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Only Half of America is Serious about Weight Loss

There is always a significant difference between a ‘wish to lose weight’ and ‘seriously trying to lose weight’. In a recent survey, most overweight Americans have claimed that they would definitely like to shed some extra pounds but only about 50% of them are seriously attempting to do so. The Gallup poll results will shock you with the frightening statistics that about one-third of American adults are at least 20 lbs. or 9 kg higher than their normal weight limits. Among this population, most of the people (about 90%) indicated that they wish to lose weight but only 48% are making any earnest efforts to achieve this goal.

During the execution of the poll, volunteers are asked to measure their actual weight and report both their actual weight and ideal one. 196 lbs (89 kg) and 183 lbs. (83 kg) were the average actual and ideal weights respectively, for men. For women the figures of average actual and ideal weights were 155 lbs. (70 kg) and 39 lbs. (63 kg), respectively. The Gallup poll is conducted every year for five years and has covered more than 5000 participants in the last five polls. According to the survey, a meager 18% of American adults are within their ideal weight limits while 35% of women and 29% of men are 20 lbs or more above their ideal weight. The results also reveals that even though most are concerned about their higher weights, the percentage of people trying to bring down their weight to ideal figures is still not growing over time. Another disturbing survey by Gallup reveals that now there are lesser Americans who actually wish to lose weight. In 2007, 60% of Americans intended to lose weight but that figure has plummeted down to only 49% in 2015. These figures are accompanied by an increase in obesity among the American population. From 30.5% in 1999-2000, the number of obese individuals has clambered up to 37.7%. These figures have been revealed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Being overweight or obese is never a healthy option. It renders the body vulnerable to a number of chronic health disorders like cardiac problems, high blood pressures, susceptibility to strokes, hear attacks, diabetes, orthopedic problems, fertility issues, etc. Weight loss cannot be achieved in a single day but requires a lot of commitment and action on behalf of the person intending to achieve proper results. Also lack of knowledge is one of the primary reasons which deter most people from making attempts to lose weight. Specialists at weight loss center in Virginia Beach can illuminate you on healthy ways to lose weight. According to a study conducted by CDC, a weight loss of as low as 5% can also lead to betterments in health condition like lowering of pressure or blood cholesterol. It is thus extremely important to be aware of one’s health status and work towards reducing weight to attain favorable results. For those residing in Virginia, a visit our weight loss center might be really helpful. Specialists at these centers will be able to guide you towards the right way to lose weight.

Author
Dr. Gershon Steven Gershon, M.D., is the medical director at Gershon Pain Specialists in Virginia Beach, Virginia. As a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor with specialties in pain management and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, he provides compassionate care that incorporates traditional, alternative, and holistic therapies for the best patient outcomes.

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