The doctor warned about the danger of sudden weight loss for the New year

Trying to quickly lose extra pounds before the New Year can turn into health problems. Rigid diets, constant counting of calories and refusal of usual meals can lead to breakdowns and eating disorders. The chief doctor of the Chelyabinsk regional clinical hospital No 2 Maxim Ugnivenko told how to reduce weight without extremes and why winter kilograms should not be attributed to the characteristics of the body.

In the conversation, the doctor remembered a patient who was so afraid to get better that he counted calories even in toothpaste. The man deliberately stayed at work to skip dinner and felt guilty after eating.

According to the doctor, this behavior is already beyond the usual desire to lose weight and may indicate an eating disorder. Of particular concern should be obsessive thoughts about weight and a constant feeling of guilt for eating.

Ugnivenko also refuted the popular notion that the body stores fat in winter. Weight gain in the colder months is more often associated with changing daily habits, he said. People move less, choose more high-calorie foods and drink sugary hot drinks more often.

Snacks at work can also become an inconspicuous source of excess calories. The doctor gave an example with three cookies, which are daily added to the diet of about 150-200 calories. For a month, this habit can give almost five thousand additional calories.

To reduce the number of occasional snacks, the specialist advises not to keep sweets on the desktop. Instead of cookies, you can choose fruits, nuts or Greek yogurt. In addition, it is useful to do a small warm-up every 45-60 minutes.

For gradual weight loss, Ugnivenko recommends giving moderate physical activity at least 150 minutes a week, observing a sleep regimen and drinking enough water. There should be enough protein in the diet, and it is better to make food regular, without long hunger intervals and strict prohibitions.

At the same time, the doctor urges not to turn preparation for the holidays into a fight with every piece eaten. If eating control becomes intrusive, and the fear of gaining weight begins to affect daily life, it is worth seeking help from a psychotherapist.