Obesity Rises while Dieting Declines

Sunday, August 15, 2010 by: Linda Carlson
Tags: obesity, dieting, health news

(NewsTarget) In spite of all the hoopla about billions being spent on losing weight, the fact is, most overweight Americans are not trying to lose weight. The number of people dieting is lower now than it has been in 20 years. At the same time, the rate of obesity continues to rise. This may be a hard one to swallow considering the statistics on all the money spent for weight loss products, programs and diets.

The billions spent are not a measure of a commitment to weight loss. Spending the money for mail order meals, treadmills, diet pills and weight loss books does not mean more people are losing weight. The majority really go no further than spending the money. Commitment is another issue altogether. If they could spend the money and get results with no change or effort on their part, most would do it. Otherwise, forget it.

Even if they know that being overweight has serious health consequences, many simply do not want to give up their ice cream and fast foods. Nor do they want to get out there and walk around the block.

Americans are notorious for doing what they want in spite of the consequences. And some do it right to the point of a serious health issue before they consider giving up that banana split, extra large fries or super-sized soda.

And then there are those who say they are not concerned about their weight. They believe they look good and they believe they are healthy. But do we buy this? Giving them the benefit of the doubt in believing they are happy is one thing; believing they are healthy is another thing altogether.

Many think they have to be miserable during a weight loss process. This can be for good reason for those who have tried again and again and failed again and again. Those who try diets that leave them hungry and exercise programs that are far too much can make folks want to give up. Many say it is just too much work.

The good news:
It does not have to be a negative experience. In fact, it can be a very positive experience. The answer is not found in a magic pill or fad diet. It is found by looking back in time when food was actually "food" and we still went outside for a walk. Back then obesity was not a problem. It`s not a secret. It`s just forgotten or ignored.

Real food is still available and we can find 15 minutes for a walk around the block each day. Replacing processed food with real food will give our bodies the nutrients needed to work as it is intended to work, thus improving our health dramatically. Weight loss is a natural side effect.

Sources: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2... http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index... http://consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/di...

Linda Carlson CNWC

About the author

Linda Carlson is a Certified Nutrition & Wellness Counselor with 21 years experience. Dragonfly Health at www.cree77.com