The benefits of weight management cannot be stressed enough as obesity and overweight are major health issues facing Americans now. The past 20 years have witnessed a significant lifestyle change: Americans are exercising less while maintaining at least the same or higher caloric intake. Sedentary jobs, longer work days, larger restaurant portions, increase in the number of hours devoted to sedentary activities like TV, video games, and car-friendly urban environments are some of the environmental changes that have combined to discourage physical activity. Let's not forget to mention the increased stress of the times and the stress eating we all do. Studies show that 80% of people – both men and women do admit to stress eating on occasion after a bad day. Stress eating can result in hundreds if not thousands of extra calories in food intake on a daily basis.

Not many people even think about the trends; but, in the United States, two thirds of adults over 18 are overweight or obese. The breakdown is as follows: overweight or obesity of all adults= 68%, women= 64.1%, men= 72.3%. Of this mix, about one-third of U.S. adults (33.8%) are classified as obese. Additionally, the number of states with an obesity prevalence of 30% or more has increased to 12 states in 2010. In 2009, nine states had obesity rates of 30% or more. In 2000, there were no states that had an obesity prevalence of 30% or more. To make matters worse, one in three U.S. children is obese.

Yet, we haven't even discussed the health issues and obesity related conditions and risks such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. It is significant to say that in 2008 medical costs associated with obesity were estimated at $147 billion. The medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight. This problem is having a big effect on our pocketbook as well as our health. Obesity takes a huge toll on the body and puts you at risk of serious health conditions, ranging from sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart attack, cancer and stroke. Losing weight can reverse many of the problems that obesity creates.

• As many as 51% of new cancer cases diagnosed in women are linked to obesity; the number is 14 percent for men. Evidence does show that losing weight can help to prevent many cancers.
• Losing just 10% of your body weight can cut down on pauses in breathing during sleep reducing sleep apnea.
• Arthritis risk increases as much as 13 percent with every two pounds gained. The increase of developing osteoarthritis is increased four times for women who are overweight; men who are overweight have five times the risk.
• Studies have shown obesity can shorten life span by three to twelve years.

So what can be done to manage weight long-term? If you want to lose weight, first set reasonable goals. Be clear why you are losing the weight and expect safe weight loss at 1 ½ to 2 pounds per week. Don't follow fad diets, but follow a realistic way of eating that works for you with portion control being key. Follow a reduced calorie diet containing protein and eliminate saturated fat and limit carbohydrates. Eat five or six smaller meals rather than 2 or 3 big meals throughout the day to increase metabolism. Drink more water to increase the number of calories burned. Also increase exercise to help raise your metabolic rate so your calorie expenditure will rise and to help you burn more fat. Also remember anytime you are on a reduced calorie diet, your overall nutrient intake may be less so always take a daily multivitamin/mineral.

At MHL, we provide a clinically proven natural weight loss product/supplement- the Less Stress Diet Formula currently used in formal weight loss centers on the east coast. It will help to control the stress eating tendency and carb cravings while providing thermogenic activity to boost metabolism to burn more calories.