Ending Obesity: Evaluating Lifestyles and Making Changes

With the alarming rate of obesity in this country, we must devote greater resources to alleviating it. The American Obesity Association (AOA) states, "seventy-five percent of adults in this country are obese. That tops out at over 60 million American adults. It's ironic that more money is spent on the diseases associated obesity (types 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and cancer) than obesity. We have to do more to battle obesity."

The major factors that contribute to obesity are our genetics, environment and behavior.
Although genetics can contribute to obesity, they are no guarantee that you will weight gain. On the other hand, some people will become obese with no genetic predisposition at all. This means that you do have some control over obesity factors.

Take steps that will ensure success. Enlist the support of family, friends or even co-workers. Choose foods at home, school, work, or sociably that are healthy nature. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, lean meats, fish, poultry, low sugar and low fats should be the focus of most meals. Making such choices will support your efforts to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and body composition.

Establishing good habits will greatly increase your chances of losing weight and maintaining an ideal body composition. Conscientious shopping, keeping a journal of food and calories consumed, sticking to a low calorie low fat diet, daily physical activity and realistic goals will all contribute to a successful weight loss and maintenance program.

The AOA also states, "persons with obesity are at risk of developing one or more serious medical conditions, which can cause poor health and premature death. Obesity is associated with more than 30 medical conditions, and scientific evidence has established a strong relationship with at least 15 of those conditions." Obese or overweight persons losing 10% of body weight can improve some obesity-related medical conditions including diabetes and hypertension.

Even if you feel overwhelmed by your current condition, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for obesity sufferers. Diet therapy, physical activity, behavior therapy, drug therapy, combined therapy and surgery are all possible options for regaining control of body composition. Of course, it is recommended that drugs and surgery be used only when all other options fail. Obesity is quietly and steadily engulfing an ever growing percent of adults and children alike. Enlightenment to the facts will greatly help in eradicating this disease.