If we have learned one thing in recent years, it is that obesity is a serious health problem.
The age of COVID-19 has shown us that obesity and other modifiable risk factors must be addressed.
Most nations have adopted a sole-reliance policy in combating COVID-19, and vaccination is this primary strategy of "prevention." As a holistic health professional, I know that treating everyone with the same pharmaceutical makes no sense. We're too biologically unique.
This one-size-fits-all vaccination approach must be re-examined, and other preventive measures, both drug and non-drug-based, must be available.
Thousands of medical experts have screamed from the rooftop about non-pharma-based interventions and preventive measures, but we have seen poor general health advice. The simple inclusion of Vitamin D supplementation would dramatically improve most people's health.
Article after article transmit the data that proves an increased risk of complications associated with COVID-19 when people have comorbidities such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and obesity.
Death rates are 10 times higher in countries where more than half of the population is overweight (1).
Check out these statistics. I am almost certain that they are officially at least 10% higher in all countries.
Canada - % of Obese Adults: 29.40%
USA - % of Obese Adults: 36.20%
UK - % of Obese Adults: 27.80%
The CDC says 73.6% of Americans are overweight and 42.5% obese (2).
Dr. Eugene Daugherty, who works at Novant Health Children's Hospital in Charlotte, says
“At least 9 out of 10 patients that we’re seeing who are sick enough, especially to be in the ICUs throughout the state, obesity plays a part in this."
He questions whether health officials have done enough to spread the message, especially to younger people.
“It feels like — at least in the messaging that I’ve seen — as though it’s being treated as more of a footnote than anything else, and something I feel like many people have missed.”
Appetite
Obesity is complex. It is the result of many factors: genetics, behavioural and environmental. I am sure that we all have a relationship with diet plans, one way or another. And I hope that we have all come to the same conclusion: weight loss diets, as we know them, do not work.
Here I would like to share with you natural ways to suppress and control your appetite.
SPINACH
Swedish studies examined an extract in spinach called thylakoids, which reduced hunger by up to 95% and increased weight loss at 43% (3).
The significant part of this study was that the reduction of hunger was based on unhealthy foods, sweets and junk foods. Spinach helps the body create satiety hormones, which leads to better appetite control and ultimately weight loss.
YOGURT
Yogurt has a unique composition, including specific bacteria that affect your microbiome. Yogurt has been shown to increase fat loss, reduce food consumption, increase satiety, and positively change your gut hormone response.
FLAXSEED
Flaxseed is high in fibre and omega-3 fats, making it a great choice for appetite suppressing. During studies, only small amounts of flax helped suppress hunger and increase energy intake, as has been shown in several studies. Flax seems to work either way as a drink or food.
BLACK PEPPER
Pungent spices, such as black pepper, help suppress appetite and are a common Ayurvedic medicine. Piperine is the primary component of black pepper, and is known to improve the availability of certain nutrients, such as curcumin, and fight obesity (4).
Studies using a black pepper beverage concluded that the beverage modulated appetite by reducing hunger, desire to eat, and "prospective consumption," while increasing satiety and fullness (4)
Many options exist to help with weight issues, these foods are one of them.
It is simple, obesity dramatically increases your risk of illness and death.
Happy eating.
Simon Brazier. Dip HN, NNCP
simon@truehope.com
References
1. Newman K. Study: High blood pressure, obesity are most common comorbidities in COVID-19 patients. U.S. News & World Report Apr. 22, 2020.)
2. National Center for Health Statistics. Obesity and Overweight. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mar. 1, 2021.
3. ScienceDaily September 2, 2014 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140902114928.htm
4. Zanzer Y et al "Black pepper-based beverage induced appetite-suppressing effects without altering postprandial glycaemia, gut and thyroid hormones or gastrointestinal well-being: a randomized crossover study in healthy subjects" Food Funct. 2018 May 23 ;9(5):2774-2786