We've all seen it coming, but now Oprah, Dr. Phil, Good Morning America and practically every major health organization in the country is telling the public on almost a daily basis, "lose weight, be happier and live a life with fewer health related problems." For some shows losing weight has even been turned into a game or another form of reality TV. Contestants compete to win prizes for the most change in their overall lifestyle. The weight loss challenge crosses all age barriers, both genders and is found with every race of Americans. Having an extra few belly pounds in some previous generations was once thought of as symbol of prosperity, but now the medical facts are not so forgiving. It's quickly become a sign of future problems ahead. As one comedian recently said "we've all heard of someone who's died from being overweight, I just don't want you to think of me." Late last year the Wall Street Journal reported that 31% of the adult population is considered obese. That's up 5% from just three years earlier. Now for a myriad of reasons, the media messages seem to be hitting home. This year two out of four Americans is expected to take some new action in the form of more activity, more conscientious eating habits and for many it will be seeking the help of a qualified professional to help loose the extra pounds, improve their diets and be there to help coach them on to success. According to the American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, Americans just a few years ago spent over $33 billion dollars a year on weight loss related products and services. That number is sure to rise as people of every walk of life begin to recognize their own moment of truth. Baby boomers now reaching the 50 plus age group are quickly beginning to recognize that the cost of health supplements now will far outweigh the cost of medicine down the road. Their kids are beginning to see a different kind of cost, as obesity among children and young adults has risen faster than any other segment. The issue is one which can damage a child's self-esteem, lead to underachievement and in a reverse sort of way, be a possible consequence of bad behavior as a recent study from Boston University School of Medicine suggests.
For other Americans though the message will come as a very serious moment of truth. Their doctor will tell them they need to loose weight to treat a serious medical problem developed because of their overweight condition. Obese individuals have a 50-100 percent increased risk of death from all causes, compared with normal-weight individuals. Often the change of weight and a good program to keep it off will be just what the doctor ordered. The question is why wait to begin?
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