The ‘bitter’ pill

With several new shortcuts to weight loss emerging every day and top-notch marketing skills like attractive posters, advertisements in magazines, billboards, even pop-ups on phones, it is becoming impossible not to consider these methods. One of the most prominent shortcuts is consuming weight loss pills and supplements with no form of exercise. Prominent products that are available online and over the counter are Garcinia Cambogia, Raspberry Ketones, Hydroxycut, Sibutramine, Fenproporex, Dinitrophenol  and several others.

Gautam Raj, a trainer says, “Due to the social pressure to lose weight, I sought the help of weight loss pills and that is definitely a decision I regret.

From headaches to nausea, gastric issues and a deteriorating health, I experienced it all. I finally realised that the only way to lose weight is by working out in the gym, by toning muscles, building stamina and improving self-confidence. I did it with a lot of dedication and fell in love with the gym so much so that now I help several others in losing weight the right way. The only diet you will need is a good appetite, lots of water and eating on time.”

Psychologists have confirmed that shortcuts to weight loss can affect an individual’s social behaviour, ultimately leading to a serious case of clinical depression.  

Joji Thomas, a pastor and psychologist explains, “Millennials are a generation that witnessed everything around them turning quicker, faster and in an instant. The struggle to keep up with that pace affects the decision making in every sphere of life, including weight loss. Instant gratification becomes the norm rather than coming to terms with process and principles. When a client comes with body image issues, they come with tremendous internal and external stress, having tried shortcuts that have not been effective. They seek instant solutions through counselling. The goal would be to boost their weakened inner strength and equip them to make the right choices.”

Dr Veena Chetan, a nutritionist advises, “The key is to eat all that you wish but in ¼ proportions, this way you suppress the craving and indirectly stop the secretion of insulin in the body. Any form of diet that doesn’t satisfy the craving caused by the five sensory organs will not work until the craving is suppressed.”

With all these theories, you might wonder what you can do to lose weight. Well, the answer is simple. To achieve something you want, you have to push yourself to workout appropriately, and this can work well with the support of a nutritionist and a personal trainer.

Fredy Francis, personal trainer and sports nutritionist elaborates, “We do suggest protein shakes but its purpose is to help lose weight without losing muscles, and it works only when you workout under the guidance of a trainer.”  

Accepting yourself the way you are, and staying healthy is key to a sustainable lifestyle.