Q I am 58-years-old and find that however much I try to lose weight I just cannot. I am gaining most weight around my waist and tummy area. Please tell me why this is happening and what I should do to control it. I am very careful about what I eat but even this does not help.

Pooja Grewal, Kolkata

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At this age your body is more fat prone so exercising is the only answer. Take a 30-minute walk every day — this will help to keep the extra kilos away. To keep the spreading around your waist and hips in control, bent knee setup’s and side stretches will keep your waistline in shape. To keep your buttocks and thighs tightened, do leg lifts and walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator.

Q I am in my early 20s and have always been a person who sweats a lot. I always wear natural fibres and loose comfortable clothes — but it does not seem to help. Please tell me why I sweat so much and what can I do to make it less?

Namita, Kolkata

It occurs because the sweat glands in our skin secrete water, salt and some minerals. There are two types of sweat glands—eccrine and apocrine. The former are spread all over the body and help regulate your body temperature. They also help the outer layer of your skin to keep soft and pliable. The apocrine glands are attached to the hair follicles in the armpit and genital area and respond to emotional stimuli such as fear and stress.

You cannot stop yourself from sweating altogether but you can prevent the embarrassing side effects such as body odour by using a deodorant. Bathe twice a day in lukewarm water and apply talcum powder on your body.

Q During the summer and monsoon season I tend to get infections and do not know how to avoid this problem. Please tell me what foods I should or should not eat at this time to keep healthy.

Payel Mitra, Kolkata

Taking care of your diet will help towards preventing infections to some extent. Eat light and have plenty of foods and vegetables high in Vitamin C. Make sure you have enough protein because this helps build immunity. Also have plenty of liquids — atleast eight to 10 glasses of water daily.