I am 21 years old. My weight is 72 kg and height around 5’8’’. Though I am 21, I look much older. I also bend my back and walk and get very embarrassed when people look at me or ask my age. Please help me reduce my weight and walk properly.

The greatest achievement is to acknowledge a negative quality in oneself.  This is the starting point for a change in the right direction. I see, you already know about your incorrect posture. Now that you have realised it, it is time to work on improving it. The best way would be to check yourself in the mirror. First stand, how you would normally, with your back hunched. Then try and straighten it, and see how you look with it erect. I'm confident that once you notice the difference, especially how much taller you look, you yourself will make an effort to keep your back straight. Just try this technique, it will do wonders for your physique and self esteem. As per your weight, I would suggest you to start swimming and walking. Every weekend, go for a swim, while in the week, brisk walk for 45 min. This will make your body not only more flexible but also prepare it for weight loss.  This routine should be performed for atleast 6 months, after which you can start resistant training, where you focus on shaping your muscles and trimming flab. Please include 6-7 glasses of water, two fresh fruits and salad in your daily intake.

I am 19-years-old but my height is only 4'8''. I also have a tendency to put on weight even if I eat a little bit more. What should my ideal weight be?

Your ideal weight should be 40 kgs. What is your weight? How do you know you have put on weight after eating a little more. Weight is divided into water weight, muscle weight and fat weight. Thus when you say you have put on weight, it could be any of these three.

*Health Professions Council, UK.

YOUR QUESTIONS
Every week, Living will feature an interactive
column, ‘Well-being’, where your questions on health, fitness, diet and nutrition will be answered by experts. Send your questions to Living, c/o Deccan Herald, # 75, M G Road, Bangalore-560001 or mail us at living@deccanherald.co.in