by Lisa Fillers

Created on: February 20, 2011

There are certain undeniable facts regarding weight loss and weight gain.  To maintain a healthy weight the human body must consume approximately the same amount of calories it spends functioning on an average daily basis.  When we eat more calories than our body normally spends functioning we gain weight.  The only way to control this is to reduce the amount of calories we eat daily or increase the amount of calories our body spends.  Decreasing calorie intake and increasing physical activity will speed up weight loss.  Therefore, the lifestyle we lead has a high impact on obesity.

An adult is considered to be obese if their Body Mass Index is over thirty.  Body Mass Index calculates the percentage of fat based on one's height and weight.  It is not an exact science, though, as it does not take into consideration one's bone structure or body build.

Some of us are prone to being overweight due to hereditary traits.  However, hereditary traits can be overcome with diet and exercise.  Therefore, lifestyle has more of an influence on obesity than genetic factors.

Over the past fifty decades the world in which we live in has undergone drastic changes.  Technology seems to have taken over our lives and overtaken our common sense when it comes to taking care of our health.  Advances made in the computer world have made tasks in the work environment easier.  In many offices one does not leave their desk except for lunch and breaks.  In many fields of employment computers have replaced manual labor. 

Children have become addicted to video and computer games to the point some seldom play outside.  Some adults are equally as addicted to video and computer games and neglect family activities because of their addiction.  People rarely walk or bicycle anywhere when it is easier to drive their automobile.  Text messaging and cellular telephone calls have replaced old fashioned visits.  Outdoor family sports and games are a thing of a bygone era. 

In most families both spouses work.  With the loss of a full time homemaker and the production of more and more packaged convenience foods, fewer of us eat wholesome, well balanced meals.  Instead we opt for the convenience of take out food from fast food restaurants or a quickly prepared meal from packaged convenience foods.  Most of these foods are extremely high in calories, fat content, and carbohydates, packing on more pounds with each passing year. 

Obesity has arrived in epidemic proportion and with it a host of increasing medical problems.  The number of those afflicted with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems has drastically risen in the last few years.  It is time to take a step back from technology and convenience and take control of our own health and that of our loved ones. 

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