Weight loss may be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear words like exercise, physical activity, nutrition, diet, and healthy eating, but there’s much more to it. A lifestyle that consists of physical activity and proper nutrition is important to your
overall quality of life, more than just the benefit of weight loss. The truth is that physical activity and nutrition are essential to a healthy body and a healthy mind. Eating a balanced diet and being physically active are two of the most important things
you can do to be and stay healthy at any age. A balanced diet includes eating the right amount of calories and nutrients to maintain a
healthy weight. ChooseMyPlate and the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide recommendations for most Americans on what and how much to eat to nourish your body.
Physical activity is any form of movement that uses energy. People of all shapes and sizes and abilities can benefit from being physically active. Some physical activity is better than none and the more you do the more benefits you gain. The US Physical
Activity Guidelines provide guidance for most Americans on types and amounts of physical activity that are linked to health benefits.
Eating smart and being active have similar effects on our health. These include:
● Reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and some cancers and associated disabilities
● Prevent weight gain and/or promote weight loss
● Improve overall well-being
Being active can also improve your personal appearance, encourage fun with family and friends, maintain the ability to live independently, and enhance fitness for sports. Conclusion Our environment does not sufficiently enable the public to make healthier choices easily. Unhealthy diets and physical inactivity remain among the leading causes of the major NCD’s and contribute substantially to the global burden of disease. The nurse’s role involves an increasing amount of health promotion and the provision of
appropriate, personalized, safe and effective lifestyle advice as part of the wider inter- professional team’s approach to personalized healthcare. Utilizing appropriate resources and tools that educate, enable and empower nurses is vital in our approaches to tackle the obesity crisis.