The obesity epidemic in the United States and in the United Kingdom is thought to impact the economy to a tune that exceeds $2 trillion.
Could the solution be as simple as brisk walking on a regular basis?
Worldwide obesity rates have sky-rocketed in recent years. With greater access to processed foods, exercise being eclipsed by screen time and a greater proportion of people working sedentary jobs, developed countries are encountering an obesity perfect storm.
According to Public Health England, 63% of adults are above a healthy weight, and half of these people are obese. It’s a similar story across the pond. The prevalence of obesity in America is thought to be around 40%.
Obesity is linked to a range of health problems, especially when excess weight is carried around the essential organs, such as the heart, liver and kidneys.
Those who fall into the obese bracket are more likely to develop conditions such as cancer, heart disease and type II diabetes. Additionally, carrying excess weight also makes people more likely to suffer severe or fatal consequences of COVID-19.
Weight Loss: Information Overload
Maintaining a healthy weight is the key to avoiding health issues later down the line, but some could argue that there’s too much information (and misinformation) out there about losing weight.
These days, everyone’s selling a weight loss solution, be it an exercise guide, meal replacement or weight loss tea. These tend to be gimmicks and money making schemes, but for those struggling to lose weight, these quick-fix solutions can be tempting, especially when you don’t know what to do for the best.
We have a novel recommendation that could change your life: start walking.
Walking for Weight Loss
While we don’t profess that brisk walking will solve all your health problems overnight, it does have significant health benefits and won’t cost you a penny.
Not only that, but fitness walking makes you feel good and it is scientifically proven to improve your health.
The London School of Economics and Political Science has new research to back this up. Dr Grace Lordan has been examining health surveys that were conducted between 1999 and 2012.
Her findings show that those who engage in vigorous activity, such as brisk walking, are more likely to maintain a healthy weight. This was particularly true of women, those over the age of 50 and those on low incomes.
Lordan’s research also found that men and women who regularly took brisk 30-minute walks had lower BMIs and smaller waists than those who engaged in regular sports/exercise. This leads us to believe that brisk walking may be especially helpful if you are trying to lose weight around your midsection, to protect your essential organs.
How Much Walking Do You Need To Do?
The British government recommends that adults do 150 minutes or more of moderate exercise every week, which equates to 30 minutes, 5 times a week. At the moment, 80% of the British population is not meeting this target.
Reach your step target this week by incentivising your daily walks. Use the Sweatcoin app to track your steps and earn monetary credit for walking.
