weight loss did not have standardised amount of active ingredients and had been reported to have harmful effects.
He,rather, recommended a weight loss programme combined with behavioural modification and increased physical activity or exercise.
“The long term dangers of obesity are like a sword hanging over one’s head, which can strike anytime and create numerous difficulties.
“However, the joy about obesity is that weight could be shed gradually with less stress,” Ajobo said.
NAN
