The overweight and obesity epidemic is a worldwide problem.
There are no official statistics for spending on diet
products, but estimates vary from $40 to $100 billion in the
US alone, much of that on scams and fad diets that promise
the impossible.
Research shows that 95% of people who have lost weight find
that they regain it back when they return to their normal
eating habits.
According to the Center for Disease Control's Chronic
Disease Center, in 1991 in the United States, only four
states had an obesity prevalence of 15 percent to 19
percent. In 2003, 15 states had an obesity prevalence of
15 to 19 percent, 31 states had an obesity prevalence of 20
to 24 percent, and four states had a prevalence of 25
percent or more.
Major medical problems associated with obesity include
gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, high blood
cholesterol, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.
If that isn't incentive enough to lose that excess weight
statistics show that overweight people are usually given
lower paying jobs, get lower salaries, receive little in
raises, and are, as a whole, looked down upon by 40 percent
of fellow employees and employers.
In 2002 The American Heart Association reported that more
than 10 percent of US children ages 2 to 5 are overweight.
That is up from 7 percent in 1994. The situation is
probably even worse now, said Dr. Robert H. Eckel,
president-elect of the heart association and professor of
medicine at the University of Colorado.
The obesity problem among children has increased with
school-age children as well. Four million children ages 6
to 11 and 5.3 million in age group 12 to 19 have increased
by 75 percent from 1991.
Food habits adopted in childhood can be hard to change. As
a result hypertension and high cholesterol leading to heart
disease, strokes, and diabetes are going to become the
nations top health problem with people of all ages within 10
to 30 years. These are ailments that usually afflict the
middle age to elderly population. More than a million new
cases of diabetes are already being diagnosed each year,
says the American Diabetic Association.
Nearly 30 percent of American adults are overweight and
another 30 percent are obese, according to University of
Minnesota researchers. Obesity is usually described as a
weight 20 percent greater than the persons desirable weight.
A study by the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at the
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle revealed
that 60% of overweight women, and 70% of obese women, are
likely to become pregnant while taking the pill. The
researchers suggest that a higher metabolism is the reason,
causing the medication to be effective for a shorter length
of time. Or, that the drug interacts with the body's
hormones in a way that the drug becomes trapped in the body
fat instead of circulating in the bloodstream.
Studies with obese pregnant women show they are 50% more
likely to die during pregnancy than those of normal weight.
Complications such as miscarriage, gestational diabetes,
hypertension, pre-eclampsia, pre-term labor, and stillbirth
are also more common. Preliminary evidence shows that
babies are also adversely affected, and are more likely to
be obese themselves in later life.
Fast foods: Studies show that people who frequent fast food
outlets twice a week or more gained 36 pounds over the
course of 15 years compared to 26 pounds for those that
frequented them once a week or less.
A major factor for the obesity crisis is a sedentary
lifestyle, not enough exercise, and the eating of high
calorie fast foods in place of nutritious natural food
products.
Fast food is designed to promote consumption of the maximum
number of calories in the minimum amount of time. This
upsets the body's normal metabolism. One solution is to eat
smaller, more nutritious, meals more frequently throughout
the day.
Physical activity reduces the effects of being overweight,
but healthy eating habits have to be followed to prevent
disease associated with poor nutrition according to an
expert of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School
of Public Health.
The new diet guidelines set by the Health and Human Services
and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is basically a
balanced diet and good old fashioned exercise. They stress
more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and limit fats, sugar,
alcohol, and salt.
Many supermarkets are open 24 hours a day making a choice of
healthy food available at all times.
For more tips on how to lose weight safely see The Secret to
Weight Loss at:
http://www.apluswriting.net/diettips/diettips.htm
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
*****************************************
The Solution Weight Loss
Are you struggling with your weight? I believe, as the new year approaches and you start to think about making resolutions for the up coming year, it's time to take serious action. We are all getting older, and the times are getting worse. Not only are we facing the worst economic times in the history of the US, but we are also facing an increase in obesity which is bordering on an epidemic.
During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. In 2007, only one state (Colorado) had a prevalence of obesity less than 20; three of these states (Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee) had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than 30 reduction in body weight can help reduce your risk for weight-related health problems.
