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Summer is on its way, and we all want to look smoking hot in our bikinis this season, but in order to get rid of that winter flab and be your ideal size, you need to do more than just change your diet, you need an entire lifestyle overhaul. Obesity rates in the United Kingdom are on a steady increase, and according to the World Health Organisation there will be 2.3 million overweight adults by the year 2015.

Obesity on the increase

The UK has been listed as one of the countries one of the highest percentage of obese people; a whopping 24.2% of the population are classified as obese according to a study by the BBC.

What works?

Finding what diets work and a weight that’s easy to maintain can be tough, but there are a few simple guidelines to follow when it comes to getting your weight back on track. Dusting off that scale and being honest with yourself about your ideal size is a good start. Trying to get to the gym or incorporating some form of exercise is another.

One of the first steps is to calculate your body mass index (BMI). To calculate your BMI divide your weight by your height times two.

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Anything below 20 is underweight, 20-25 is normal weight, and anything over 25 is classified as overweight. If your BMI is over 30, you are classified as being clinically obese.

Weight gain in the work place

Packing your own lunch is essential when it comes to fighting off temptation in the office. People are constantly bringing high fat, high carb food loaded with unnecessary sugars into the office, and there’s almost no escaping the sociable pressures to eat when it’s someone’s birthday, or at an office party.

Stress is another leading factor when it comes to workplace weight gain. Having to meet deadlines and constantly being under pressure means that eating on the run or at your desk has become a normal everyday occurrence. Stepping out for something quick and easy often means fast food, a muffin, or a candy bar. Not only are these quick and easy to consume, but they also act as comfort foods, which is what some people have come to rely on when the pressure becomes unbearable.

What you can do

We all know that exercise is essential when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but we don’t all have time to hit the gym. Working parents have an especially hard time keeping off that excess weight, sitting in front of a computer all day, and then driving kids to and from school and extra curricular activities means that meals are often skipped and a gym membership is out of the question, which leads to bingeing on unhealthy substitutes later.

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So what can you do t o ensure you get what you need to keep the weight off and stay your ideal size? Eating five small meals a day is a good start. You stay full, and it keeps your metabolism on the go. Things like fruit, nuts, healthy sandwiches made on wholegrain bread with lots of vegetables and grilled chicken, for example, will leave you feeling satisfied and curb those cravings.

Hit the gym

Don’t have time to hit the gym? Why not invest in a home gym? Exercising at home saves time and money in the long run.

There are also things you can do to tone while you sit at your desk. Stretching your calves and arms every hour or so can help burn calories. Getting up and walking around is a good way to take a break and get a bit of exercise. Keeping a bottle of water at hand will keep you hydrated and feeling full.

Keeping these tips in mind will ensure that your body is bikini ready when summer rolls round and its time to hit the beach.

Tags: lose weight