April 7, 2007 marks the celebration of World Health Day, founded by The World Health Organization (WHO). There are many health problems in the world, but in America Obesity is at an all time high. According to recent studies by The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in the United States obesity has risen at an epidemic rate during the past 20 years. Americans are among the fattest people on Earth. Today, 66% of all Americans are overweight. 34% of that 66% are Clinically Obese. Obesity is now the second most preventable cause of death after smoking.
Obesity is also at an all time high among Children and Adolescents. According to the US Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) in 1999,13% of children aged 6 to 11 years and 14 % of adolescents 12 to 19 years in the U.S. were overweight. This has nearly tripled for adolescents in the past 2 decades. Risk factors for heart disease such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure occur in overweight children. Type 2 diabetes, once considered an adult disease, has increased dramatically in children and adolescents. The most immediate and sad consequence of obesity as perceived by children themselves is the social discrimination. This is associated with poor self-esteem and depression. Overweight adolescents have a higher rate of becoming overweight or obese adults. One study showed that 80% of children who are overweight at age 10-15 would become obese adults at age 25 years. This year the CDC reported that children being born today would not live as long as their parents specifically because of obesity related diseases.
Overweight individuals are at an increased risk for osteoarthritis, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, gallbladder disease, obstructive sleep apnea, depression, complications of pregnancy, and some types of cancer. Americans need to understand that overweight and obesity are literally killing us!
Research shows that individuals need to incorporate an exercise regime into their lives. They should adhere to a caloric-restricted diet along with a diet lower in dietary fat to improve the risk of heart disease. In order to accomplish these things there is a need for behavioral changes since weight control must be considered a lifelong effort.
Healthy Inspirations is a womens weight loss and lifestyle center that focuses on long-term weight loss. The center provides a weight loss program, exercise, relaxation therapy, and personal support for its members. These components combined provide a weight loss of 2-3 pounds per week, which are guaranteed.
