World Obesity Day: 6 Best Ways to Avoid Obesity While Working From Home

Remember how we all wish we could work from home? While there are some advantages to not going to the office (such as not wearing a tie or heels) there are also some disadvantages, some of which can be detrimental to your health.Also read – 3 simple steps to lose weight fast, supported by evidence

Working from home without any mobility and easy access to food from the workstation can result in sitting in one place for eight to ten hours, which allows for overeating and increases the risk of obesity. Due to the reduction in muscular activity, energy expenditure and calorie burning are also limited. Lack of access to the gym can lead to drowsiness, sleep disturbances and weight gain. Obesity is on the rise due to sedentary lifestyle, bad eating habits and lack of physical activity. While this can be difficult, there are some steps you can take to begin the process of preparation for mediation. Also read – Google has asked employees to return to the U.S. office by April 4

Here are some of the best ways to help prevent obesity while working from home:

1. Start by taking a few steps forward and working at your own pace; As long as you keep moving forward you will be able to accomplish your goals.
2. Make walking a part of your daily routine. Walking is a great and easy way to focus, increase your fitness and lose weight. Walking one mile (1.6 km) every day will help you burn about 100 calories.
3. Do push-ups to get almost your whole body working while also reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease. If you are overweight, you can facilitate push-ups by standing and with your hands against the wall instead of the floor. Try push-ups on the ground with your knees on the floor.
4. Squats can be considered one of the most effective techniques to increase fitness. Squats, while focusing on the leg muscles, can also benefit other parts of the body if done properly. If a full squat is difficult for you, you can adjust your body by lowering it in a chair before getting back up.
5. Sideways leg lift is a great way to work your lower body. Side leg lifts have been shown to help with discomfort and muscle function.
6. Stable cycling can help you build physical strength, increase your heart rate and develop your lungs. Also read – Understand how obesity can affect your bone and joint health

You can do these simple workouts at home, but don’t push yourself too hard. Focus on activities that are easy for you to accomplish, and work your way up from there, slowly starting and pushing yourself. If you are having trouble with your fitness, please seek professional help and start your journey to better health.

(Inputs from Dr. Sabika Abidi, Consultant Physiotherapist, Masina Hospital Physiotherapy Center, Mumbai)