People are experimenting with various methods to lose weight as obesity continues to rise at an alarming rate around the world. Obesity is a leading cause of many fatal diseases and must be addressed as soon as possible. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, more than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese. This is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed in order to prevent diseases and disorders.
People from all over the world use a variety of techniques to lose weight. Adopting some of the tried-and-true methods used by people all over the world can help us deal with weight loss.
10 Weight Loss Strategies From Around the World
In this section, we will look at 10 Weight Loss Strategies From Around the World used by people from various cultures.
India and Indonesia – Fasting
This first one is one-of-a-kind. While we’re discussing what people eat to lose weight, here’s one about not eating at all! Fasting is a religious practise in some parts of the world. People in India fast for various ceremonies and religious observances. Sometimes they only drink water all day, and other times they don’t even drink water. Similarly, people in Indonesia observe Mutih, where they only eat white rice and drink water. However, this practise is not intended to aid in weight loss or calorie reduction. The idea behind this practise is to give the digestive system a chance to rest and recover. The weight loss that results is simply a byproduct of this practise.
However, most experts do not recommend fasting as a weight-loss method because it can cause fatigue, lack of concentration, and mood swings if not properly managed. Fasting in moderation, on the other hand, can help to break the cycle of mindless eating and give the digestive system a much-needed rest
Poland – In-Home vs. Out-of-Home Dining
People in Poland prefer eating home-cooked food to eating food from a restaurant. They usually only spend 5% of their budget on eating out. However, across the Atlantic, Americans spend 37% of their income on restaurants and fast-food establishments. By eating at home more frequently, you can not only save money but also reduce your calorie intake. Eating home-cooked meals is also far healthier than eating fast food. People who frequently eat out are typically heavier than those who eat at home. One of the primary contributors to obesity is the trend of eating outside food.
Brazil – Rice and Beans
Almost every meal in Brazil includes a traditional dish of rice and beans. Researchers discovered that a low-fat, high-fiber diet based primarily on rice and beans reduces the risk of becoming overweight. Rice and beans are important components of a well-balanced diet, especially if wholegrain rice is used instead of white rice. The size of the portion is another factor that influences weight-loss goals. Rice and beans must be included in a healthy balanced diet.
India – Yoga
Yoga is an ancient Hindu practise that not only benefits overall body and mind health but also aids in weight loss. Researchers from North Central University in America discovered that people who regularly practised yoga had a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who exercised in other ways. Yoga strengthens muscles and increases metabolism.
Yoga practitioners discuss the various Yoga poses that aid digestion and help them to be more mindful when they are full. To lose weight, the body must burn more calories than it consumes, and one way to achieve this is to increase physical activity. People should not expect to lose weight after just a few Yoga sessions if they want to achieve the best weight-loss results.
Norway – Physical Activity
People in Norway are conscious of their food intake and place a high value on physical activity. Norwegians are far more engaged than Americans. In Norway, especially during the summer, people use the weekend to go on a hike with their families. However, heavy snowfall occurs in the Nordic regions during the winter. Instead of staying inside, they take advantage of the opportunity to go cross-country skiing and participate in other winter sports. This allows them to burn calories while also spending quality time with their families. Norwegians place a high value on family activities, which are an important part of their way of life.
Thailand – Spicy Food
Thai food is among the spiciest in the world, according to those who have tried continental cuisine. Hot peppers boost metabolism, but the real benefit of eating foods with a slightly higher chilly-hot content is that it slows down our eating. According to studies, most Americans eat too quickly and gobble up their food. We would have overeaten even before our bodies gave us the signal that our stomach was full. Eating slower, as the Japanese do, is a good weight-loss technique, and making the food spicier encourages people to eat it slowly.
Hungary – Pickles
Hungarians are vinegar connoisseurs who consume copious amounts of pickled peppers, cabbage, and tomatoes. Many studies suggest that drinking apple cider vinegar can help you lose weight. A 2009 study on Japanese participants discovered that drinking a small amount of diluted cider vinegar every day helped people lose 2-4 pounds. Although this is not the most effective method, it does help with weight loss, albeit in a minor way. There are undeniably better and healthier ways to lose weight for health and well-being. However, instead of eating fried foods and junk foods, pickled salads and vegetables are a healthier option that may help you lose weight.
Japan- Eats Smaller Portions
Surprisingly, the Japanese have the lowest obesity rate in the world, at around 3%. The main reason for their low BMI is that Japanese diets are high in fish, vegetables, fruit, and nutritious tofu. Furthermore, the Japanese eat slowly and mindfully. The most important aspect of their diet, however, is that they eat small portions and enjoy every bite. Their diets are extremely healthy because the majority of their dishes are steamed or sautéed. Japanese foods that are deep fried are extremely rare.
India – Turmeric
Turmeric is a well-known spice known for its numerous curative properties as well as its distinct yellow colour. Because of its numerous health benefits, it is a common ingredient in most Indian dishes. Many studies show that turmeric has fat-burning properties. According to one study, curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may suppress the spread of fat tissue by inhibiting new blood vessel growth, which is required to build this type of tissue. Curcumin may also regulate lipid metabolism, according to other research. Turmeric can also be used as a calorie-free substitute for oil, butter, or salt.
Netherland- Cycling
Cycling is a popular mode of transportation in the Netherlands, with nearly 36% of people using it as their primary mode of transportation on any given day. In fact, there are more bicycles in the Netherlands than people! Although most Americans own bicycles, the majority of them sit idle in their basements and garages. The American population is driving more frequently, and this habit prevents them from burning calories. Every year, the average Dutchman cycles 541 miles. In most areas of Amsterdam, even the traffic lights are synchronised to match the speed of the bicycles. Cycling is an excellent form of exercise that can help you burn up to 550 calories per hour.
