When someone has excess body fat, it places more stress on the vertebrae and the spinal discs. This can accelerate the deterioration of the spine’s anatomy, leading to a higher risk of bulging or herniated disc. Focusing on your nutrition and including a healthy diet plan for your life is one of the easiest ways to shed excess weight and lower your risk for developing a herniated disc. If you are interested in losing weight, make sure that you do thorough research or talk with your physician about which diet is right for you because not all diets are designed to help those who struggle with obesity. Work with your doctor to develop a nutrition plan so that you can shed excess weight safely and effectively. Your physician may refer you to a Nutritionist for a more developed plan, one that may be more specific for you and your health. Also, if you plan to add some exercise into your routine, make sure you consult with your physician about that too. You don’t want to jeopardize your back, or make things worse if you already suffer from a herniated disc. Make sure you start slow and gradually build up intensity. Your workout routine should not be “aggressive” in any way and should typically include mild aerobics, mild cardio, and/or easy stretching exercises. You may also seek the professional opinions of Dieticians, Personal Trainers, Physical Therapist, or Life Coaches. These types of professionals can help you manage your weight and often prove to be valuable resources for helping you keep the weight off.