The Unbearable Truth:

The Facts: Health, Fitness and Americans

• 34% of the American adult population is overweight (US Surgeon General, 1994)
• After smoking, weight-related conditions are the second leading cause of death in the USA, resulting in 300,000 deaths/year (US Surgeon General, 1980)
• Poor diet and lack of exercise are associated with top 10 causes of death in US, including top three: (US Surgeon General, 1994)
  • Heart Disease
  • Cancer
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes

• Only 8% of Americans are getting the amount of exercise recommended for minimal health benefits – 29% of Americans are sedentary (1994 CDC Survey)
• At any one time 45% women and 24% men are trying to lose weight (Journal of the American Dietetic Assoc., 6/95).

• Only 12% of Americans had 80% or above scores in the USDA’s Healthy Eating Index
  • Less than 33% of Americans are eating the suggested number of food servings from the 5 major food groups on a daily basis
  • Only 23% of Americans eat the 5 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended each day
  • Individuals are most likely to under-consume fruits, vegetables and grains

The Recommendations:

 American Heart Association Guidelines

• Include both aerobic and strength training exercise
• Increase intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (olive, canola and peanut oils)
• Increase fiber intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dried beans to lower LDL cholesterol
• Keep fat intake to 15-30% of daily calories
  • Increase intake of monounsaturated fats (olive, canola and peanut oils)
• Decrease intake of high sugar foods
• Increase intake of Omega-3 fatty acids (but do not supplement - eat fish instead)
• Decrease sodium intake (<2400 mg/day)
• Balance exercise with moderate food intake to maintain or reduce weight.  (BMI 19-25)
• Don't go ultra low-fat. Less than 15% fat may decrease HDL cholesterol and increase triglycerides.
• Be flexible.  Consider the balance of foods consumed over a week instead of single meals or single days - consistency is key.