Over the last few decades, obesity rates have risen dramatically around the globe. In the United States the problem has escalated to the point that healthcare costs, lack of productivity, time taken off from work, and loss of passion for life are on the rise.
There has been an increase of diseases directly related to what we eat, lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyles.
According to a study in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), in 2008, the obesity rate among adult Americans was estimated at 32.2% for men and 35.5% for women; these rates were roughly confirmed by the CDC again for 2009–2010.
Obesity rates increased through 2017, with a slight tapering off in some geographic regions for the first time in years in 2018.
“After years of rapid increases, the growth in America’s adult obesity rate has started to slow, and even decline, in some places. On a state level, adult obesity rates increased in four states (Colorado, Minnesota, Washington, and West Virginia), decreased in one state (Kansas), and remained stable in the rest. This supports trends that have shown steadying levels in recent years.” From www.stateofobesity.org
Yet, the fact remains, there are more obese US adults than those who are a little overweight.
Contributing Factors
Many factors contribute to the increase in obesity including lack of exercise, fast foods, stress eating, eating while watching television, additives to foods by manufactures and an acceptance that we, as a nation, are getting heavier.
A huge contributor to the obesity epidemic are marketing campaigns by food manufacturers.
Additionally, there is the attempt at the normalization of plus sized men and women as being a “healthy” weight, and the denial is on the increase. There have been plenty of attempts to reduce stigmatization of larger body sizes, but the reality is, excess fat increases the chances of heart disease, many cancers, strokes and diabetes.
This article is NOT about the demonization of a person’s body size, but it’s important to be very honest about the fact that excess weight contributes to several avoidable health issues.
Trends are Shifting
As waist sizes increase so do healthcare costs due to complications and diseases related to weight. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that for the first time in decades there’s a shift in people taking control of their health. Insurance companies are offering nutrition programs, memberships to gyms and better information on how to improve one’s health.
More people are getting off the couch to take a walk rather than binge watch the newest series on Netflix.
Businesses are offering incentives to their employees to eat healthy and move more. Many companies participate in local group walks and runs.
Men and women are accepting the fact that they have more control in their health than previously acknowledged.
More every day, people are committing to eating healthier, exercising and getting to a healthy weight.
Simple Solutions
The first step in finding a solution to any problem is to admit there is a problem. Most people would be hard pressed not to realize we are in a health epidemic.
Now that the problem has been identified, what’s the solution? The solution is very simple, although not necessarily easy.
- Make positive food and lifestyle choices.
- Take daily action towards healthier choices.
- Commit to baby steps rather than trying to change everything in one fell swoop.
- Arm yourself with information.
- Surround yourself with others who are committed to a healthier lifestyle.
- Take full responsibility for your health.
My Journey into Being a Food Intuitive
When I was in my early 30’s I endured daily headaches, Fibromyalgia and constant pain. Having lived with this for ten years, trying every imaginable way to relieve myself of the severity of my situation, I believed I was destined to experience this pain for the rest of my live.
Little did I know that the food choices I was making contributed greatly to my condition. It was because of my own personal quest for better health, I discovered the power of intuitive eating.
Our bodies intuitively know what foods are best for a healthy lifestyle. However, we must tune into what our bodies want, need and desire.
When I discovered how powerful food is in virtually every aspect of my life, I went on a personal quest to learn all I could. As a result, I now work with men and women around the globe as a medical and nutrition intuitive. I had no idea that my own health issues would allow me the good fortune of helping others.
I can assure you, there is a solution if you are open to doing things differently. You can have more energy, focus, peace of mind and health. Make the commitment right now to live the life you deserve.
If you’re ready to take control of your health, energy, eating and wellbeing, then you will love my complimentary eBook – The Food Codes Top 10 Energy Foods. Click here to access.
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