Curving the economic crisis and obesity epidemic is not going to be easy. On the other hand, we do have the resources at our fingertips that can help the cause. It's not going to be easy, but each one of us CAN do something to help. TriVita?, through their weight loss program (Leanology?), is giving every American a chance to not only lose weight, but also increase their income. But before we get into TriVita?, let's take a look at some weight loss facts.
Important weight loss facts:
Many diet products and programs offer a quick, short-term fix, but there is no magic wand for weight loss. When investigating weight loss products or programs, beware of high costs, pressure to buy special foods or pills, and fraudulent claims.
There are approximately 50 million Americans who go on a diets each year - yet only 5 percent keep the weight they lose off. Many people trying to lose weight continually struggle to find an effective weight loss method. Unfortunately, there is no magic wand someone can use to lose weight and/or to keep the weight off. Some experts say that the only proven way to lose weight and keep it off is by making permanent lifestyle changes. You must eat healthier, watch portion sizes and be active.
Even if you choose to use an over-the-counter weight loss product or participate in a weight loss program, the bottom line is that you still must eat fewer calories than you burn to lose weight. When selecting a weight loss product or program, gather as much information as possible. Beware of high costs, pressure to buy special foods or pills, and fraudulent claims.
Weight Loss Products
According to some professional nutritionists, "Diet drink powdered formulas typically are mixed with a glass of milk and are substituted for one or more meals. Many users of these shakes have reported feeling hungry and regain the lost weight when they give up the shakes. By relying on shakes, dieters follow artificial dieting methods and avoid learning how to work food into their lives."
"Many prescription diet medicines have side effects and may not work for long-term weight loss. Over-the-counter pills containing the appetite suppressant PPA (phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride) can raise blood pressure. Over-the-counter pills containing ephedra may cause serious side effects, including dizziness, increased blood pressure or heart rate, chest pain, heart attack, stroke, seizure and even death. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking action to limit and/or ban the use of PPA and ephedra in over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements."
Leanology - The Weight Loss Solution
The Leanology shake provides a healthier alternative for a quick and convenient meal. Its well-balanced nutritional profile contains elements that are essential to a healthy meal: protein, healthy carbs, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Besides helping to satisfy your hunger, the Leanology shake provides the added health benefits of soy, omega fatty acids, and whole food concentrates.
Leanology contains healthy fats and carbohydrates. A well-balanced nutritious meal consists of appropriate fats, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, water, enzymes, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, and many other ingredients that nourish your body. Leanology shakes are designed as balanced nutrition.
Unlike your typical Diet drink powdered formulas, Leanology shakes contain the Omega-3 fats, soluble fiber, and volume of nutrients necessary to satisfy hunger for hours. Leanology Nutritional Shakes are available in three delicious flavors: Dutch Chocolate, Creamy Vanilla, and Mixed Berry.
Weight Loss - A Lifestyle Change
A reduced calorie diet and activity are a part of any healthy weight loss program. Leanology is no different. Leanology follows the "calories in - calories out" approach to weight loss. What this means is that you must burn more calories than you consume in order to lose weight. Leanology Coach? helps you put this approach to work.
Many people simply want to look better. But even though physical appearance is often a strong motivator, the health implications of overweight and obesity shouldn't be ignored. The good news is that even a 5-15% reduction in body weight can help reduce your risk for weight-related health problems.
If your weight puts you in the overweight or obese category, it's time for some lifestyle changes. The Leanology Weight Loss System is the perfect starting point. This healthy and proven approach to weight loss can help you reach - and maintain - a healthier weight.
The three most important parts of loosing weight and keeping it off is, a healthful diet, fitness and activity, and motivation and inspiration. In order for these to be effective, it takes effort on your part. None of these things are going to happen without you first taking action.
So, as the new year approaches, and you're thinking about making those new year resolutions, consider one that CAN change your life and the lives of others around you. We can beat this obesity problem, and I know we can improve our own personal financial situation. And all of this is made possible by the good folks at TriVita?, and their weight loss system, Leanology?.
To learn more about TriVita?, Leanology?, and improving your financial situation, please contact me.
Both Marilyn Pokorney & Jeffrey Sloe are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Marilyn Pokorney has sinced written about articles on various topics from Blood Pressure, Gardening and High Cholesterol. Author: Marilyn PokorneyFreelance writer of science, nature, animals and theenvironment.Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.Website: http://www.apluswriting.net. Marilyn Pokorney's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.
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