Nutrition and diet have become hackneyed terms these days, with most people pursuing a certain diet plan with the goal of decreasing or adjusting weight. Major issues to be addressed are whether to consult a medial specialist or dietician; how and what to eat to achieve the ideal weight. Following a balanced diet can also help to achieve an ideal shape of the body. But what is a balanced diet? This is determined by each individual's age, weight and height and includes grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and protein. It is due to the differences in these three categories, pursuing any diet plan without consultation can cause harm to the body, said Ruqia Al-Usmani, a consultant nutritionist and dietitian at Baksh hospital in Jeddah, in an interview with Saudi Gazette. Nutritionists have found that the major causes of obesity and disease are related to poor diet and a sedentary diet. “I have tried to lose weight a number of times,” remarked Mona Ali, a King Abdulaziz University student. “When I was younger, I suffered from increased weight and hypertension; I decided to follow a diet regime based on the consultation of a dietitian and lost 35 kilos from 110 to 75 kilos within 18 months!” She added that swimming and walking also formed an essential part of her altered lifestyle. However, pursing a diet regime without consultation can damage the body's defenses and make it susceptible to viruses. Mohammed Al-Ahmary is one such victim. He decided to pursue a diet regime recommended by “a friend” and condensed the plan into one month, drastically shortening the adjustment time. “after three days I was experiencing vertigo and weakness,” he told Saudi Gazette. “I immediately decided to discontinue that regime.” The body needs water to avoid the risk of dehydration since 70 percent of it comprises of water. Depending on one's activities, the temperature and humidity, an individual needs between 1 to 7 liters of water each day. “That means eight to ten glasses of water should be taken daily,” stated Dr. Al-Usmani. Similarly, the body needs adequate sleep, especially while following a diet regime since it gives the body energy. “Researchers have found that sleep deprivation increases the hunger level in an individual and decreases the effect of those hormones that give the stomach a ‘full' feeling, the effect of which may lead to overeating and weight gain,” Dr. Al
