So obesity has clearly reached epidemic proportions in the U.S., and the healthcare costs associated with it now rival those attributable to smoking. These costs were estimated to be $92.6 billion in 2002–9.1% of all health care costs–and they continue to escalate rapidly. Comparable costs associated with smoking were estimated to be between 6.5% and 14.4% in 2002. The Centers for Disease Control have announced that obesity could become the nation’s leading cause of preventable deaths by 2005. According to a recent estimate, obesity accounts for approximately 280,000 deaths each year in the U.S.

This epidemic is not confined to adults but tragically is afflicting children as well. Childhood obesity increased from 5 percent in 1964 to 13 percent in 1994. Today, it is estimated to be about 20 percent–and rising.

Diseases for which obesity is a significant risk factor include: Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, cancer, gallstones, gout, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, pulmonary problems, reproductive problems in women, and depression.

In this era of skyrocketing healthcare costs, it’s urgently clear, then, that more effective methods are needed for preventing and reversing this very major contributor to our escalating healthcare crisis.

The above data are especially astounding in the face of the fact that Americans are spending in excess of $50 billion annually on diet products. In view of the ongoing epidemic summarized above, this investment has obviously been highly unsuccessful. As has been pointed out in one study, for example, the price per pound lost in one well-known weight loss program amounts to $180!

Not only is there overwhelming evidence that diets don’t work in the long run, but of even more concern is the strong evidence that they can actually contribute to further weight gain and decline in health. There is recent evidence, for example, that yo-yo dieting weakens the immune system by as much as 30%.

A search of the research literature on weight loss strongly supports the general conclusion that key lifestyle and dietary changes are absolutely necessary to long-term success. Here is a fairly comprehensive listing of these essential changes:

1. Eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits.
2. Boost protein intake to build and preserve lean muscle tissue.
3. Use fiber-rich foods, which are more filling and promote health.
4. Boost calcium and other minerals to help shed unwanted fat.
5. Increase intake of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids by eating fish, flax, and nuts.
6. Eat only minimal amounts of “junk” carbs, containing sugar and white flour.
7. Greatly reduce–or eliminate–saturated and trans fats that are loaded with harmful fatty acids.
8. Reduce or eliminate alcohol.
9. Reduce the amount of food eaten gradually to avoid the adverse effects of sudden dieting.
10. Eat frequent, small snacks, instead of large meals, to maximize calories burned for energy.
11. Be sure to eat a healthy breakfast to avoid difficulty in controlling appetite later in the day.
12. Be sure to exercise for a half-hour, at least 3 times a week.
13. Gradually boost exercise frequency and intensity for even greater effects.
14. Practice stress reduction to reduce the over-production of cortisol, which promotes weight gain.
15. Expose yourself to the sun for at least 15 minutes each day and get adequate sleep.
16. Incorporate all of these changes into your lifestyle and maintain them persistently.

Some people, however, in spite of making these changes and maintaining them rigorously still experience limited success in losing excess weight and keeping it off.

Lucy Beale, a nationally-known author and weight loss consultant for nearly twenty years, addressed this issue in her recent newsletter:

“For years, I’ve watched some of my clients do seemingly everything ‘right’ to lose weight–eating 0-5, eating low-glycemic foods, exercise–and yet they don’t lose pounds or inches. This situation is frustrating for me and certainly for them. I’ve been ‘wishing and hoping’ to find a fat-loss product that I could whole-heartedly recommend.

“When I couldn’t find any viable products to recommend, I spoke with several alternative health practitioners about developing a natural weight-loss product that was: A) safe; B) effective; C) non-addictive; D) worked for most people; and E) provided long-term health benefits. But nothing ever came of our efforts. . .

