| Obesity | Obesity:
Playing for High Stakes in the Battle of the Bulge
According to the Surgeon General of the United States, obesity is a problem of epidemic proportions. The number of overweight and obese adults in this country is a whopping 60 percent. A large number of children are also affected by this problem. Most cases can be traced to improper diet and lack of exercise. In some cases, genetics, medications, and underlying illnesses that affect how the body uses food may be contributing factors. How each case is managed is best determined by first assessing the cause. While obesity is a multifaceted social problem, it's role in the development of serious, and often deadly health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke cannot be ignored. According to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 250, 000 deaths in this country in the year 2000 were related to improper diet and lack of exercise, the major causes of obesity today. The solution to this mammoth problem is to heighten public awareness of the dangers associated with obesity: psychological, social and physical. It also means that each of us, individuals, government and industry, will have to act in ways that promote healthy eating and increased physical activity. Registered dietitians are highly trained in the science and art of food and nutrition. They are the first line of defense against obesity and other diet-related health problems. If you need to lose weight, contact a registered dietitian and get the personalized attention you need. If you have diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disease, or other diet-related health problem, your doctor should give your a referral to see a registered dietitian. If not, you have a right to ask for a referral. Get a diet checkup today.Get the Nutriscope™ Home |