Obesity is a disease
Obesity is the fastest growing health problem in America. It affects nearly two-thirds of Americans and is the second leading cause of preventable death. The World Health Organization has described obesity as an “escalating epidemic” and “one of the greatest neglected health problems of our time.” Reports published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Journal of the American Medical Association have indicated.
Research suggests that $446 billion is spent annually on weight loss products and services, including medical procedures and pharmaceuticals, with weight loss centers garnering 6 to 12 percent of this total annual expenditure. Some factors supporting the industry's growth, other than the rising number of overweight Americans, are tax deductions for some weight loss programs. The Federal Government offers deductions for participants who have been recommended by a doctor; as well as employer-sponsored participation in programs, which are on the rise as a result of broader recognition of the health and safety-related issues and higher absenteeism associated with overweight staff.
Physician associations are making recommendations and offering resources for their members to fight this growing epidemic. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Gastroenterology, and The American Academy of Family Physicians are just three organizations committed to fighting obesity.
American College of Gastroenterology
The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) also recognizes the epidemic of obesity and stated in its 2008 Obesity Initiative that it is “imperative that GI physicians engage in efforts to define new treatment options, refine existing approaches and enhance the management of associated complications.” ACG understands obesity is of particular relevance to gastroenterologists because of the clearly documented associations with a number of gastrointestinal disease risk factors and outcomes, including mortality rates and unfavorable risk profiles. “The American College of Gastroenterology's primary objective in encouraging an enhanced focus on nutrition, metabolism and obesity is to bring the clinical and scientific expertise of GI physicians together in formulating solutions to the obesity epidemic, both at the national health policy level and in terms of advancing clinical practice.”
American Academy of Family Physicians
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) opinion is that “physicians should offer assistance to patients who are obese or overweight or who request assistance to prevent obesity. Family physicians should also participate in local, state and national efforts to improve general nutrition, and encourage physical activity for both children and adults.”
Everyone needs a goal and we need positive reasons to achieve those goals. Even taking off a few pounds can provide you with cardiovascular benefits, so every step in the right direction is a step toward healthier living. To change our habits, we must change the behavior, training and eating patterns associated with the accumulation of body fat one step at a time, and incorporate those procedures associated with the development of a healthy lifestyle one step at a time.
Slimtronics and their partners understand and realize how difficult it can be at times to live a healthy lifestyle, but nevertheless the benefits outweigh the challenges that a person may have, we have developed our online diet and exercise platform specifically with the end-user in mind.