Overweight Americans
The statistics on overweight Americans is staggering! Studies that have been conducted since the 1970’s show that the percentages of overweight Americans; has more than doubled. Studies conducted by the Center for Disease Control in 2001 show; 62% of adults and 34% of children are overweight or obese. A Reuters’ poll in 2001 shows that 80% of adults over 25 are overweight based on the body mass index (BMI); a national guideline computed through a combination of height and weight. Overweight and obese people risk health problems like hypertension, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Overweight people are also more likely to be depressed.
And if the CDC statistics don’t paint a gloomy enough picture; HRSA/ASD Obesity/Weight Control Report
” 3.8 million Americans carry over 300 pounds
” With the average adult woman weighing in at a staggering 163!
” Perhaps the most shocking statistics underscoring obesity in the United States is that 400,000 Americans (mostly men) fall into a super-massive 400+ pound category
So why are so many Americans overweight? The surgeon general has said that obesity could soon cause as much preventable disease as smoking.
Some people can live their life eating all the food they like with no concerns of weight gain, others constantly are on a “diet” and can’t lose the weight. Could it be that diet alone isn’t the answer? Diet pills promise to; absorb, block, burn and metabolize fat. No matter what promises the marketing departments for these magical pills can come up with; NO PILL ALONE can help to lose weight!
Throughout the last century tremendous achievements have been made so that we do not have to work as hard. These improvements mean less physical activity at work and home. There are fewer occupations requiring significant physical work. The invention of the automobile and energy-saving devices at home and work, and the attractiveness and availability of home entertainment and computers have contributed to less active lifestyles. Improving life is making people less active.
Less activity should mean less food intake but, statistics show that this isn’t the case. Energy intake has not kept in time with the reduction in physical activity. The results for this inactivity are an increase in the prevalence of obesity. Physical activity helps you control your weight by using excess calories that would otherwise be stored as fat.
Girls who were inactive during adolescence gained an average of 10 to 15 pounds more than active girls, according to results of a 10-year observational study of obesity. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week. People who are overweight or obese often have other health problems and may be afraid or find it difficult to exercise.
Physical activity increases the amount of energy you use. Although most weight-loss programs incorporate an exercise program-such as jogging or biking-you can also use more energy by changing some everyday activities, such as washing your car yourself instead of going to a car wash. Participating in social activities that increase activity, such as joining a gardening club or dancing, also increases your energy use. Strength training is also an important part of a weight-loss program.
Patrick Hays is a freelance writer and journalist. You can learn more about Why 80% of Americans are overweight visit: http://www.martialarts3000.com