New Year, New Approach To Weight Management

The start of a new year often coincides with a renewed emphasis on weight management, and experts are urging us to take a new healthier approach in 2008.

The last decade can be defined by the ups and downs of different fad diets -- which seem to go in and out of fashion like shoulder pads and hemlines. Yet, long-term success has been slim. Two out of three Americans remain overweight or obese.

A new campaign launched today to encourage Americans to change their "diet" mindset and elect a new attitude. In this election year, the Campaign for Healthy Weight is attempting to rally the country behind the healthy weight cause, not just the political candidates. Supported by America On The Move, Curves and the Milk Processor Education Program, the new campaign wants Americans to put their focus on "health" instead of simply the number on the scale.

"We need to get past the era of extreme dieting," said renowned obesity expert James O. Hill, Ph.D., co-founder of America On The Move and advocate of the new education campaign. "Too many women are sacrificing their health to reach a number on a scale. Health management needs to be a bigger part of weight management."

The new education campaign will encourage women to forgo fad diets and focus on simple, lifelong changes to maintain health and weight management. Studies indicate that small, specific changes in physical activity and calorie intake can make a big difference.

The rallying cries of the campaign include eat right, move more and milk your diet. Choosing lowfat or fat free milk over nutrient-void, high-calorie beverages is one small change that could have a big impact -- on your health and your weight.

"Sometimes people get overwhelmed when they think they need to make so many drastic changes," said registered dietitian Lisa Drayer, who helped kick off the campaign today. "The key is to make small, sustainable changes that can last a lifetime. Drinking lowfat or fat free milk as a part of your daily routine and walking more every day are two easy adjustments that can go a long way in supporting a healthy weight."

Weighing in on the American Diet

Even though diet books continue to soar to the top of best-seller lists, the tide may be turning. A new report unveiled today called "Weighing in on the American Diet," found that although dieting is at an all-time low, "feeling healthier" is the primary motivator for those beginning a diet. The new study, conducted by The NPD Group in collaboration with the Milk Processor Education Program, looked at the who, what, how and why of dieting in this country -- providing one of the most comprehensive snapshots of weight management practices in America.

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