by Lacey Lenning

Created on: November 02, 2010

Obesity on the Rise

Is the lack of exercise solely responsible for the rising obesity problem in the U.S.?  I think not. McDonalds’ joints, anchored at 1-mile-intervals throughout the communities, are still a favorite for most Americans.  Stress levels are mounting to an all-time high for full-time workers.  Lack of family and community connections contribute to the crisis, as we are less inclined to eat a traditional family supper together.  Although lessened physical activity is one of the contributing factors to America’s obesity epidemic, exercise cannot single-handedly cure our population of obesity.

Tracking Food Patterns

            Diet infomercials bombard us with miraculous promises of speedy fat loss.  An asterisk next to their models states, “Results not typical.”  Amidst all of the confusion regarding diet choices, one method has given the best results.  No matter which food pattern you adopt, be sure to keep a food diary.  This is the secret to loosing weight and keeping those saddlebags at bay.  Fitday.com is a FREE site which will track your weight, measurements, food intake, caloric content of foods, and more.  I personally use this website and highly recommend it to my clients.

Physical Activity Recommendations

            The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 30-45 minute strength training sessions about 3-5 times per week.  In addition to strength training, cardiovascular exercise of 45-60 minutes 5-7 times a week will give you incredible weight loss results.  After exercising, be sure to allow 10 minutes of static stretching of the muscle groups worked during that session.  Each of the three factors: strength training, cardiovascular activity, and flexibility exercise is vital to achieving physical fitness.

Reducing Stress Levels

            Managing the types of stress that assault us at work, home, and in our community can be a challenge which many fail to overcome.  Some feel the need to take care of everyone in their lives but themselves.  If overwork becomes an obstacle, analyze your schedule to determine how you can lighten the load.  Do not be afraid to ask for assistance when needed.  Oftentimes the stress can mount to unreasonable levels resulting in mental breakdowns.  Address the problem before it becomes overwhelming.

Establishing Community Connections

            The importance of gathering together with family is vital to mental wellness.  In our harried society, the cohesive family unit has nearly become extinct.  Not only is this detrimental to our community, but independently operating family members often suffer from lack of social support.  If your family rarely gets together during the week because of conflicting schedules, designate at least one morning or evening to enjoy a meal, go on an outing, or walk around the neighborhood.

For several years, we have been sold the propaganda purported by exercise specialists that physical fitness is the key to lose weight.  This statement has been proven false through scientific studies, as there are several components to healthy fat loss.  Follow the above recommendations to achieve complete wellness. Addressing the whole person in mind, body, and spirit, is essential to treat Americans for this overweight epidemic.

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