“Then, in September 2004, a friend told me about the Nexagen Fat-Loss Patch. I’ve done my homework on the patch and my research indicates the patch is safe, effective, and health promoting. I was so excited that I asked some of my clients to try it out. They loved it. They were eating less, found it easier to eat 0-5, had fewer cravings, felt better emotionally, and even wanted to exercise. They lost inches and weight. Many were able to reduce the dosage of medications they were taking for such health conditions as asthma, allergies, high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. People who wear the patch for at least 3-6 months are experiencing satisfying results. . .”

The Fat Loss Patch that Lucy is referring to here is a unique new approach to assisting weight loss and maintenance. Unlike the vast majority of previous diet products containing ephedra, synephrine, or other harmful stimulants, this patent-pending transdermal patch employs Forslean, a patented derivative from an Asian herb, Coleus forskohlii, which has been used for centuries to treat cardiovascular disorders and other health problems. Recent research has now shown that it is also effective in burning fat, while preserving lean muscle, and in curbing food cravings. It also has the added health benefits of supporting thyroid functioning and and helping to reduce blood pressure.

Its mechanism of action in promoting fat burning in the body is also unlike that of all previous thermogenic, or fat-burning, products. The main active ingredient in Forslean activates a very important enzyme, Adenylate cyclase which is involved in the production of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP). This “second messenger,” as it is called in the research literature, is indispensable to many important body functions. One of these is to help maintain a healthy body composition by burning fat while preserving lean body mass.

Combined with the dietary and lifestyle changes summarized above, the Fat Loss Patch is finally making it possible for nearly anyone to attain–and maintain–a healthy body weight.

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So you have successfully with your diet and you gave best shot on your weight loss plan, plus regular exercise that make your weight fit and wrist. So you know look beauty and sexy with a slim waist body. Now its time to make you more sexy and attracting.

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For the upper abdomen, lie on a table with the upper half of your body hanging over the edge. Keep your arms on the sides or behind your head. Bend forward and backward. To tone up the upper thighs and backside, lie on your back with your arms alongside your body. Lift your legs alternately and stretch them upward using your stomach muscles. Do each of the above exercises 30 times on a daily basis.

They don’t necessarily reduce your weight, but they firm up your muscles and shape up your body. If your weight is 20% above normal, you need to shed some pounds first before toning up muscles. Avoid food that contains a lot of calories and protein, especially in the morning and at night. A balanced diet with adequate calories is allowed at lunch, while low fat milk is recommended to replace breakfast and dinner.

And no snacking! If this regimen works, in the first month you will be smaller in size, but your weight will stay the same due to the body’s natural mechanism of stabilizing weight. You will lose some weight after consistently being on this low-calorie diet for 2-3 months.

The recommended exercise is jogging because it burns more fat than
aerobics, which burns more sugar. You can take appetite suppressants(not weight loss pills) under a doctor’s supervision. Sweat it out! wish your good news for trying above tips, here at health news today keep body and soul healthy.

A regular routine to lose weight cycling can reduce the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity.

One of the most powerful arguments for encouraging more people to cycle is that it leads to considerable improvements in public health.

Cycling is also a good way to improve your balance and co-ordination. It enhances your general well-being and promotes mental health. Beyond the health benefits, it’s an enjoyable way to get around.

Getting on your cycling bike regularly can also be an effective form of aerobic exercise. Cycling can have positive effects on how we feel too.

Moderate exercise has been found to reduce levels of stress and depression, improve mood and raise self esteem. It has also been found, in some instances, to relieve symptoms of PMS.

Benefits in strength and agility can come from regular cycling also. There are no real-age barriers to cycling and people at almost any fitness level can begin slowly and gently if necessary.

Physically active older people can reduce the rate of hip fractures with regular cycling exercise. Most of the negative things we associate with aging aren’t a result of chronological aging but rather a lack of physical activity.

A recent study found that even a small amount of cycling for weight loss can lead to a significant fitness gain. Aerobic fitness was boosted by 11 percent after just 6 weeks of cycling short distances four times a week.

Cycling is as gently on your body as a sport can be. It is a non weight bearing exercise so it’s easy on your joints, even the achy ones. It can be a wonderful way to get exercise and lose weight without pain.

