Any way you look at it the statistics regarding obesity are unbelievable:

• In the U.S., 55% of adults are overweight, nearly 25% are obese.

• Each year there are approximately 280,000 deaths in the U.S. that can be attributed to obesity.

There is no longer any doubt that the most widespread and the largest threat to our health is being overweight or obese.

And while these statistics are shocking to most, there are still as many as 80 million people in the United States dealing with obesity.

According to Mayoclinic.com obesity can be defined as having an excessive amount of body fat. And it is more than just a cosmetic concern; it increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Doctors use a formula called the body mass index which is based on your height and weight to determine if you are actually obese.

If your BMI is below 18.5 you are underweight
18.5 – 24.9 is normal
25.0 – 29.9 is overweight
30.0 and higher is obese
40.0 and higher is extremely obese

The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity.

Experts are trying to get across to these millions of people who are dealing daily with obesity is that it is not going to cure itself overnight. There is not a magic pill that someone can take that will reverse the toll we have taken on our bodies over the years.

Losing weight and keeping that weight off is a commitment – a lifelong commitment – and something that won’t come easy to many people. Weight loss is not a short term goal. It is a long term lifestyle change that you must be ready to take on before you start any type of diet or fitness regimen.

However, even just getting started will get you on the right track, and quickly.
Keep in mind there are plenty of support groups out there that will help you get you where you need to be as far as diet and fitness goals and most importantly, don’t give up and just get started!

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