If we keep doing what we’re doing, 75% of Americans will be overweight and 41% obese by 2015, being fat will be the norm. That’s up from 66% of Americans overweight or obese from the latest statistics.

This report comes from a team at John Hopkins University that reviewed 20 recent studies on trends in eating habits and weight gain.

“Obesity is a public health crisis. If the rate of obesity and overweight continues at this pace, by 2015, 75 percent of adults and nearly 24 percent of U.S. children and adolescents will be overweight or obese,” Dr. Youfa Wang, who led the study, commented.

“Obesity is likely to continue to increase, and if nothing is done, it will soon become the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.”

This is a grave problem not only for our own health and that of our children, but for our nation as well. Health care costs will continue to rise as the proven complications and effects of obesity continue to develop and the costs will eventually cripple our economy.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Obesity and weight gain is easily preventable, and diets aren’t the answer. Did you know only 5% of diets are effective and result in permanent weight loss? They don’t work simply because they’re a temporary fix. Simple lifestyle changes are the answer to permanent weight loss.

Basically, start by focusing on these simple changes:

• eliminate processed and most animal foods from your diet
• drink lots of water starting with 2-3 glasses when you wake up
• eliminate sugary drinks including sodas, energy drinks and juices
• stay active by exercising daily
• reduce or eliminate the effects of stress in your life
  
• get an adequate amount of sleep
• eat healthy snacks
• focus on adding as many fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds into your diet

These are simple ways to get started on your path to optimal weight and better health. It’s now your turn to put them to work in your life.

To your best health!

Mark Idzik

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