Our nation is now in the midst of a health emergency of immense magnitude. Millions of Americans are currently overweight and a considerable number have now been classified as obese. Obesity is currently a foremost health worry in America, which has developed into a fast food nation.

The intake of saturated fat from packaged foods and processed meat has created big health conditions which include stroke, diabetes, cancer, and hypertension. Further harmful effects caused by being overweight and obesity include depression, low-self esteem, and uneasiness in social interaction situations.

Obviously, losing weight has to be considered seriously by Americans if they wish to preserve their health and prevent the numerous illnesses linked with extra weight. Maybe one means to encourage obese and overweight folks to lose the excess pounds is to stress the following benefits of weight loss:

Weight loss facilitates lower blood pressure in overweight individuals. It helps reduce elevated blood glucose levels in overweight people with type 2 diabetes. It lowers peoples' likelihood of getting diseases like stroke among others. It lessens inflammation in the body.

We know the benefits of weight loss, now: How can you lose weight?

The very fundamental thing to do to lose weight is to get regular exercise which will help you burn fat. Bodily exercise for 30 to 45 minutes every day, 3 to 5 times weekly is good. Getting on a healthy eating plan which includes low calorie, low-fat meals is a necessity.

Receiving assistance from health professionals is highly suggested. A dietitian or nutritionist can help measure your body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference. The waistline and weight are 2 of the necessary measurements to establish your physical fitness level.

Because nearly all weight watchers have difficulty sticking to the program, it might be helpful to pay attention to the following suggestions which could assist you to manage your weight effectively:

1. Keep a food journal of everything you eat.

2. Work out - Exercise burns fat and calories. Concentrate on exercises which aim at the thighs, abdomen, and buttocks, that are body areas which are more prone to fat deposit. Schedule your workout routines.

3. Monitor your food intake. Do not eat too fast and watch your calories

4. Do mini-meals. Eat small but frequent meals. This helps regulate your blood sugar level.

5. Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily. It's essential for maintaining hydration, and also flushes out impurities and toxins.

6. Park the car farther away, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walking and climbing is good workout.

7. Stay committed to do regular workouts and stay on a low-calorie, low-fat eating program. Lack of discipline is usually a dieter's downfall.

Like all else in life, weight loss takes a lot of commitment and effort.

To be sure, we can't wish those extra pounds away. It takes diet, exercise, and if needed, using weight loss drugs to get back on the path to fitness and health.