Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
Divorce, Maintenance, Personal Injury, Medical Negligence
I don’t think that there has ever been as much of a wake-up call for losing weight as there is now. The statistics and the reports, even if the media does not always want to go fully into the details, clearly indicate that the overwhelming majority of people who die from Covid-19 are overweight or elderly or both.
Of course, like with everything, there are always exceptions – a well-muscled, running fanatic who falls ill from the disease and dies - and that could be me or you. I am not dismissing that at all, but statistics don’t lie and the vast majority of young people who are dying from this disease are not healthy. It is really a message to all of us about watching our diets and trying to make sure that we stay in a reasonable shape. That does not mean you have to be a gym fanatic, but it certainly does not mean being 20 or more kilograms overweight! It takes a bit of effort to stay in a decent shape, but not so much that the alternative – living a shorter life, suffering from a variety of conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure and being more vulnerable to diseases like this – don’t make it worthwhile.
It is true, as they often write in international media, that obesity is a disease of poverty. In other words, that poorer people often go for cheaper diets which invariably are much worse foods, but in some cases it is just a weak mother at home who indulges her children with sugar and allows them to drink Coca Cola and soft drinks and feeds them junk foods. That sort of thing is almost criminal to my mind and it is really unfair when parents bring you up in that way – that you enter the adult world obese, because your parents did not educate you properly on exercise and allowed or even worse, encouraged you to eat bad food at home. It is really not an excuse to say, “I cannot help it, but my child loves ...”.
It is tough when you have trained yourself to overeat and to like sugar too much to cut back on those things, but it can be done with a lot of pain and a lot of effort. Now is certainly the time and there is no point in pretending that it is just about walking a few extra steps a day – you really need to do something even harder - and that is to go through the hunger pains at a restriction in your diet and removing sugar from your diet.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Monday 18-May-20
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Comments
Joyce said:
on Tuesday 07-Jul-20 04:24 PM
I think the Covid 19 is taking control of all people, I think the only way to go is to just try follow the precautionary measures if it means losing weight then be it
Melandre' said:
on Friday 19-Jun-20 10:37 AM
Obesity and unhealthy eating habits start at home with what parents allow. Its up to us to form our own lifestyle afterwards, however it is hard to completely change your eating habits if consuming all kinds of sugars was constantly allowed. I personally believe there should be a balance.
Bianca Taljaard said:
on Thursday 04-Jun-20 03:46 PM
Weight loss doesn't begin in the gym with a dumb bell, it starts in your head with a decision.
Roxanne said:
on Thursday 04-Jun-20 03:19 PM
I used to be big and lost the weight without using all the thing on the market. Eating healthy has gotten expensive but its not always what you eat, its also about the work you put in
Cornelie said:
on Thursday 04-Jun-20 10:36 AM
I used to be on the overweight side, I have lost some KG just by eating properly and gutting out a whole lot of things. I won’t ever want to be overweight again if I look at pictures how I used to look I don’t ever want to go that route again.
Brenda Strydom said:
on Tuesday 02-Jun-20 08:33 AM
I agree that you need to have self control what you eat.I try to eat healthy but its not always easy.
Thabitha said:
on Tuesday 02-Jun-20 07:32 AM
I agree with the media proper food or diet is expensive and I have never seen so many people jogging on our streets like now
Victoria said:
on Monday 01-Jun-20 09:53 AM
I think it is important have a healthy diet and try stay fit. Although I do love my sweets but I also really like my fruits and vegetables.
Helen said:
on Friday 29-May-20 04:01 PM
Very interesting to see how your body start changing and how you start feeling when competently cutting off sugar from the diet.
Very interesting historical facts: when cane sugar first made its way to Europe around 1,000 years ago, it was treated as a spice, a medicine and a preservative.
In 1700, the average sugar consumption in the United Kingdom was around two kilograms per person per year. Today, the figure is 10 times that amount. Over the past 300 years, sugars have thus gone from an occasional luxury to a substantial component of the average western diet.
We have changed the world to suit our appetites, but our bodies cannot accommodate the change.
Bronwyn said:
on Thursday 28-May-20 09:10 AM
I grew up in a home with my family having a lot of unhealthy foods which in turn caused a lot of havoc,which has now taught me to be very strict with what my children eat and how much they eat with cutting out sugar and carbs,this was not easy for me as this was apart of a daily diet but it had to become a lifestyle and in turn I am becoming much healthier.
