The Obesity Epidemic and Weight Loss Treatment Strategies

Abstract

Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States, our population has become accustomed to overeating, often eating foods that are high in fat and cholesterol. Americans not only have forgotten about what and how much portion sizes are, but Americans are physically inactive too. When combining the lack of activity and nutrition, an obese individual may face serious health concerns such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), type two diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, cancer and even death in some cases. One of the biggest issues the obese population faces is that keeping the weight off for long periods of time is extremely difficult. Lifestyle modifications are a popular method individuals use to combat obesity. Lifestyle modifications target diet and physical activity but they also include behavior therapy. Due to the rate in which obesity has spread throughout the United States, other models such as Multiple Behavior Change have become increasingly popular. Research done on Multiple Behavior Change suggests that when participants combine diet and exercise the likelihood of weight loss is much greater. To make an impact on the obesity epidemic, effective multiple behavior interventions must focus on physical activity, diet, and sedentary behaviors. This is especially important for our youth because active children often become active adults. Therefore, intervening early is necessary for them to establish active lifestyles they will hold onto for a lifetime.