While the USA is seen as the nation of obesity, Australia is actually not that far behind. Concerning data shows that almost two in three Australians are now overweight or obese, and this rate is rapidly growing. Taking these statistics into account, most of us are either obese themselves, are related to, or know someone who is. So, there’s nothing to be ashamed of – obesity is not a problem that affects you as an individual, but rather a problem that affects the entire society.
Obesity is a condition that gradually sneaks up on you, and not something that happens overnight. So, when the person begins to admit they have a problem, it might actually be to too late. Unfortunately, when you’re obese, performing your daily tasks can become a burden. Something as simple as walking, (whose benefits we often take for granted), can be a problem for an obese person. While it’s true that we do live in an era where fast food has become the go-to meal for many people, the same era also gives us innovations that can improve the quality of life of obese people. Introducing, bariatric walking aids.
If a person is not morbidly obese and confined to a wheelchair or bed, bariatric walking aids can help him/her get the necessary amount of movement. Since exercising or going to the gym is next to impossible when you’re overweight, walking is a great way to remain active. Actually, walking alone can be a very effective weight loss solution when you’re obese, because the more you weigh, the more effort it takes and the more calories you burn to get your body moving. The support that walking aids offer makes the person feel confident enough to start walking because they know they have something to lean on if they become too exhausted.
It’s important to note that bariatric walking aids are very different from regular disability walkers which are designed for lightweight capacities. Since bariatric walkers have to meet the needs of larger individuals with mobility problems, they are made of extremely strong materials in order to provide plenty of support. Taking into account the fact that many obese individuals also face arthritis or joint pain, many walkers also come with ultra-soft, ergonomic handles which provide the user with increased comfort.
Although there are many aids that obese individuals can rely on, there’s still the fact that obesity is a huge health risk that can shorten a person’s lifespan. For that reason, it is highly recommended that obese people use bariatric walking aids as a way to keep moving forward and be engaged in an active lifestyle. Make sure to set small goals for you, like a 15 minutes walk for the first week, then gradually increase the time to an hour. This, combined with a proper diet, a supportive circle of loved ones, a positive mindset, and great determination, can definitely help you remain on track and regain your health and normal body back.