Obesity and Weight Loss

In the U.S., 68% of adults age 20 and over are overweight or obese, while 31.7% of the nation’s children and adolescents age two to 19 are overweight or obese.*  Obesity contributes to six of the ten leading causes of death in America, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and high blood pressure.**

These statistics are unreal.  What happened to the American diet that went so wrong.  Over half of American adults over 20 are overweight or obese and children’s obesity is on the rise.  Our society has been conditioned to be obese or overweight and now companies are making millions of dollars on supposedly showing you how to lose the weight.  It almost seems like this epidemic was created on purpose.  Not only are weight loss companies making millions but doctors are also.  Not only weight loss doctors but oncologists, endocrinologists, and cardiologists to name a few.

 

There are many reasons why we have this problem in America.  I have been in the Wellness industry for over 20 years and have helped many overweight clients.  I also have a personal battle with weight.  Below, I’ve listed some of the most common issues I’ve come across during my years of dealing with weight loss clients as well as myself.

1. Sugar/carbohydrate cravings
2. Food allergies
3. Lack of willpower
4. Low self-esteem
5. Lack of energy
6. Don’t know where to start
7. No support system
8. Can”t exercise
9. Limited financially
10. Lack of food knowledge
11. Disease
12. Stress

All of these issues have to be dealt with in weight loss.  It’s an education process as well as a physical and mental make-over.

It’s that time of year when every weight loss program or product is advertised in the media 24/7.  Beware!  All programs/products do not work for all people.  You are an individual.  Learn your body.  What makes your body tick?  What does your body respond to?  There are lab tests that can give you an idea of what is beneficial for your body.  Your blood type is also a great way to figure out good/bad foods.  Food allergies, hormonal issues, thyroid health, inflammatory issues can all be catapulted by the wrong foods.  Foods that are beneficial for others may not be beneficial to you.  Wheat/gluten intolerances and allergies are very common and play a big part in weight gain as well as some fruits and vegetables.  This has to be established in the very beginning of a program.  Supplementation is also very important.  Are there any deficiencies?  This could affect hormones as well as digestive issues to name a few.  Many programs do not take this information into consideration when creating a nutrition plan.  Most diets are very generic.  Eating less will cause weight loss in the beginning but if you are eating foods that are not good for your body, eventually the weight loss will stop and you will not have healthy weight loss.  The body responds to change.  If you suddenly lower your intake and begin exercising, you will see a change.  It’s inevitable.  The key is to continue losing until you reach your goal and then sustaining it.  This will not happen if you are eating the wrong foods and again, you will not be healthy.

There is a program out there for everyone.  There are so many programs because there are so many body systems.  You’re bound to find a program that works for you.  It’s a numbers game.  Look at the success rates for the larger programs.  A successful weight loss is one that sustains the loss for at least 5 years.  Not many people can say that they have kept the weight off for 5 years.  I know because I’ve been through it and I’ve worked with many clients who were on these programs and couldn’t maintain it.  You have to learn your body and learn what it needs.  That means an individual diet and exercise routine.  Our bodies handle stress differently and therefore an individualized exercise program has to agree with your body as well.  If you have a system that wants a slow, easier workout and you are doing hard, more explosive workouts, your body will probably not respond the way you want it to.

These are just a few issues that you should be aware of when looking at weight loss.  Do your homework, be realistic and the goal should be for health as well as the loss.

See Focus On Fitness Health and Wellness for assistance in choosing an individualized weight loss program that will give you the results you want as well as the knowledge to sustain it.  You will also learn how to lead a lifestyle of health and wellness.

Sources:

*National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

** Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)