Reports and figures from a host of countries indicate that the number of people suffering from obesity is increasing, but there are many who will never experience the disease. These are the people who consciously or otherwise adopt two of the most important life-style rules for a healthy life - eat a varied and well balanced diet, and get plenty of exercise daily.

By following these two rules religiously, these people will never suffer from being obese, nor will they ever be grossly over weight. Its easier to follow these rules than it is to have to reduce unwanted weight.

Eat a varied diet of meat, chicken and fish all in moderate quantities. Eat five portions of fresh vegetables and two portions of fresh fruit daily. Have whole grain bread in preference to white bread and have a quantity of nuts to chew on if hungry. Foods to avoid are processed foods (high in salt and fats), fatty and high calorie foods, foods and drinks with excess quantities of sugar, and avoid too much alcohol.

Regular exercise are as equally important as a sound and nutritious diet.

Exercise should be carried out daily - either with a regular routine (such as a walk every day) or with a varied routine ( jogging one day, cycling the next, swimming the day after etc.) Light exercise would consist of a brisk walk for about 45 minutes and should be the minimum for a fit and healthy person.

Always be on the look out for opportunities to exercise further - such as taking the dog for a longer walk; walking to pick up the morning paper instead of using the car; spend time outdoors with the children during the summer evenings. There's a million and one ways of getting that bit more exercise in addition to what's done daily.

If these two rules are carried out regularly then they'll be no problem of being over weight and a person's lifestyle will be improved.

Treating Obesity

Until very recently there were three ways of treating an obese and over weight sufferer. These were by prescription pills; herbal pills; and only in urgent cases, stomach surgery. These methods would be used in addition to the lifestyle changes of regular exercises and eating a sensible diet.

For those people suffering from morbid obesity - that is with a Body Mass Index of over 40 - and who've tried the range of prescription drugs - then the only option to help them may be one of the types of Gastrointestinal surgery.

The most popular procedure involves the rearrangement of the digestive system to limit the amount of food held in the stomach. This is a relatively safe operation that can provide permanent results.

However, as with all operations , there is a risk involved. It may be that the operation does not give the desired results - there may not be value for money; there could be post-operation problems.

For sufferers with a BMI of between 30 an 40, then the best course of action, in addition to the recommended lifestyle changes, may be a course or prescription drugs, or a nutritionist may recommend a herbal supplement.

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