For the first time in history the number of overweight people are starting to out number the number of underweight people on the planet. According to recent surveys there are more than 1.2 billion people who are classified as being overweight.
Since 1968 we’ve also cut back on our total fat percentage of calories from 40 % to 33% today and have cut back the saturated fat levels from 18% to 11%. So what’s happening? We’ve cut back our fat and are eating low fat this and non-fat that but we’re eating more calories than ever before, especially calories that contain sugar and highly refined flour. Being overweight can lead to diabetes, heart disease, cancer and sleep disorders. For some individuals who store their fat in the abdominal and chest areas it can make them temporarily stop breathing while they sleep.
Obesity is basically defined as having a body mass index of over 30. With this as a guide an estimated 55% of United States Adults are now considered overweight with 23% of these people considered obese. Canadians are not far behind with an estimated 48% considered overweight and 14% considered obese. These figures are growing not just in North America, but all over the world. In Europe 15% of men and 22% of women are considered Obese. In Britain 17% of men and 20% of women are considered obese. On the South Pacific Island of Samoa, 75% of adult women and 60% of adult males are considered to be obese. And these numbers are growing with more and more children starting to fall in the categories of being overweight and obese.
The reasons for these increased numbers can be found in many ways from using the car instead of walking, sitting in front of computers instead of exercising, and the increased availability of high fat and calorie food and drinks. Obesity is difficult to overcome. Fewer then 5 % of obese people successfully lose weight and keep it off. Compare that to smokers who have a success rate of 20 to 25 percent.
Obesity has also been associated with the increase in medical costs and recent figures show that the cost to treat obesity and all its related diseases in The United States is estimated at 103 billion dollars a year. Becoming fit will likely improve your health and prolong your life, no matter what you weigh.
The secret is to start doing something. The old saying ’baby steps’ is so true if you are obese and have never worked out or tried to manage your weight before, start by getting your doctor’s permission, start out slowly, the only person you should be competing against is yourself.
Consider a personal trainer who can lead you through the pitfalls of beginning.
Set realistic goals but also realize that by just doing something once a week is better than doing nothing at all.
It’s so easy to get obsessive about our body image. Fitness is about feeling good no matter what your size. You are more likely to maintain your desired weight once you have achieved it if you are physically active
There is no single weight loss program or secret formula for anyone. It’s an individual thing and much of the success depends on finding out what works best for you. Once you start to see results, you’ll not only feel good, but realize how simple it really is. But it does take something that no one can teach you. It takes commitment to stay with a program and motivation to get started. You can eat that double chocolate cream pie, as long as it’s not every day. It won’t hurt you. You should also try to become a student of health and fitness by subscribing to one of the many good fitness magazines that are published monthly. There are many good articles on new fitness developments, as well as tips and recipes for low fat meals and exercise programs from the pros.
You don’t need creams, powders and empty promises to accomplish your fitness goals. All you need is a common sense approach to eating with proper nutrition, an exercise program that fits into your lifestyle and most important of all the motivation, willpower and commitment to accomplish your fitness goals. The bottom line is, it’s your body and if you want to change it you can, but it’s up to you!!!!
I know you want to get in shape and look great. Whatever your fitness goal…to slim down…gain muscle…tone your arms or flatten your tummy…I’m here to help you accomplish your goals and to improve your fitness level. If you have enjoyed this article and the many other free features on my site, and would like some more comprehensive information such as fitness books and CD’s to aid you in achieving your health and fitness goals, please visit my ONLINE STORE where you will find innovative natural health and beauty products to help you become the BEST YOU CAN BE !