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- A constant problem for the people of our nation is the
- control of body weight. Only in the past hundred years has
- obesity developed into a problem of national concern. This
- is a result of a decrease in the physical activity required
- in our daily lives. Yet, we know that the average American
- today eats less food than did his forefathers. The problem
- is that he also exercises far less. The result is that the
- intake of calories is not balanced by the calories used and
- the excess is converted into body fat. It is not necessary
- that we reduce our food intake, only that we exercise more.
- The nation's concern with obesity, or excess body fat,
- principally relates to its effect on body health. Evidence
- now exists that associates obesity with many illnesses; and
- conclusive statistical data shows that obesity will shorten
- one's life expectancy. Dependent upon the criteria that is
- used, it is currently estimated that about forty percent of
- American citizens are overweight. Are you overweight? One
- rule of thumb measure is to determine in inches your height
- and waist, subtracting the waist from the height. Should a
- difference of thirty-six or more result, you are not obese.
-