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Susan Bowerman, MS, RD, CSSD

 It’s no secret that, as a nation, we’re getting fatter – recent statistics reveal that there are twice as many obese Americans today than there were just thirty years ago. And, along with extra pounds comes an increased risk for chronic diseases – like diabetes and high blood pressure – so the spiraling epidemic is bound to put further pressure on our health care system.

Obesity isn’t too picky when it comes to victims – regardless of age, gender or race, millions of people are affected. But a recently published report* from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicated that certain population groups are more affected than others.

Data gathered from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, known as NHANES, points to these disparities – obesity affects 45% of blacks and nearly 37% of Hispanics, compared with a lower prevalence rate of about 31% among whites. Not surprisingly, geographic differences were reported, too. Greater obesity rates were seen in the South and Midwest regions of the nation compared with the Northeast and the West.

The report cited three key factors that might account for the differences among populations - exercise habits, dietary patterns and attitudes regarding body weight. Compared to whites, for instance, blacks and Hispanics are less likely to take part in regular recreational activity – partly because those in minority and low-income communities may have fewer locations where they can safely engage in exercise.

It’s also been documented that in neighborhoods with large minority populations there are fewer chain supermarkets, produce stores or farmer’s markets and more fast-food restaurants – which means that fewer healthier choices are available. And, even when they are accessible, healthier foods are relatively more expensive than fat and sugar-laden fast foods.

Attitudes regarding body size also play a role in explaining differences in obesity rates - in many cultures, being overweight is not considered a negative trait. Black and Hispanic women, for example, report greater satisfaction with their body size than white women – which means they are less likely to try to lose weight. So, while white females may have more problems with poor body image and chronic dieting, minority women may be encouraging the acceptance of an unhealthy body weight and the health problems associated with it.

Finding effective strategies for combating this epidemic is critical. The CDC funds programs in 25 states to address obesity, particularly in minority populations. But the target behaviors in these programs – increased fruit and vegetable intake and more physical activity – are key strategies for everyone who struggles with excess weight.

Susan Bowerman is a consultant to Herbalife.

*Centers for Disease Control. Differences in Prevalence of Obesity Among Black, White, and Hispanic Adults --- United States, 2006—2008. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, July 17, 2009 / 58(27);740-744

By MICHAEL MOSS

Published: February 20, 2013

On the evening of April 8, 1999, a long line of Town Cars and taxis pulled up to the Minneapolis headquarters of Pillsbury and discharged 11 men who controlled America’s largest food companies. Nestlé was in attendance, as were Kraft and Nabisco, General Mills and Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola and Mars. Rivals any other day, the C.E.O.’s and company presidents had come together for a rare, private meeting. On the agenda was one item: the emerging obesity epidemic and how to deal with it. While the atmosphere was cordial, the men assembled were hardly friends. Their stature was defined by their skill in fighting one another for what they called “stomach share” — the amount of digestive space that any one company’s brand can grab from the competition.

James Behnke, a 55-year-old executive at Pillsbury, greeted the men as they arrived. He was anxious but also hopeful about the plan that he and a few other food-company executives had devised to engage the C.E.O.’s on America’s growing weight problem. “We were very concerned, and rightfully so, that obesity was becoming a major issue,” Behnke recalled. “People were starting to talk about sugar taxes, and there was a lot of pressure on food companies.” Getting the company chiefs in the same room to talk about anything, much less a sensitive issue like this, was a tricky business, so Behnke and his fellow organizers had scripted the meeting carefully, honing the message to its barest essentials. “C.E.O.’s in the food industry are typically not technical guys, and they’re uncomfortable going to meetings where technical people talk in technical terms about technical things,” Behnke said. “They don’t want to be embarrassed. They don’t want to make commitments. They want to maintain their aloofness and autonomy.”     .....read more

Weight loss, eating a healthier diet, becoming more active, working towards a better body shape. Whatever your goal, there always seems to be a few habits that get in the way, even when we have the best intentions. Success means not only achieving your goal, but also maintaining it. Here are some common dieting habits to be avoid.

1. You think you can lose weight without exercise - To be healthy, lose weight, and keep it off, you need to exercise regularly. Exercise helps you achieve a better body shape by toning the muscles; supports metabolism; helps increase energy levels, fitness, and endurance; plus it's good for the mind!
    
2. You drink too many calories - Staying clear of the fizzy drinks is great, but don't replace it by drinking more fruit juice. Remember: juice can contain almost the same number of calories as fizzy drinks. Yes, juice has natural sugars, which is better than sucrose or artificial sweeteners, but always read the label, as often sugar is added, and there's no fiber. Where possible, eat your fruit rather than drink it.
    
3. You think all fats are bad - Beneficial fats are unsaturated fats, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are primarily found in oily fish, nuts, and seeds. Fat is essential for health; just make sure you limit saturated fats and trans fats.
    
4. You think changing your diet is temporary - Just because you've reached your target weight, or achieved your goal doesn't mean you can stop your diet. Do celebrate your success, but don't fall back into old habits and end up gaining back the weight you've lost. Make your new diet choices permanent, not temporary, and recognize that a healthy diet isn't just about weight loss; it's about choosing a healthy lifestyle!
    
5. You find it hard to know when to stop eating - Eating small, regular meals throughout the day is best, but make sure you keep them balanced and don't lose track of how much you've eaten. It's so easy to get caught up doing work or busy talking while you eat, and forget to stop when you're no longer hungry!
    
6. You lose motivation - Motivation is an intergral part of sticking to your eating or exercise plan. Surround yourself with family and friends who encourage your decision. This is especially important when you notice results starting to plateau. Try putting post-it notes or inspirational photographs around the house and in the pantry to remind yourself of your goals and how far you've come so far.

Remember, it's easier to break habits, than it is to build them. So get family and friends to keep you motivated, stay focused and strong - the results will pay off.