We as Americans tend to think we do things bigger and better. And we do! The United States has the second highest obesity rate in the world. More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2 – 19 years are obese. With these alarming statistics in mind, many Americans have taken on the challenge of eating right, getting in shape and living an overall healthy lifestyle.Since, weight loss programs and products, diet books and plans, and nutrition information flood televisions, radios, internet and magazines every day, these statistics are quite alarming. It is estimated that the weight loss industry generated approximately 68.7 billion dollars in revenue in 2010. With such revenues and so many products available one would assume America’s obesity rate would be lower. However, not all products work and many diets are not based on sound evidence and research.
Every March, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, annually sponsors the National Nutrition Month (NNM) Campaign. The National Nutrition Month Campaign is a nutrition education and information campaign. National Nutrition Month focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. NNM also promotes the Academy and its members to the public and the media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically based food and nutrition information.
The National Nutrition Month 2013 theme, "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day," encourages personalized healthy eating styles and recognizes that food preferences, lifestyle, cultural and ethnic traditions and health concerns all impact individual food choices. Registered Dietitians play a critical role in helping people eat right, their way, every day. Registered Dietitians are the food and nutrition experts, translating the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. Registered Dietitians draw on their experience to develop a personalized nutrition plan for individuals of all ages. They are able to separate facts from fads and translate nutritional science into information you can use.
“Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day” promotes the USDA’s dietary guidelines of eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and a wide variety of foods. A well balanced diet, active lifestyle and the guidance of a Registered Dietitian is just what America needs to do bigger and better in its fight against obesity.