They say once you learn to ride a bike you never forget and that is true. The motion and balance come back to you very quickly. If you’re looking to get outside more often and improve your fitness, biking is the answer.

If your looking to lose weight cycling, jump on your bike and leave your worries and stress at home. Enjoy your ride. Just think you could be at work instead.

by: Gary Gresham http://www.treadmill-info.com

As if the weight would just fall off, in response to the spoken words!

Why do we not want to pay the price for anything? Gaining weight is not an overnight effect and it will NOT be reversed overnight. The price for losing weight is choosing a proper diet plan and exercise routine.

And it takes discipline and, yes, WILLPOWER! No matter what you do eat, you will always have to say “NO!” to something, sometime. Choices, choices that’s life!

Our society is becoming one of “it’s not my fault” formerly known as “the devil made me do it”. Well, let me tell you this, unless you have a physical/medical condition that makes it impossible to lose weight, it is your fault and your responsiblilty to lose those unwanted, unhealthy, unsightly and inconvenient pounds.

The sooner you start to accept this fact the better you will feel, both physically and emotionally.

One of the greatest confidence building tool in our lives, is when we set a goal and reach it.

Some things in our lives are more under our control than others. Losing weight is one of those things.

And while, not every diet is suitable for everyone, with the increasing plethora to choose from, you should certainly be able to find one that fits your needs, lifestyle and personality. So, without further excuses, let’s get started taking the steps that will get “losing weight” crossed off next New Year’s resolution list!

by: Yvonne Finn http://www.herbalhealthyskin.com/Weight_Loss_Center.html.html

Here is a simple way to demonstrate this fact. Think about the vegetarians you know, are there any overweight problems among them? The high protein diets rely on a lot of animal fats and proteins, but these vegetarians don’t eat them. Startling indeed,isn’t it?

Maybe you don’t know any vegetarians. They certainly are hard to find, especially in the Midwest, where I live.

You may wonder about the science involved here. After all, many of those folks promoting the low carb diets are medical doctors, aren’t they? Being a medical doctor doesn’t mean that you don’t ever make any mistakes. Besides, the same science that supports the low carb diet also supports the high carb diet. They didn’t get it wrong, they just didn’t consider the whole story.

That might sound like a contradiction, but it isn’t. I’m going to explain why in just a moment. Fist, let me give you the science on this. You most likely are not a biochemist or a physiologist and neither am I. But I have studied the subjects a bit. Don’t focus on the technical jargon in the next paragraph, just try to grasp the overall point. You don’t need to be a scientist to use common sense and basic reasoning skills. Ready?

Consider this bit of biochemistry. Malonyl -CoA exists in high amounts when there is plenty of metabolic fuel present. Thus, carnitine acyltransferase is inhibited and this in turn prevents acyl-CoA from crossing into the cell’s mitochondria. Another enzyme is inhibited by the presence of NADH and Thiolase is also inhibited by the presence of Acetyl-COA. In short, when a lot of glucose is present, fatty acid metabolism is inhibited.

It is the last sentence that clues us in here. Basically, a cell will not convert fats into energy if there is glucose present. When the cell has carbs and sugar to work on, it will not convert the fat to energy, thus the fat gets stored.

This is why the low carb diets work, with little to zero carbohydrates and subsequently glucose to work on, the fat will be used for energy. This is exactly why the high carb diet works too. When no or little fat is present, it won’t be stored as fat.

In addition to this, it is important to realize that it costs the body quite a bit of energy to take carbs and store them as fat. This alone is actually a positive. There really needs to be some form of fat present to make it easier.

This should help you understand that whatever your diet consists of, if you want to remain or get thin, you need to avoid mixing fats and carbs together. A fat consists of a fatty acid head and a carbohydrate tail. This means when you mix your fat and carbs together you are asking for trouble, assuming you care about weight, that is.

