Words like "epidemic," "astronomical" and "severe national crisis" are being used by experts to describe the rise in obesity in the United States. Health and Human Services officials estimate that $117 billion is spent every year in this country on obesity-related illnesses, from which 300,000 people die. Only tobacco use accounts for more preventable deaths.
Do you know the causes of this alarming trend - and the health risks of carrying too much weight?
Obesity and overweight are chronic, lifelong problems.
TrueFalseCorrect! That's why fad or quick-loss diet plans fail to result in long-term weight loss.
Incorrect. That's why fad or quick-loss diet plans fail to result in long-term weight loss.
You need to lose significant amounts of weight to improve your health picture.
TrueFalseIncorrect. A loss of just 5 to 10 percent of your weight has a positive effect on your well-being and health.
Correct! A loss of just 5 to 10 percent of your weight has a positive effect on your well-being and health.
Muscle weighs the same as fat.
TrueFalseIncorrect. Muscle weighs more than fat. Athletes may tip the scales at higher numbers, but in fact are not overweight because their bodies are composed of more muscle.
Correct! Muscle weighs more than fat. Athletes may tip the scales at higher numbers, but in fact are not overweight because their bodies are composed of more muscle.
The body manufactures all the cholesterol it needs.
TrueFalseCorrect! By eating meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products and other sources, we add more. This can lead to clogged arteries.
Incorrect. By eating meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products and other sources, we add more. This can lead to clogged arteries.
Successful dieters make sure to vary their healthy food choices.
TrueFalseCorrect! Choosing different foods helps avoid boredom and bouts of unplanned eating.
Incorrect. Choosing different foods helps avoid boredom and bouts of unplanned eating.
Fruits and vegetables make you feel more full.
TrueFalseCorrect! Slowing down your pace of eating and adding fruits and vegetables will allow you to feel satisfied sooner.
Incorrect. Slowing down your pace of eating and adding fruits and vegetables will allow you to feel satisfied sooner.
Physical activity is tiring.
TrueFalseIncorrect. Exercise is energizing.
Correct! Exercise is energizing.
Unless you exercise for at least 30 minutes at a time, there is no health benefit.
TrueFalseIncorrect. Getting any exercise is better than none at all. However, continuous sessions of 30 to 60 minutes are best.
Correct! Getting any exercise is better than none at all. However, continuous sessions of 30 to 60 minutes are best.
Mortality rates from all causes of death are lower in physically active people than in sedentary people.
TrueFalseCorrect! In general, physical activity promotes overall good health and a higher quality of life.
Incorrect.In general, physical activity promotes overall good health and a higher quality of life.
