Weight Loss Information
The most important piece of weight loss information you need to know is that we, as Americans, despite our advanced education, are fatter and more obese now than at any other time in our history. Information sources on weight loss suggest that weight gain and obesity in the United States has about reached epidemic proportions. In fact, theories and programs regarding weight loss abound. Around every corner, on every television, in many aisles of the supermarket one can find information about the next weight loss program that is guaranteed to achieve the weight loss results you seek more efficiently and with much less effort than previous weight loss programs.
Convenience has been relegated to paramount importance in our society. Didn’t it all begin at our gas stations? Remember the Texaco gas attendants running out from their clean, odor-free “offices” ready to service your car? They pumped the gasoline, washed you windows, checked the air pressure in your tires, all with a gleaming white smile. Then, those nice people were put out of work at the expense of self-service pumps and lower gas prices. Shortly thereafter, even those people hired to solely transact the gas purchase were replaced by credit card processors built directly into the gas pumps or they were asked to not only transact your gas purchase but to also pour your coffee and to sell you the morning newspaper from the all-purpose market that replaced the old “offices.”
Then fast food restaurants implemented the drive-thru window. We eat fast, talk fast, drive fast, work fast, exercise fast, gain weight quickly and desire to lose it quickly, intent on doing it fwith minimal effort.
Weight Loss Statistics
Weight Loss statistics suggest that the U.S. population has been getting progressively fatter with each passing decade. In 1960, weight loss statistics indicate that 24.4% of the population was overweight and obese. In 2001, weight loss statistics indicate that over 65% of adults are overweight and obese. Currently, 19.6 million men and 19.2 million women are obese which is a 61% increase since 1991. In 1991, only 4 out of 45 states that participated in the national institute of Health study had obesity rates between 15-19% of their adult populations. By 2000, 49 states had reported obesity rates of 15% and higher. Twenty-two of the 50 states reported rates of 20% and higher.
Years |
Percentage of overweight/obese US adults |
1960-62 |
24.40% |
1971-74 |
24.90% |
1976-80 |
25.40% |
1988-94 |
34.80% |
2001 |
65% |
There are myriad weight loss programs marketed today because the demand for them is great. One look at the weight loss statistics illustrated above and you know why. Demand for weight loss programs is great because we, as U.S. citizens, are larger and fatter than ever before in our history. Over 65% of American adults are overweight or obese today which translates to 97.1 million adults not finding success with weight loss.
There are many ways to achieve your weight loss goals. Natural weight loss without the use of diet drugs or weight loss plans is effective but you must first understand the difference between protein, carbohydrates and fat.
Weight loss and diet drugs seem the more “natural” way to lose weight these days because marketing advertisements make it seem easy. With one glass of water, a diet drug pill and no physical effort put forth, you, too, can lose weight. Lose as much or as little as you like by taking the magic pill. Weight loss and diet drugs is serious business. There are many success stories resulting from diet drugs but they must be used intelligently and with respect for your body. They are meant for the short-term treatment for obesity which is why eating behavior modifications and exercise are important long-term strategies.