Zindy said:
on Thursday 28-May-20 09:05 AM
I am definitely guilty of loving sugar to much. I know i should not and need to self discipline when it comes to things like coke and an energy drink for example but sometimes feels as if it keeps me going lol. I do think with the lock down alot of people have been forced to eat healthier for some time when all the fast food places were closed which is not a bad thing but will they now when they reopen they will just go back to eating the food or will they eat more home made meals.
Ashleigh said:
on Thursday 28-May-20 09:04 AM
Yes I agree we should eat healthier than what we do but also being healthy doesn't guarantee your life either. Some of the healthiest people have died from lung disease but never smoked and some healthy people have died from heart attacks. We are not guaranteed life and no one will live forever.
Clare said:
on Thursday 28-May-20 08:48 AM
You only live once, if you die from Convid 19 or obesity you still going to die and that is a fact, lets take a look at one of the most fittest person in world that die from a heartache well know martial artiest / actor Bruce lee.. You can walk to the shop or how a runner can run in the road and get hit by a car and then you die and also you can go stand in a line at the the shop and then they get robbed and then you get in the middle of a cross fire and you get shoot and you die.. Life is not promised and people should know that their is more to people then just looks and weight.
Kayla said:
on Thursday 28-May-20 08:39 AM
To be able to live longer you will need to unfortunately have a healthier diet and take care of yourself. Drink vitamins everyday and exercise. It is a very disciplined lifestyle that you have to get yourself into with the temptations of unhealthy food. But once you get used to the lifestyle it can be really good for you.
fikile said:
on Wednesday 27-May-20 11:00 AM
Sugar is always the main factor that makes gets people to be obese and most people don't want to stop or even think about their future, but we can't always blame sugar for most people that are obese because the is also the fast food places that sell food that has to much oil in it or even carves and that is also not good for your heart and your body but d people take that to consideration? No because for them it cuts that part of cooking and stuff and when it comes to buying food at the shops do we look through the label and read if the food is good for your health or not, we don't, we just buy what we think is best and what we want to eat at that time. My sister and i watch my 600 pound life and we see how much food these people a day and most of the food they eat is fast food but most of them they eat a lot because of how they grow up and food was a solution for them.
sandra said:
on Tuesday 26-May-20 04:39 PM
Yes, it does take effort to hit the gym or to exercise at the comfort of your own home, but it is worthwhile. I gym almost everyday before work and not only does it keep you strong, etc, but it gives you a lot of energy. Unfortunately, i do have a sweet tooth so i cannot comment much on same
Ziyanda said:
on Monday 25-May-20 03:28 PM
I think this period has made people realize how important it is to take care of their health.People have now started running, taking walks and supplements.
Michelle Smillie said:
on Monday 25-May-20 01:00 PM
I think the lockdown period was actually beneficial in this instance. People were forced to survive on what they have in their homes, as it was not that easy to make a simple trip to the store simply for a bar of chocolate or packet of chips, and there were also no take-aways so people had to make their own food, which is always healthier than what you buy at fast food chains and even most restaurants.
Alexis said:
on Monday 25-May-20 12:49 PM
I think that all in all, this was a massive wake up to the world of how unhealthy we are living. I do agree that it is hard to do the right thing as it is costly, but if one can at least try to minimize the bad things being put into the body, that is a good start. It is not expensive to buy fruits and vegetables for an average person. The world however prefers to go for the easiest and most convenient though, rather to make a meal that you know would be far healthier.
Chante said:
on Monday 25-May-20 12:00 PM
It is never a bad idea to look after yourself and stay healthy, regardless of the virus. Looking after one self could be hard at times but in the long run it will be worth going through the ups and downs of making drastic changes to your diet and exercise. It is however sadly true that foods that are less healthy are cheaper than fresh, organic and wholesome foods - this is why it can be harder for some more than others to keep healthy.
Henrietta said:
on Monday 25-May-20 10:32 AM
I agree now is the time to lose weight but some people are stress eaters.... I have to admit that since working from home I've been baking and eating a lot, not all unhealthy but not all healthy. We've been exercising a lot with a demanding 2 year old who wants to run outside and jump on the trampoline we have been force to join him and its been helping a lot and drinking a lot of water. Sugar is addictive but we do everything in moderation, I'm not depriving myself of it but we not overdoing it, moderation like I said.
Jessica said:
on Monday 25-May-20 09:09 AM
Well I don't like sugar much at all. I have never really liked sweets. However my down fall is starch potatoes are my weakness. But either way I generally try to keep my weight under control. I actually ate less during this lock down because of the stress. So maybe it was a good thing.
