subject: The Health Consequences Of The American Lifestyle [print this page] Most Americans prefer to lose weight the easy way. This is documented by numerous studies and researches. Weight loss products abound in the market and the promises and claims manufacturers make are certainly very attractive. The hard fact is, however, that these products are not safe to use. Most, if not all of them have formulas that contain ingredients that cause harmful side-effects. Unfortunately, this is not only true with supplements that contain chemicals but with those that make use of organic ingredients as well.
On the other hand, a study conducted by another group of researchers found out that Americans prefer to lose weight by following a healthy diet instead of using weight loss supplements and going on fad diets. This is indeed in stark contrast to the studies mentioned above. In addition, findings from the same study also show that there has been a decrease in the number of men and women who are currently dieting compared to previous years. According to the study, 29% of women are 19% of men are presently on a diet against 35% of women and 23% of men a decade ago. These statistics indicate that dieting has somehow lost its popularity as a weight loss method.
Despite this positive development, the study also yielded a not so welcome finding. It was found that a large percentage of adults want to lose an average of 20 pounds, a statistic close to the 62% of American adults who are overweight.
Obesity has become an epidemic in this country. Considering the unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle of the average American, this should really not come as a surprise. Despite the information campaigns about obesity and rapid weight gain, the epidemic has continued to spread unabated. For one thing, trying to lose weight is admittedly a very challenging endeavor that requires discipline and commitment. Not everyone is ready and willing to undergo such a challenging process. In some cases, even if an individual is serious about losing weight, there may not be enough time to squeeze in a weight loss regimen into his or her hectic schedule.
As far as we are concerned however, weight management efforts should be given top priority. The health consequences of being excessively overweight or obese is not limited to the just the physical, the emotional and psychological effects are just as damaging. The kind of lifestyle we live now will determine if obesity will be our problem in the future. And if you are suffering from it right now, it's about time you have a lifestyle make-over.
