The most important piece of weight loss information you
need to know is that we, as Americans, despite our advanced
education, are fatter and more obese now than at any other
time in our history. Information sources on weight loss suggest
that weight gain and obesity in the United States has about
reached epidemic proportions. In fact, theories and programs
regarding weight loss abound. Around every corner, on every
television, in many aisles of the supermarket one can find
information about the next weight loss program that is guaranteed
to achieve the weight loss results you seek more efficiently
and with much less effort than previous weight loss programs.
Convenience has been relegated to paramount importance in
our society. Didn’t it all begin at our gas stations?
Remember the Texaco gas attendants running out from their
clean, odor-free “offices” ready to service your
car? They pumped the gasoline, washed you windows, checked
the air pressure in your tires, all with a gleaming white
smile. Then, those nice people were put out of work at the
expense of self-service pumps and lower gas prices. Shortly
thereafter, even those people hired to solely transact the
gas purchase were replaced by credit card processors built
directly into the gas pumps or they were asked to not only
transact your gas purchase but to also pour your coffee and
to sell you the morning newspaper from the all-purpose market
that replaced the old “offices.”
Then fast food restaurants implemented the drive-thru window.
We eat fast, talk fast, drive fast, work fast, exercise fast,
gain weight quickly and desire to lose it quickly, intent
on doing it fwith minimal effort.
Weight Loss Statistics
Weight Loss statistics suggest that the U.S. population has
been getting progressively fatter with each passing decade.
In 1960, weight loss statistics indicate that 24.4% of
the population was overweight and obese. In 2001, weight
loss statistics indicate that over 65% of adults are overweight
and obese. Currently, 19.6 million men and 19.2 million
women are obese which is a 61% increase since 1991. In
1991, only 4 out of 45 states that participated in the
national institute of Health study had obesity rates between
15-19% of their adult populations. By 2000, 49 states had
reported obesity rates of 15% and higher. Twenty-two of
the 50 states reported rates of 20% and higher.
Years |
Percentage
of overweight/obese US adults |
1960-62 |
24.40% |
1971-74 |
24.90% |
1976-80 |
25.40% |
1988-94 |
34.80% |
2001 |
65% |
There are myriad weight loss programs marketed today because
the demand for them is great. One look at the weight loss
statistics illustrated above and you know why. Demand for
weight loss programs is great because we, as U.S. citizens,
are larger and fatter than ever before in our history. Over
65% of American adults are overweight or obese today which
translates to 97.1 million adults not finding success with
weight loss.
There are many ways to achieve your weight loss goals. Natural
weight loss without the use of diet drugs or weight
loss plans is effective but you must first understand the
difference between protein, carbohydrates and fat.
Weight loss and
diet drugs seem the more “natural” way
to lose weight these days because marketing advertisements
make it seem easy. With one glass of water, a diet drug
pill and no physical effort put forth, you, too, can lose
weight. Lose as much or as little as you like by taking
the magic pill. Weight loss and diet drugs is serious business.
There are many success stories resulting from diet drugs
but they must be used intelligently and with respect for
your body. They are meant for the short-term treatment
for obesity which is why eating behavior modifications
and exercise are important long-term strategies.
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