Overweight and obesity has rapidly risen high up amongst the health concerns. What was initially thought to be an affliction affecting the rich has now rapidly spread to the poor in the affluent countries. It has also spread amongst the rich in the developing countries. It has come to be identified with the urban population. This is clearly an indication that obesity has got more to do with diet and lifestyles. Increase in carbohydrate consumption has been more than consumption of fat in affluent countries. The carbohydrate consumption primarily comes from consumption of sweetened beverages. About a quarter of the daily calorie intake amongst the adult population in the United States comes from beverages. Similarly the calorie content of fast food too has increased over time. The consumption of beverages and fast food has considerably been increasing. For instance, there has been a three fold increase in the consumption of fast food while calories intake has risen four times during the last two decades. This increased calorie intake has contributed primarily to over weight reaching epidemic proportion.
Food consumption has shifted more and more to processed food from fresh food. Improved agricultural practices and techniques and support to agriculture even in the form of subsidy have led to a decline in food price of corn, rice, soy and wheat in the United States. Their production too has increased. This has resulted also in cheap processed food being available in the stores. At the same time the price of fruits and vegetables has generally been on the rise.
The weight loss market too has expanded with the increase in the population of the obese and overweight. Various products, prescriptions and formulas for weight reduction are available in the market. Addressing the problem of obesity has become professionalized. The expenditure on weight loss programs have rapidly risen. There has also been an increased investment into research on overweight and weight loss programs. There are increased efforts to look into the causes of overweight problem as well as in obtaining effective remedies. Shrink Yourself by Roger Gould is a book that explains the emotional foundation of over eating.
The market is flooded with diet regimes, physical exercises, pills and capsules, drinks and shakes, herbal remedies, fitness centers and of course professional experts. The overweight person will have to assess these methods and decide what best suits him or her. Getting expert advice is advisable.
Amidst the wide choices of diet regimes, quality should always be your determinant. By looking into quality, your body will only be taking in the good ones.
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