The Whole World Has Opinions on Obesity

What began as an American epidemic has gone global and the health issues surrounding obesity are now felt around the world. According to a World Health Organization report, one billion adults are overweight worldwide and three million are considered obese. These figures prompted Reader's Digest to poll 16,000 people from 16 countries about weight and weight loss.

• While 70 percent of Russians are more likely to blame their genes for their weight issues (in the US the figure is only 20 percent), the French are most likely to point the finger at the US for having a hand in the international obesity epidemic. The French believe American fast food has created poor eating habits worldwide.
• Using cigarettes and appetite suppressants are no way to shed pounds, but in Russia,18 percent of women admit to smoking cigarettes in order to lose weight. In the US, only five percent employs this hazardous technique.

To learn which country wishes there was a magic pill for losing weight read more.

• China has the highest usage of diet pills with 37 percent reporting trying to drop pounds with the help of a pill. The gender split, however, is enlightening for 48 percent of Chinese women admit to taking diet pills compared to 18 percent of men.
• The gender split in the US on the state of our mates, is interesting as well — 51 percent of married women in the US would like to see their husband lose weight while only 47 percent of married men wish the same thing about their wives.
• Internationally, the pressure to feel thin is highest in Brazil with 83 percent responding that there is too much emphasis on weight. The Brazilians are followed by India (68%) and the US (62%). 

Source

10 Things To Do Instead of Dieting.

Police your portion control.
One in four Americans eats everything he or she is served, regardless of how much food it is. Bigger is certainly better when it comes to paychecks and heel heights, but not when we’re talking about food portions. So the next time you’re about to down some macaroni and cheese, keep in mind that “the clean plate club” is one group you don't want to be in!

Choose fat burners, not fats.
Some magical foods actually satisfy you, for various reasons. Add these to your shopping list and incorporate them into your diet: grapefruit, apples, olive oil, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, lecithin, garlic, blueberries, and almonds. (Just not too much garlic, if you want to stay cool with your coworkers and boyfriend.)

Wear heels. Always.
We know, we know: High heels can hurt like a biotch and be insanely expensive. But trust us, they’re still necessary. They will instantly add sexiness to any outfit, regardless of the body that sits on top of them. They also make your legs look longer and, therefore, the rest of you appear thinner.

Discover your signature style.
You know that girl who can make guys salivate just by wearing a plain white Hanes tee and comfy jeans? That's because it’s not just what you wear, but also how you wear it. According to Spencer, everything you put on your body gives off signals that can captivate a room…or turn people off. So rock the clothing that gets you the most compliments and makes you feel good, even if it’s a V-neck sweater you bought on clearance five years ago.

For people like me long to be healthy and fit, but finds it hard to diet,  these tips should be helpful.
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How To Start Running.

Many of you listed starting running as a goal for 2010. A noble goal for sure, but having a little outside structure helps. After lacing your sneakers, check out the Couch to 5K running schedule over at Cool Running. Having a schedule not only makes you accountable, but it might save you from overdoing it and giving up your goal due to post-workout pain.
The Couch to 5K plan eases you into running three miles by combining intervals of running with walking. Over the course of eight weeks, you condition your cardiovascular system and your legs while slowly increasing your running time, eventually running for 30 minutes straight, which is about the time it takes to run a 5K. It is a great way to start running, and the schedule has you running only three times a week, making it easy to fit into a busy life. The workouts are listed by both distance and time, so you can use it on a treadmill by adjusting the speed up and down.
Check it out and try the program. Chances are you will get hooked on running. My only caution is 5Ks are considered a "gateway" race to marathons and triathlons.

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