So now it should be clear why so many people in North America have a weight problem as the NIH was happy to point out a few weeks ago. Think about the typical American diet. It generally consists of lots of combinations of fat and carbs.

As Dr. Neal Barnard points out in his book, “Foods That Cause You To Lose Weight”, It is fat that makes people fat.

Don’t want to be a vegetarian? I don’t blame you. Really, you don’t have to be one. Just quit mixing your proteins/fats and carbohydrates together.

Don’t overlook the obvious, there is ton of candy and desserts out there that are a mixture of fat and sugar. Meat and potatoes - perhaps this classic is a serious blunder in separating proteins/fats and carbs. Armed with this knowledge, you can probably come up with dozens of examples of potentially fattening mixtures of food on your own.

This article is for information only. It is not intended to prescribe, treat or diagnose any health problem. Consult your physician before changing your diet or if you have or think you have a health condition.

by: David Snape http://tobeinformed.com/

What I am about to suggest only takes a slight change in your thinking and a bit of planning and you can learn how to lose weight and get in better shape while gardening this year. For those of you that are already gardeners, you know that gardening is one of the best ways to get exercise because it involves all of the muscle groups in your body.

Like I mentioned earlier, we only need to change the way you think about outside chores. See I am falling into the trap too, I just called them chores. Instead, you should think of them as outdoor exercises that are designed to enhance the condition of your body and help you lose weight.

As with any exercise program, check with your doctor before starting. Make sure you are dressed properly and that you stretch before beginning. If you aren’t used to exercising in the garden or have been relatively inactive all winter, start slowly.

Start with weeding, watering, and planting seeds. As you feel yourself getting stronger you can increase your gardening repertoire to include: pruning, heavy digging, hoeing, pushing a loaded wheelbarrow, or mowing the lawn.

I think you get the idea because the list of outdoor gardening exercise ideas is endless! Even carrying plants or a bag of potting soil to the car from the store and then out into the yard is exercise! You can potentially burn up to 300-600 calories per hour depending on your intensity and which gardening exercises you engage in.

You CAN lose weight by gardening ~ eat less and move more! The following list shows what a typical man weighing 180 pounds will burn in 30 minutes of activity. If you weigh more you can burn even more calories!

• Watering lawn/garden~61
• Raking~162
• Bagging leaves~ 162
• Planting seeds/seedlings~ 162
• Planting trees~ 182
• Weeding ~ 182
• Clearing Land ~ 202
• Digging, spading, tilling~ 202
• Laying Sod~202
• General gardening~ 202
• Chopping wood~ 243
• Gardening with heavy power tools~ 243
• Mowing the lawn with a push mower~243
• Shoveling snow~ 243
• Shoveling heavy snow~ 364 cals

Tips for your success:

1. Don’t over do it~ one or two hours of gardening is plenty, especially when you are beginning!
2. Don’t lift objects that are too heavy for you. If you injure yourself, chances are that you won’t be able to continue to garden for exercise and weight loss.
3. Stretch before, during and after gardening. Don’t stay down on your knees while weeding or planting for extended periods of time~ get up and move!
4. Get out in your garden and exercise at least 3-4 times a week.
5. Continue your outdoor exercise routine even after you last blooms have faded. Shoveling the snow, raking leaves, and splitting wood are great calorie burners that will lead to weight loss!
6. Don’t forget the added benefit of growing your own healthy fruits and vegetables and your yard will look beautiful from all of your hard work!

Once you get into the habit of viewing gardening as an excellent way to lose weight and stay in shape, you may never go back to the gym again!

by: Candee Stark http://www.flowers-and-garden.com/

You may think it can’t be done. However, experts say it can. Of course it sounds simpler than it is, but it’s no more difficult to commit to healthy eating habits than it is to follow the diets most of us have tried.

