Results of an investigation presented last year at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) annual Scientific Session shows if current trends continue, the overwhelming majority of American adults will be overweight, if not obese, by the year 2020 [1]. More than half will also suffer from either type-2 diabetes, or related pre-diabetic conditions.
Using data gathered between 1988 and 2008, as part of the federally sponsored National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) initiative, researchers with Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine were able to project just how much fatter the U.S. population is likely to get over the course of the next decade.
Currently, about 72% of American males, and 63% of American females are overweight or obese. If those figures weren’t alarming enough, Northwestern University researchers estimate that by 2020, these numbers will grow to include roughly 83% of men and 72% of women living in the United States.
In terms of overall cost, the Northwestern study estimates that by the year 2030, the United States could be spending over a trillion dollars, annually, on managing health issues related to being overweight.
Breaking the Trend
The importance of eating well and making smart decisions to keep our bodies healthy cannot be stressed enough. Even very small progressive steps can make a difference over time.
A common frustration among many is that it's too difficult to eat right while juggling busy work schedules and hectic personal lives. This excuse is probably the single most popular way to justify the consumption of low-quality, no-nutrition food. Resist the temptation to reach for these quick convenience foods. Eating organic food to avoid toxic compounds is the best option. Incorporating some advanced planning into your routine makes it very easy to incorporate healthy eating into your routine. With some practice, you’ll be able to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal in less time than it takes to pick up take-out or have something delivered. This habit lends itself to a better diet and is significantly more affordable. Don't let seemingly cheap menu prices fool you — they quickly add up and so do the health consequences.
Even with diet and lifestyle improvements, shedding excess weight is a challenge for many people. Using a safe, all-natural liver and gallbladder cleanse can be a great way to help speed up metabolism and enhance weight loss efforts. However, it is important to keep in mind that this is not a standalone solution and that no product in the world can make up for being sedentary or continually poisoning your body with junk food.
References (1)
- Erin White. On track to getting even fatter. Northwestern University. 2011 November 16.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
