Ever since the late 1970's, the American government and advertisers have been telling Americans to eat less fat and to lose weight. Every diet imaginable from low-fat to high-carb to high-protein to low-carb has been embraced as the key to losing weight. Yet since the 70's and particularly the 80's, Americans have become increasingly obese. It seems that either well-intentioned dieters are better at making motivated claims about nutrition than they are at following through or their diets are failing them.
Until about 1980, the obesity rates in the U.S. were 12 to 14 percent. Yet in the period between the late '70s and late '80s, the rates increased to 22-25 percent. Although the total percentage of calories from fat has decreased, the actual amount of fat intake has increased by 10% per year since 1975. The increase of carbohydrates has also increased, at a rate of 20% per year, due to the production of highly processed foods.
About the same time that Americans were being told to lose weight, high-fructose corn syrup became one of the primary caloric sweeteners in America. Since that time, the amount of sugar added to some of our most popular grocery items has risen, alongside the frequency of obesity and diabetes.
"Back in time, the main sugar consumption was from added sugar (in home cooking), whereas now it is mostly refined," says dietitian Melanie McGrice.
What few people realize about popular grocery items and low-fat food is that the food industry substitutes vegetable fats for animal fats, substitutes sugars for fats, and keeps the calorie content of the products exactly the same. In other words, people are consuming the same amount of calories as before when eating many low-fat processed foods, which can be hurting their metabolism and destroying their weight loss goals.
Added to the increase of low-fat and processed foods in our diets, lifestyle changes from work and technology advances mean that we do not burn off as many calories in our everyday life as previous generations did, causing us to gain weight. The simple truth about weight gain is, that we consume more calories than we burn, continually gaining weight if not reversed.
Although the dieting craze and obsession with weight is not likely to end anytime soon, there are many helpful resources for dieters to become healthy and stay healthy. The USDA has created a new food pyramid that has an updated version of dietary guidelines for a healthy diet suited to the general public. Their online site even offers a personalized pyramid based on age, height, weight, and physical fitness. There are also many useful tips for Americans of all ages to create a healthy eating plan.
The USDA advises to set realistic goals for weight loss. Combine regular physical activity with a well-balanced eating plan. Be sure to include lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, cut back on fat, and control your portion sizes.
Overall, the key to losing weight and maintaining a long-term healthy weight is to eat as many whole foods (not processed) as possible and balance the amount of calories going in versus going out. Although this can be difficult with so many unhealthy foods and subliminal advertising, there are many successful people who do it, thus everyone is capable of achieving a healthy eating regime and healthy weight with some effort and discipline. If you need some help, visit a dietitian and schedule a workout with a personal trainer to get started.
Yet with the obesity rate rising in this country, frustrated dieters turn to "miracle" diet pills. As humans, we tend to desire immediate gratification and results. Diet pills may help in the short run but they are not the complete answer to weight loss. If anyone is considering taking a diet pill, they must remember that they are most effective when paired with exercise and healthy meals. They are like vitamins, they will help you but they cannot do all the work for you. Be cautious when choosing diet pills because they are drugs. When not taken properly they can cause a range of side effects. You only have one body, so be cautious what you put in it. Research different pills and find one that helps you achieve your goals without unnecessary ill side effects. If you are set on trying a diet pill try one like Akavar that has years of research in diet pills and has already helped many Europeans and a growing number of Americans lose weight.
Your body is not available for a trade-in so consider practicing healthier habits and remain patient until you meet your weight loss goals.
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