Rising Obesity Makes Weight Loss Crucial: Doctor Warns Against 4 “Healthy-Looking” Foods

With obesity on the rise, losing weight has become a health necessity. According to Ayurvedic expert Dr. Salim Zaidi, several foods that appear healthy can secretly hinder weight loss, undoing all your efforts.

Obesity: A Growing Concern
Obesity is a serious condition linked to multiple health problems. Government reports and health experts note a sharp increase in obesity over recent years, with children now also affected. Rising cases of heart disease, diabetes, and fatty liver are often associated with excess weight, making weight management essential.

“Healthy” Foods That Can Sabotage Weight Loss
Dr. Zaidi warns that not all foods marketed or perceived as healthy are suitable for those aiming to lose weight. Consuming the wrong items, even in small amounts, can silently stall progress. Here are four such foods to avoid:

1. Peanut Chikki
Peanut and jaggery-based chikki is a popular winter snack. While it seems healthy, the combination of peanuts and jaggery is extremely high in calories. Eating even a small piece daily can prevent weight loss.

2. Jaggery Laddoos
Laddoos made with jaggery, dry fruits, and sesame seeds are often considered nutritious. However, they contain large amounts of ghee and nuts, making their calorie content equivalent to a full meal. These extra calories convert to fat, accumulating around the waist, thighs, and hips.

3. Ghee-Fried Makhana (Fox Nuts)
Makhana is considered a healthy snack, but when fried in ghee, its calorie content doubles. This silent trap can hinder weight loss, making it unsuitable for diet plans aimed at reducing weight.

4. Brown Bread
Many include brown bread in their diet assuming it is healthy. However, most commercially available brown bread is just colored refined flour, not true whole wheat. This can cause sugar spikes and slow down the weight loss process.

Takeaway
Dr. Zaidi advises careful selection of foods while on a weight-loss journey. Foods that appear healthy may not always be diet-friendly, and unmindful consumption can counteract hard-earned efforts.

Disclaimer: The dietary advice mentioned in this article is based on information shared in Instagram reels and is for general informational purposes only. Navbharat Times does not take responsibility for the accuracy or effectiveness of these claims. Always consult a qualified expert before trying any diet or health regimen.