Crash Diet - Obesity and The Diet Industry

Obesity and The Diet Industry

Obesity results from the long-term imbalance of energy intake and energy expenditure, where more calories are consumed than used in the body. The rising rates of obesity in North America is of great concern. In the United States, 1 out of 3 adults are obese, whereas in Canada 1 out of 4 adults are obese. Obesity is associated with many negative health implications such as higher risks of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, cancer, and premature death. As obesity has physical and psychological implications, it also affects the economy with the financial burden of this disease. The economic burden of obesity in Canada has been estimated to range from $4.6 billion to $7.1 billion annually, due to direct medical costs such as preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services related to obesity, and indirect costs value of income lost from decreased productivity, restricted activity, absenteeism, and bed days. Many of those who struggle with their weight often look for a quick fix diet solution. With all of the diet pills, books, and programs that exist these days, it's often hard to determine which programs actually work and which ones are detrimental to one's health. In a 2004 survey conducted by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, it found that 40% of the ads for weight loss products or plans made at least one representation that was almost certainly false, and 55% made at least one representation that was very likely to be false