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Americans are the most obese people on earth. Obesity is one of our
leading public health problems. So serious is obesity that 57 million people are at significant
medical risk. No wonder weight-loss diets are so popular with overweight adults.
Too many overweight adults fall prey to fads and diet plans that
offer quick results. Like a conditioned reflex, extra pounds spell d-i-e-t to most adults. A recent
survey found that 40 to 50% of Americans between the ages of 35 and 59 were on a diet at any given
time.
The sad truth is that unless people make lasting changes in their
lifestyles and consistently choose healthful foods, their efforts are largely wasted. Some 95% of
dieters regain their lost weight within a year, usually with a bonus. Constantly losing and
regaining weight is frustrating and demoralizing, and does more damage than good.
Would it then not be better to just stay overweight or live with obesity?
For many overweight adults, remaining overweight would be less
harmful than endlessly playing the rhythm game of girth control. Before running up the white flag of
surrender, however, understand the health risks of being overweight.
When compared with people of normal weight, obese people are:
- 3 times more likely to suffer from
coronary heart disease;
- 4 times more likely to suffer from high blood pressure;
- 5 times more likely to develop
adult onset diabetes, and elevated blood cholesterols;
- at higher risk of developing cancer of the colon, rectum, prostate, breast, cervix, uterus, and
ovaries;
- at greater risk of suffering from osteoarthritis and low back pain.
Overweight and obese adults are like ticking bombs waiting for one or more diseases to explode in
their lives. In addition, extra weight affects self-image. In today’s appearance-oriented society it
can be a great psychological burden.
Do you wish to control obesity, or not be overweight? Contact
CHIP to learn how to get
down to your
ideal weight.
"Be healthy by Choice, Not by Chance!". |
