The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Battling the bulge

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 25, 2007
ePaper

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Battling the bulge

Govind D. Belgaumkar

BANGALORE: The rapidly bulging health market offers many options to lose weight, some affordable, some expensive, some sensible and some simply meant to cheat the gullible.

Among the last are potions and magic belts that claim to burn fat in return for a fat sum.

There are many sad tales of obese individuals who have fallen for the ad spiel, ending up only with lighter purses.

Health experts frown upon claims of losing 5 kg to 10 kg in a week or fortnight without any exercise. “Losing weight that fast can cause serious damages,” warns Tushara Ajith, fitness expert with the Talwalkars Fitness Planet at Jayanagar.

The World Health Organisation instead recommends increased physical activity — at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity on most days. More activity may be required for weight control, it says. “No pain, no gain,” points out Ms. Ajith.

Seventy-five-year-old Chartered Accountant N.C.S. Raghavan, who walks seven km every day, is full of energy when he walks into his office in Vyalikaval. He is one of those who have maintained good health without spending much.

Shashikala Arvind of Kala Tours, who knocked off seven kg in four months, is prepared to fork out Rs. 25,000 to a fitness centre to lose 20 kg.

“On my own I would not have done anything,” she points out. Latha Mohan of Harmony Placement lost 8 kg in similar programme. She agrees that cost is a major concern but it was an “eye-opener” for her. “Once you lose weight your confidence goes up,” she points out.

Whatever the method, those on a fitness mission unanimously declare: “Only your willpower can save you.”

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