A Country In Need of a Health Makeover

   By drodriguez  Feb 27, 2008
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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?

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smiddlemore by smiddlemore | POST FALLS, ID
Feb 29, 2008

We have become such a sedentary lot. I have such a hard time thinking of Obesity as a disease or epidemic. For the most part we are all well educated reasonably thinking human beings and we all should know that fatty foods and a sedentary lifestyle will lead to weight gain and health risks. Is it hard to find the motivation to eat right and exercise, yes! But once you begin eating a well rounded diet and exerting yourself by some form of strenuous activities it becomes a habit and then a lifestyle and it feels so good to feel healthy. I have never tried any of the diets listed above. Frankly they scare me. Losing weight is a matter of eating fewer calories than you?re burning, while many take that as advice to seriously restricting the calories consumed it would be wiser to think of it as the need to exercise more and simply to cut out SOME of the junk food. Last note... It will inevitable be easier for some to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight than others, genetics or health problem being what they are, there is very little to do but know that you may have to work harder and struggle more than the person next to you but that is no reason to quit and give up. So here is to eating well and working out hard and to living a healthy long life.