Bad Economy May Mean Weight Gain for Some Americans

As if we didn't have enough to worry about with the economy being in a tailspin. The stock market is down, the housing market is down and now you can add weight gain to the casualties of the bad economy. That's right, just when you thought it was safe to skimp on food to tighten your belt, along comes the problem of your waistline expanding.

Many health professionals have recently come out and warned people to watch what types of foods they consume while trying to save money. Yes it is true that the value meals that are featured at many of the fast food stops across the country are an inexpensive way to fill your belly, they are also loaded with high amounts of fats, calories and sodium. So you may be saving some money, but you are risking your weight and health in the process (source: news.yahoo.com).

When times get tough it is natural for people to turn to cheaper foods that are usually much more processed and consist of lots of sugar, saturated fats and refined grains. The link between lower income families and obesity is uncanny.

Adam Drewnowski, who is the director of the Nutrition Sciences Program at the University of Washington in Seattle, has done such research linking obesity and low income. "In Seattle we have found that there are fivefold differences in obesity rates depending on the zip code; the low-income zip codes have a much higher proportion of obese people," he said. Drewnowski went on to say how a recent study completed in California showed that a ten percent rise in poverty translates into about a six percent rise in obesity among adults (source: news.yahoo.com). So what do we do about it?

Again, the fast food diet is not the solution. If you do find yourself at good old Mc Donald's or Burger King, remember that you can order the burger only and forgo the French fries. You can save yourself even more calories by getting a diet soda or just drink water. There is also some more weight friendly fast food restaurants that I have found like Wendy's, were you can order a side salad instead of the French fries. It's not a cure all, but cutting calories where you can really will add up.

You can also try to exercise more often. It doesn't cost anything to take a walk after dinner or to do some push-ups and sit-ups in the morning before you head off to work. If you are exercising more often you will help yourself counter any extra calories you may be consuming.

Lastly try clipping some coupons for some healthier foods. With the healthier foods costing more than the junk, they are not going to be selling as well as stores would like thus prompting plenty of opportunities for a clever consumer to save. It may not be the most glamorous way to save money, but it works.

We are all hurting in this economy there's no doubt about it. And it is certainly understandable to want to tighten your belt and spend less on food, but remember that by being reckless about your food consumption you can greatly put your waistline and health at risk. So be smart, clip coupons, exercise and enjoy fast food in moderation.