Prishani said:
on Thursday 21-May-20 04:48 PM
I must admit that sugar is my weakness! I have been taught to always have it in moderation. I think a little bit of sugar can be enjoyed but the key is moderation! Which is something I find hard to observe at times.
Danielle said:
on Tuesday 19-May-20 09:01 AM
Keeping fit and eating healthy makes a person feel good and also stay healthy. Less doctors visits and less worries.
Michelle D said:
on Monday 18-May-20 05:01 PM
Everyone needs to figure out what works for them. It's not a one size fits all thing. I think women in particular have a very unhealthy relationship with food and their bodies. I used to comfort eat, feel guilty about eating so much, and then comfort eat some more. The moment I decided to be less hard on myself, the less I needed food. Changing your lifestyle is much more affective and less restrictive than a die hard diet.
Bianca Niemann said:
on Monday 18-May-20 05:01 PM
This is a wake up call to lead a more healthier lifestyle, and most people to have the opportunity to start really working out now. I do not enjoy sweet things, but I will never say no to some salty snacks! Self control is key here.
Megan said:
on Monday 18-May-20 03:38 PM
I appreciate that my parents taught us not to have sugary drinks with our meals nor expect desserts every day. My parents did a great job I think and during this time I haven't gotten out of hand with unhealthy eating or overeating due to my upbringing.
Melissa said:
on Monday 18-May-20 01:39 PM
It's a good time to start losing weight now. With the lockdown I ate a lot, but when I'm at the office I eat healthy. Luckily I don't really have a sweet tooth for sweets. I agree that you need to have self control to control what you eat, that is the only way to look after your body and feel good.
Nicolene said:
on Monday 18-May-20 01:10 PM
Yes now is a time for losing weight, but it's more difficult when you're at home. I think you eat more when you're at home for some reason. I have never really been a fan of sweets, but after my pregnancy I will eat a slab or two a day, but at-least I get a lot of exercise with my twins. :-)
Tamaryn said:
on Monday 18-May-20 01:08 PM
I think I'm lucky in that I don't have a sweet tooth, I always opt for something savory and would much rather have cheeses and the like as a dessert (only exception being malva pudding or sago which is once in a blue moon). Then again, growing up there were no sweets or fizzy cooldrinks in the house- which is far better. Sugar is definitely a killer and too much wreaks havoc on the body.
Lucretia said:
on Monday 18-May-20 12:58 PM
I have to say that since i have put on so much weight over the years, i feel a lot more sluggish and tired than before. I know that i need to lose at least 10kg to feel more comfortable again but to get my head into that space is proving to be a lot more difficult at this stage in my life as to when i was in my 20's or 30's. I would say to any of the younger generation, get into shape while it is still easier because the older you get, the more difficult it is to start that diet and lose that weight.....
Natasha said:
on Monday 18-May-20 12:56 PM
I think eating healthy and exercising is a good thing for everyone because you feel better about yourself if you do that .Parents that gives their children all sorts of junk its just wrong they don't care
Daniella said:
on Monday 18-May-20 12:49 PM
I feel like balance is so important, its also so important to teach your children healthy eating and exercise- in the end I would just like my child to have a healthy relationship with food where there is balance.
Nikita said:
on Monday 18-May-20 12:43 PM
I try to live by moderation is key. In my own household I try to replace sweets with fruit and fizzy drinks with soda water. I am however a sucker for a block of chocolate every night. If left to my own devices I would probably eat the slab.
Angelique said:
on Monday 18-May-20 12:03 PM
Exercise and running anyday. Healthy eating? that's another story. I do believe everything in moderation but it is a good idea to teach your kids from young so future generations will change. However, kids go to school and you cannot monitor or be too strict on your child. I remember a friend in high school who was a gymnast on a strict diet. As soon as she got to school she bought everything sugar filled and gobbled what ever she could before going home. Her parents were too strict with no sugar or junk rule. She ended up becoming obsessed with sugary sweets and all sorts of food. Today? Obese.
Nicolle said:
on Monday 18-May-20 11:31 AM
I am fortunate enough to speak from the perspective of the full spectrum in this regard. I gained a significant amount of weight over a number of years, where, I was classified as obese. I was in absolute denial about it, often feeling sorry for all the children out there that were deprived the pleasures of a sweet delicious chocolate cake on their birthdays. I admit, I had tried some of the "diets" hoping for a quick fix. In 2017, a decision was taken not to diet, no, but rather to make a complete lifestyle change. No sugar, from refined sugars to natural sugars like fructose. No carbohydrate, or, rather as little carbs as possible. Keto. High in good fats and low in Sugars and carbohydrate.
