An inactive lifestyle can lead to a whole host of health problems such as lower back pain, hypertension, a high resting heart rate and a lower metabolic rate to name but a few, which is why this week I will focus on obesity. Obesity is a commonly used term to describe someone who is overweight yet it is not often explained. What is obesity and how do we become obese? In simple terms obesity can be defined as the excessive storage of body fat, resulting in significant impairment of health and general wellbeing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently declared obesity as a disease in its own right, rather than a condition that merely leads to associated and already declared diseases. Dietary intake is central to weight management but is rarely the sole factor involved. The key issue is energy balance - any food intake which exceeds the energy you actually use will cause you to gain weight. As most obese people do undertake very little activity, their energy balance is tipped in favour of storing excess calories as body fat, which causes them to feel tired and irritable. It has also been suggested that people with an inactive lifestyle have a greater appetite for food, which can make the problem even worse. Obesity can be caused by a low metabolic rate or simply by over-eating and under-exercising. Either way, it can be linked to many health problems and a reduction in lifespan, so it needs to be prevented wherever possible and treated where necessary. As physical activity is responsible for around 15% to 30% of total daily energy expenditure, it is the most vital factor in reducing obesity. This can be as simple as increasing activities of daily living (ADLs) such as walking to work, the shops or taking a specific time to exercise. This should be light exercise to begin with for a minimum of 20 minutes, five to seven times a week. Beyond this, physical activity for obesity sufferers has to be approached with caution, so please consult your GP before taking part in a new exercise programme or contact a qualified personal trainer. Helen and her colleagues at Greens Health & Fitness can be contacted on (0191) 213-0070. | 
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