Obesity is a word everyone is familiar with and for some it’s too familiar. According to the American Obesity Association one of every 4 adults is obese; that’s over 60 million American adults. Did you know diseases associated with obesity like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and cancer all receive more attention and funding than obesity does? It’s no surprise we’re making so little progress in the war against obesity.

If were going to make a dent in these staggering numbers we may want to take a closer look at the purported contributing factors and what we can do to alleviate them. Although there are many factors that contribute to obesity, the major causes are said to be genetics, environment and behavior.

Genetically speaking, some people have a predisposition to gain weight. The good news is although predisposed, it is not a guarantee of weight gain. While on the other hand, others will become obese with no genetic predisposition at all. How can this be you ask, the answer is lifestyle choices and habits.  

Developing and maintaining healthy habits will increase your chances of losing weight and sustaining an ideal body composition. Conscientious shopping, keeping a journal of food and calories consumed, sticking to a low calorie low fat diet, daily physical activity and setting realistic goals are all contributing factors to a successful weight loss and maintenance program.

Create an environment advantageous to succeeding. Establish a team of supporters. Foods accessible at home, school, work or sociably should be nutritious and low calorie. The core of your menu should comprise fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, lean meats, fish, poultry, low sugar and low fats. Creating such an environment will support your efforts when making meal choices.

The AOA also states, “persons with obesity are at risk of developing one or more serious medical conditions, which can cause poor health and premature death. Obesity is associated with more than 30 medical conditions, and scientific evidence has established a strong relationship with at least 15 of those conditions.” Obese or overweight persons losing 10% of body weight can improve some obesity-related medical conditions including diabetes and hypertension.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel for people suffering from obesity. Diet therapy, physical activity, behavior therapy, drug therapy, combined therapy and surgery are all possible options for regaining control of body composition. Of course, it is recommended that drugs and surgery be used only when all other options fail. Obesity is quietly and steadily engulfing a growing percent of adults and children. Armed with the facts we can begin the eradication of obesity in this country.