A recent report from the Associated Press proves what we have all been hearing lately;
obesity is on the rise in the U.S. at an alarming rate. According to the article, obesity rates climbed higher in 31 states and there was not a single state that showed a decline.
The latest research put out by
Trust For America’s Health reports Mississippi as having the highest number with
30% of its residents suffering from obesity. Alabama and West Virginia followed closely behind Mississippi’s high numbers. Colorado continues to be the state with the lowest numbers of about 17% obesity rate.
Other than making it difficult and uncomfortable to get around, excess body fat is also a
major risk factor in developing heart disease and diabetes. The AP reports that after hearing the latest research from state rankings, health officials have declared obesity to be
a public health crisis for the nation.
With fast food being offered at every stoplight across the U.S. and school lunches becoming less and less nutritious, it is no wonder that obesity levels are on the rise. The
Center for Disease Control also reports that more than
20% of the U.S. population does not exercise at all in a typical month. This number was even higher in states with higher obesity rates.
Eating healthy and exercising regularly would be the best option for communities to see any kind of progress in lowering obesity rates. Over the last few years we have heard about many diets plans set up to help people who need to shed anywhere from a few to hundreds of pounds.
Purely by trial and error, people tend to figure out quickly
what diets will work and are easy to stick by. Many people credit the popular
low carbohydrate diet plans as the way to go.
Replacing meals with shakes or a bowl of cereal is another option many have turned to. While others come up with their own plans involving more exercise and counting calories.
Many people achieve weight loss by going on
cleansing regiments that can last anywhere from a week to a month. The
idea of purifying the body of the harmful or toxic chemicals we ingest every day has been around for centuries.
One system, called the
Isagenix Cleanse is gaining popularity. It combines a blend of natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Suma tea, Fennel Seed, and all different types of minerals. The system is said to
cleanse the body safely of all impurities with the added benefit of taking off pounds and inches within a matter of days. The Isagenix system also
stresses the importance of eating healthy and exercising regularly, to speak to a trained consultant click here.
With all the
conflicting advice and diet plans on the market, finding the right plan can be tough. What has become increasingly clear over the years however is that it is important for everyone to
make the decision to get more active about maintaining their health.
What do you think of the growing rate of obesity in the U.S.?
Have you tried any of the diet plans listed above and what has worked for you?
I couldn't agree more with what bbcoop just said. It is a lifestyle change. In the last year I have lost over 70 lbs. I never once called it a diet. It was just a lifestyle change that I chose to make.
People ask me all the time how I did it like there was some type of magically solution. I always feel bad not being able to give them some magically remedy. You have to read everything...if the servings size tells you 1/4 cup at 150 calories that what it is.
Do I cheat... you bet but not like I used to now if one of my kids go to a fast food place I ask for a frie or an onion ring if my husband is eating something fattening I ask for the last bite that way it's gone and I can't ask for anymore. It is a simple lifestyle change for me and it gets easier everyday.
jos1921::
on Mar 22, 2008
Yes Chilly you are right. It is not the diet that works, it's only the lifestyle that counts.
You have to have a goal and try to reach it. We are all humans and cheating is ok, but you have to go back on the healthy regimen as soon as you can. Yes I am careful with what I eat, but sometimes I allow myself to have a little something extra, otherwise life would be boring, but I count it in my daily calorie allowance or I am a little stricter the following day.
I have about 4 years ago tried the low carb diet for about 6 months, and it worked very well for me. I lost the weight that I wanted. I combined it with regular exercise. When I reached my weight goal, I then went on a 'normal regular' diet and continued to exercise regularly, mostly walking and yoga plus a little weight training.
I would be interested in the Isagenix Cleanse as it is all natural and cleaning the inside of your body is a good concept. Hopefully the cost of such a system is reasonnable!
jswank::
on Mar 23, 2008
I have traveled to other countries and one thing I found interesting about their television programs was that there was little if not marketed food goods on their tv stations. I wonder if we eliminated all food commercials if we would see Americans' weight go down!
alli1263::
on Mar 29, 2008
I agree with Chilly. its not a "diet" it is a lifestyle change. I have lost 117 pounds in over a 2 year period. I exercise regularly and joined weight watchers. I didn't go out the first day and run a marathon, but I walked for 10-15 minutes and just built up to a 1 hour to one and half hour 5 mornings a week at the track and now I am running 2 miles and walking the rest of the time. I eat healthy foods in healthy portions. if I eat 'unhealthy" foods, ie:chocolate or chips, I eat a small portion. I do not deprive myself so that I wont overindulge. at weight watchers, there is nothing I cant have, but I must be accountable for it.
MonikaP::
on Apr 27, 2008
I believe in eating right and exercising 15- 30 minutes every day. I do not believe in any of those pills. To spend money on those is a waste of my budget. If you need proof just ask your pharmacist and if he is honest he will tell you that all of those "natural" pills are placebos. Which trnslated means fake. It is like eating a tsp of dirt every morning and believing that it will help. It is all in our heads. The secret to a healthy beautiful body is eating right and in moderation and exercising. If you do not want to do it for your self think of your children and their health. Lets all take away one hour of tv or video games time and spend it outside or play a game. Lets not order fast fatty food but fix something easy for our family. I have a box full of 30 minutes recipes. Just think of all the time you can spend together. Do not get me wrong I know that it is hard. I am a part time working mom of 3 kids under 6, I take my kids to work with me and my husband travels 3 weeks out of a month. I know life is busy. Do not get me wrong I am not supermom, but I know it is doable. So do not stuff yourself with pills. Change your lifestyle. Your body and health will thank you. Your hubby will love it and you will to.
jennicks::
on May 02, 2008
I worked out at Curves and they offered a 6 week class to help people lose weight and get the exercise they need. We have people from 16 to 80. Curves was a great place to workout. The Curves I went to had monthly prize giveaways. That help keep the people coming in also.
