The Weight Loss Epidemic

     There is no doubt that the weight loss industry is making a large profit off the over 1 billion overweight people all over the world every single day. In just the United States alone, over $60 billion is spent annually on weight loss. What do we spend that money on? Pills, procedures, fat camps, videos, exercise equipment, fad diets, books, shakes, membership fees, and so much more. The industry has responded to a growing desire to be thin, have the 損erfect body,?and lose weight. So how did we get to this point and what can we do about it without breaking the bank?

Since the 1960s, the average weight, height, and body mass index (BMI ?weight to height ratio) of the average person in America, regardless of age, sex, or race, has been on a steady increase with weight and BMI outpacing height. What this means is that, as a nation, we are becoming more overweight as time goes on. What this has lead to is an increase in heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and cholesterol, not to mention the mental ill effects resulting from poor body image and low self esteem experienced by those who are overweight.

In the past 20 years especially, marketing campaigns geared towards 揼etting the most for the least?and value meal choices at national fast food chain restaurants have brought unhealthy, fat and calorie-laden foods to the forefront of cheap eating. School lunch programs have been the victim of this 損rocessed food?epidemic due to financial issues as well. In the past 40 years the percentage of overweight teens in the U.S. has gone from 5% to 15%, not only due to poor choices for school lunch programs, but marketing targeting 揻un?foods and quick-fix convenience foods that can fit into busy lifestyles.

So what is the solution? Education and support. The average American need not spend hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of hard earned dollars on pills, operations, diets, and everything else the weight loss industry has to push to make everyone feel, look, and be healthier. The key to a healthy weight is learning about nutrition and making wise choices when it comes to eating, and teaching the next generation to do the same.

The government has set up a food guide pyramid (http://www.mypyramid.gov/) that lays out the suggested nutritional guidelines for healthy living. Perhaps the best aspect of using this particular model is that it can be personalized to fit anyone抯 particular needs or desires. Also found here are tips on healthy living, menu planner, and a personal pyramid tracker, allowing people to keep track of how they are doing nutritionally.

For additional support, many weight-loss support groups are available both online and in local areas to help those who have emotional/psychological issues related to food. Often times these are wonderful resources that can help individuals get to the root of the issues affecting their weight and work through them, allowing for a healthier view of themselves and their nutritional life.

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