According to some sources, between $33 billion and $55 billion is spent annually on weight loss products and services, including medical procedures and pharmaceuticals, with weight loss centers garnering between 6 percent and 12 percent of total annual expenditure. About 70 percent of Americans’ dieting attempts are of a self-help nature. Although often short-lived, these diet fads are a positive trend for this sector as Americans ultimately turn to professionals to help them meet their weight loss goals.
However, sometimes “professional help” doesn’t always mean physical trainers. It can also mean taking advice from professionals within the weight loss industry. People like Brazos Minshew, TriVita’s Chief Science Officer. Mr. Minshew as been studying weight loss, and obesity for several years, and has written many articles about both. Below is one such article, which I have posted in its entirety.
Test Your Body Mass Index
by Brazos Minshew
The obesity epidemic: Why girth rates continue to increase
The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing at an alarming rate all over the world, particularly in developed countries such as the U.S. In the October 9, 2002 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association(JAMA), data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that 31% of adults in the U.S. were obese in the year 2000 compared to 14.4% in 1980.
According to the CDC, about 15% of children and adolescents were overweight in 2000 – triple what the proportion was in 1980.
Defining overweight and obese
The common definition for being overweight or obese may not make much sense to most people. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30. Overweight is defined as having a BMI of 25–29.9. So, what is BMI exactly?
BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is calculated by dividing body weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. That’s a lot of math! To make it easier, use our online BMI calculator:
- Click here to access the BMI calculator.
- Once on the page, click on “Body Mass Index.”
- Enter your height (in feet and inches) and your weight (in pounds). The program will automatically calculate your BMI and explain the results.
Health risks associated with obesity
In December 2001, the U.S. Surgeon General warned that obesity could soon kill more Americans than tobacco smoke. Imagine this: With all of the advances we have made in hygiene, nutrition and disease control, the generation living now is the first in U.S. recorded history with a shorter life expectancy than their parents. We are killing ourselves and our children with the habits that lead to obesity.
What’s behind the epidemic?
Why such large and extensive increases in obesity? Data collected from around the world show that different environmental and cultural conditions contribute to obesity in urban and rural populations.
Experts believe that rising rates of obesity among children and adults may be attributed to a combination of the following:
- Increasingly sedentary activities such as:
- Watching TV
- Using a computer
- Driving long distances (for example, commuting)
- Working long hours at sedentary jobs
- Conveniences which reduce physical activity (think “drive-through” banking)
- Lack of safe playgrounds for children
- Increased consumption of soft drinks and other “market-driven” factors that encourage overeating, such as:
- Larger portion sizes in restaurants
- Increased sizes of individual food items (such as soft drinks, candy bars, bagels)
- Increased prevalence of vending machines
- Greater number of food choices
- Pervasive marketing of high-calorie foods
- Marketing strategies that encourage ordering larger serving sizes
- Emotional overeating, triggered by increased stress
- Repeated dieting
- Greater acceptance of obesity in certain cultural groups
- Girth control in a complex world
Although a number of complex cultural and environmental factors contribute to the obesity epidemic, in the majority of cases, the equation is basic: too many calories consumed and too few calories expended (too little activity) leads to obesity.
The ” target=”_blank”>Leanology® Weight Loss System is designed to encourage people to achieve and maintain a healthful body weight by development of habits known to produce lifetime weight control.
Moreover, Leanology® creates the best possible opportunity for true wellness by confirming the benefits of nutrients and nurturing for weight management and all of life’s challenges. ***END of ARTICLE***
If your weight puts you in the overweight or obese category, it’s time for some lifestyle changes. The three most important parts of loosing weight and keeping it off are, 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. A reduced calorie diet and activity are a part of any healthy weight loss program.
Jeffrey Sloe
Independent TriVita Business Owner – 12871028
440-725-3729
Visit My TriVita Product Site
The above information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.