In the United States, it is estimated that 97.1 million, or approximately 35% of adults, are overweight. More than 60% of Americans over the age of twenty are overweight. About one quarter, or 1 in 4 American adults are considered to be obese. It is also estimated, that over half of the population of adults in the United States, go on a weight loss diet each year. Additionally, according to the World Health Report, published in 2003, about 1 billion adults worldwide are overweight. Obesity is becoming a worldwide epidemic. So how can one go about losing weight safely, while keeping one's sanity?

The first and most important tool in losing weight, is to eat less. It sounds simply enough, however, most obese and overweight individuals just simply eat too much. The key to eating less, is not to eat until your stomach feels full, but to eat only enough calories to sustain a healthy lifestyle. For moderate daily activity, the average adult female only needs about 2000 calories per day, while the average adult male needs about 2500-2800 calories per day. For children and toddlers, the estimated average requirement is anywhere from 1000 to 1900 calories per day.

The second most important step in losing weight, is to eat healthy. Eating a giant bacon and cheese hamburger with extra large fries and a large milkshake for lunch everyday, just won't cut it. Vegetables, foods low in fat, healthy grains, fruits, and lean meats are the best choice for a healthy diet. It isn't just how much an individual eats, but also what an individual eats, that can cause obesity. Eating unhealthy foods in small quantities can also cause an individual to become overweight over time. So let's watch those late night binges and lunchtime burgers.

The third most important step in losing weight, is to exercise. It is very difficult for most adults to exercise. With the hectic schedules of today's modern world, many adults just simply don't feel that they have the time to exercise. Although getting around to exercising is usually last on most adults minds, many would be surprised to find out just how little time it takes per week to stay in shape and lose weight. Most research indicates that as little as 3-4 hours of exercise per week, can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 65%. If you think about it, it's only about 2% of the entire seven day week that an individual needs to exercise to stay healthy and in shape.

The fourth and final most important step in losing weight, is to have a realistic and positive mental attitude. It is unrealistic for an individual who is 50 pounds overweight, to think that they can lose the weight in two weeks. It's just not going to happen. The truth of the matter, is that most sedentary individuals, will actually initially gain weight, once they start exercising. This is due to the gain of muscle mass. Having a realistic and positive mental attitude about how much weight can be lost in a reasonable time frame, is crucial.

Obviously, there are many dietary aids, stimulants, prescription medications, and exercise and weight loss programs to choose from, when one decides to lose weight. The market is flooded with weight loss products. The truth is, that obesity is a very serious and life-threatening problem. The Bottom line: being overweight is a choice. The key to starting on the path to shedding those unwanted pounds, is first and foremost, to make the decision not to be overweight.