Back in 1950, one out of ten people were considered overweight. Fast forward to 2009 and eight out of ten people over the age of 25 are overweight. According to a study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, by the year 2030 nine out of ten people will be overweight. Clearly diets alone are not working and in some cases promote the yo-yo effect of weight gain over the years.
Americans spent $58 billion spent on weight-loss products and services in 2006. Weight Watchers collected $1.2 billion yearly in revenues, and second is Nutri-System at $568 million yearly. Yet America is in the top ten most obese countries.
Americans live in an environment that promotes obesity. Food is abundant and portion sizes have increased, while opportunities for physical activity have diminished and labor saving technology are all are part of the problem for expanding waist lines. There have been many nutritional changes that have impacted wait gain and obesity since 1950. Below are a few that might start you wondering where your extra calories are coming from.
Nutritional changes
• Serving sizes have increased over the years. In the 1950’s and 60’s McDonald’s french fries only came in one size. By 2000 the large serving of french fries had become a medium and a new seven ounce size topped the charts at 610 calories.
• Soft drinks sizes have also grown. In 1955 a 6.5-ounce Coca-Cola was the only size available. Today 20 ounces is standard.
• Children drink more soft drinks than milk, which is the exact opposite situation of 30 years ago.
• In 1987, 18 percent of our calories came from foods eaten in restaurants. Today, eating out contributes almost 36 percent of our calories. Studies show people underestimate the caloric and fat content of the food that is ordered in restaurants by more than have. When people are given nutritional information, this affects the food choices that they make.
Next week, I will list lifestyle changes that Americas have adapted that are making us fatter instead of fitter.