In the end, it will actually be easier because you will feel less restricted as you begin to learn how to eat right instead of how to follow the rules of the newest popular diet. Here are a few tips to help you started:

• Eat smaller portions, including items with protein, fat, and fiber in each meal. This combination is the one that researchers have found effective in helping to keep hunger pangs away.
• Drink two full glasses of water with each meal. It will help you feel full and keep your body hydrated.
• Eat breakfast. This critical meal jump-starts your metabolism for the day. But avoid empty calories like those found in doughnuts, many cereals, and sugar-laden pastries. They will only leave you feeling tired and hungry by mid- morning. For best results, eat items with plenty of protein and fiber.

• Don’t count calories or weigh food. Simply use the palm of your hand as a portion control guide. Most of us are fully aware of what a ‘too large’ portion looks like. We also know how it makes us feel. You should never feel bloated or stuffed-eat only until you are not hungry. You really aren’t giving up anything if you save the rest for later. If it helps, think of it as taking a break when you set food aside for another time.
• Give up something. It might be your nightly glass of wine, chocolate bars, or regular soft drinks. Then, commit to doing without the item for one full year. You’ll find that you’ll feel better without the sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. You certainly won’t miss the calories as your waistline begins to shrink.
• Identify your comfort food. What is it that you reach for in times of stress? Pizza, fried chicken, or a burger with fries all seem to top the list of foods people reach for when feeling down, anxious, and tired. Instead of reaching for food to comfort you, engage in a favorite activity. Go golfing, take a walk through your neighborhood, or hop on your bicycle for a quick spin.
• Be aware that food is often used as substitute for other types of satisfaction. Take a look at your job, your family life, and your spiritual connections. Work to improve areas that are causing you discomfort and you will see the desire for unhealthy food fade away. Maybe it’s time to start looking for a new job, go back to college, or find a church.

Taking control of your weight is more about taking control of your life than anything else. Don’t allow yourself to make decisions based on food. Why be chained to someone else’s diet rules when you know yourself better than anyone else. Put that knowledge to work, and watch your weight disappear.

If you want to make weight disappear faster, and to help keep those pounds off, be sure to exercise regularly. Walking 30 minutes daily is something most people can achieve and keep it up right into the senior years.

by: Marlene Mathis http://www.anahealth.com.

When we are busy, stressed or focused on something else we reach for convenient snacks that are usually high in fat. This unconscious eating will add up to a whole of extra calories in the course of a day or week. This mindless eating is nothing more than a habit that can be broken.

To get this habit under control write down everything you eat for the next 3 weeks – everything! Be on guard for those times when you are more susceptible to unconscious eating.

At work:

• You find bowls of candy on coworkers’ desks
• Your coworkers bring in doughnuts and pastries
• Office gatherings – where you will always lots of fatty food

At home:

• You’re cooking dinner and sample the food – these calories add up
• Your children don’t eat all their food – you eat that too – more calories
• While talking on the phone – there goes how many cookies?
• When you are worried
• When you are happy

Dining out:

• You eat the bread that is served before the meal
• You have a drink before your meal
• You eat dessert which you usually don’t do

Parties:

• Endless party snacks that are full of fat and calories
• Talking while you eat is the easiest way to take in those extra calories
• Then those drinks again – it is easy to stack up the calories

Watching Television:

• We are so focused on what we are watching that we pay little attention to how much we are eating.

The first step is to tune in and be aware of those times that you do consume extra calories. Then find ways to avoid them. For example, how do you avoid the candies on coworkers’ desks? First become aware of how many calories there are in each candy and how long it will take to burn those calories off. You will look at the candies differently when you think of them in this light. If high fat snacking is a temptation at work bring some low fat food to keep you full and your hand out of the candy jar. To avoid eating a lot at a party eat a little before you go so you won’t be hungry and tempted to snack on everything you see. As for alcohol, you can delete your drinks with water.

One pound is equal to 3,500 calories. Depending on your gender, age, muscle mass, and size you need approximately 2000 calories per day to stay at your normal weight. When you consume more than this amount your body stores the added calories as fat. If you go over your daily requirement then you will have to exercise to get rid of those calories.

by: Sheila Dicks http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com