Obesity Report - and Weight Control With Hypnotherapy

"Obesity is the New Smoking: First smoking, now weight. There is a culture shift around healthy eating sweeping the United States, as evidenced by the number of fast food chains cutting out transfats and U.S. companies introducing health and wellness programs. Two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight, and obesity's impact on chronic health problems is stirring healthcare organizations and employers to aggressively promote weight loss. 

Public attitudes have yet to catch up: While three in five Americans (61 percent) believe health insurance should cost more for smokers, only 40 percent believe it should cost more for those who are overweight because of poor lifestyle habits. In 2007, expect public health campaigns to push the envelope on obesity through wellness programs and financial incentives to lead healthier lifestyles."

Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

The Obesity 2006 Report (prepared by the National Centre for Social Research and Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Royal Free and University College Medical School for the UK Department of Health) forecasts that obesity is set to increase by 2010 if current trends continue.

• Research suggests that in 2010 around 6.7 million UK men will be obese, increasing from around 4.3 million in 2003. 

• An additional 1.2 million UK women will be obese in 2010 (compared to 2003, approximately 6.7 million were overweight and 4.7 million obese.) 

• It is expected that approximately 800,000 boys and 900,000 girls will be obese in 2010.

Did you catch the XTreme Weight Loss program on one of the satellite channels? It was very interesting, showcasing five very inspirational stories from individuals who were obese.

Each one of them succeeded in losing and then controlling their weight. They were determined to come out of the danger zone - and to reclaim their wonderful lives. They regained their self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth. It also made a great difference in their family relationships.

Apart from determination, the other essential ingredient? Action. Without movement - mental and physical - you simply can't regain control of your ideal weight.

Some other notable obesity and weight loss issues ...

European Charter to reverse the obesity epidemic, 16 November 2006

"Specific regulatory measures should include: the adoption of regulations to substantially reduce the extent and impact of commercial promotion of energy-dense food and beverages, particularly to children, with the development of international approaches, such as a code on marketing to children in this area; and the adoption of regulations for safer roads to promote cycling and walking. The Charter was developed through an open consultation process, driven by Member States and involving different government sectors, international organizations, experts, civil society and the private sector."

Obesity tops the public health agenda across Europe: ministers meet for the WHO European Ministerial Conference on Counteracting Obesity, 15 November 2006

"Obesity shortens our lives; it reduces the quality of our lives. It is an epidemic, and a socioeconomic burden. Gathering here today for this purpose is an excellent example of our awareness of this problem. We are ready to fight it. I sincerely believe that together we will overcome this threat and we will accomplish our mission," said Professor Akdag.