Kicking the addiction that is sugar was difficult. Transitioning your body from being fuelled from sugar etc to fat, was difficult. It took approximately two years for me to shed most of the unwanted weight. I feel better. The body functions better. I have, fortunately / unfortunately become the person who looks at a candy bar and thinks that is a gross overload of unnecessary, unhealthy sugar.
Sujata said:
on Monday 18-May-20 10:35 AM
Healthy eating is a must but purchasing organically grown foods is pricey. Organic is now a commodity that not every individual can afford and enduring hunger pains has other harmful effects on the body. Gradual changes that are not costly can be made such as limiting sugar and salt intake, regular exercise and a balanced protein to nutrient content. A balance in ones diet is necessary and this will include guilty pleasures that are certainly not a crime.
Sinead said:
on Monday 18-May-20 10:33 AM
I do agree with you - it starts with parents. It's as you grow older that you pick up bad eating habits. If you are not disciplined enough, it turns into a slippery slope... I must admit, it is easier said than done but it is possible to turn your lifestyle around and become "healthier". We won't have this opportunity again...
Kendall said:
on Monday 18-May-20 09:24 AM
When it comes to healthy eating I think that you need a balance. I do not believe in cutting out sugar and unhealthy foods completely. Generally when people are on extremely strict diets, they do not manage to keep that up forever. Good food is one of the pleasures in life. It is important to eat healthy but also to have everything in moderation. I think the same goes for children, a chocolate or sweet every now and then is not going to do much harm. To me a healthy lifestyle is a balanced lifestyle.
Dasanya said:
on Monday 18-May-20 09:20 AM
With this pandemic came a lot of changes. People have started realising the importance of making better choices such as eating better and exercising a bit more. I also think that this lockdown has given people the time do do things that they have just never found time for which in a way has formed good habits going forward.
Karien said:
on Monday 18-May-20 09:09 AM
Being healthy and having healthy habits has always been important, but the coronavirus has highlighted the fact that health is the ultimate wealth.
Being overweight is generally accompanied by other underlying health issues, and underlying health issue accompanied with the coronavirus is what cause most deaths.
Whether you are overweight or in a healthy weight range, it is important to manage and treat underlying health issues during the pandemic, and if losing a few kilograms is the answer, one should take immediate action.
patrick said:
on Monday 18-May-20 09:04 AM
I agree with you that it starts with parents. If we set a good example kids will follow. I also agree with you that it is hard to kick away sugar consumption habit.
Lourien said:
on Monday 18-May-20 08:57 AM
I don't believe in a diet, its about having everything in moderation.
You need to enjoy what you eat and as long as everything is taken in moderation you should enjoy a healthy life. I have never cut out sugar from my diet and I don't believe that I will unless it is a matter of life and death.
Have a piece of cake and enjoy it, but with that said you need to practice self-control.
Claudia B said:
on Monday 18-May-20 08:55 AM
I do like to keep myself fit and healthy, makes you feel good when you are healthy and active. eating healthy can be expensive yes so many people will go for the cheaper diets that's not so healthy at all.
Courtney said:
on Monday 18-May-20 07:55 AM
I love doing park run's and jogging! I am not so good with the healthy eating but I am trying to do better every day.
Being active also helps a lot when it come's to headaches. I used to work out everyday and once I stopped I suffered from bad headaches again. .
david said:
on Monday 18-May-20 07:52 AM
just imagine if this virus took the stupid people too.
Mathilda Du Preez said:
on Monday 18-May-20 07:40 AM
I do not believe in the term “diet”
It's all about making it a lifestyle, there is no such thing as a quick fix or a magic pill.
So many people have the wrong idea of "healthy eating" they think they should starve themselves or go on a liquid diet for a month and everything will be fine.
Personally I eat 6 meals a day that consist of Healthy Fats, Carbs and protein; I cut out all sugar and Dairy.
If you starve yourself your metabolism will stand still, you have to fuel your body with healthy foods and small meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism active.
Staying active is also very important and you do not need a gym to be active, there are so many HIIT workouts on YouTube you can do in the comfort of your own home.
Investing in a treadmill /cardio bicycle and weights is also a good idea.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
