Increase Health and Wellness At Work: How Excess Weight Can Have Long-Term Health Consequences

By J. Navarra

Jan 26, 2016 07:20 PM EST

Have you been sitting at your desk the whole day and sometimes doing overtime and the only thing that can make you feel better is a bowl of ice cream and some corn chips while typing that report? Maybe that's not a good idea. If you're carrying around excess weight, it might lead to long term health issues.

You might call yourself healthy and fit even if you're not going to the gym or engaging in physical activities regularly. However, abdominal obesity, which is fat centralized in the belly, is a sign that you may have high levels of visceral fat in your body - studies show that this is the type of fat that accumulates in your arteries and internal organs.

Does that urge you to become fit? Fitness is important but remember that it doesn't keep the fat away. There are other things that can help you become a much more healthy and productive person. So if you are not able to squeeze in 30 minutes of jogging today, here are three things, listed by Dr. Jennifer Landa, that you can do even while you're working:

1. Assess body fat rather than BMI - Currently, obesity is marked by BMI (Body Mass Index). But that isn't always effective. BMI is a height to weight ratio measurement which means a body builder is obsese when measure via BMI. Monitoring your body fat by getting a bioelectrical impedance assessment at the local clinic can help you better assess your health goals.
2. Add a probiotic to your daily regimen - Yogurt and other probiotic rich food can help the flora and fauna environment in your gut which can improve your health and well-being. The normal American diet is not rich in probiotics so shop for foods that are rich in Lactobacillus plantarum.
3. Consume a clean, whole-foods, nutrient rich diet - Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables that are organically sourced plus lean meats. That means keeping off artificial drinks and other processed foods that you like to much on during work.

This can be difficult for some so taking it one step at a time but these three tips suggested by Dr. Jennifer Landa, achieving these small goals is progress. Keeping healthy can help you increase work productivity while being well inside and out.