The Big Picture

If you answered "yes" to any of the questions, you're not alone. Fifty-eight million Americans have the same problem: they're seriously overweight and in poor physical condition. Right now, it's the biggest health epidemic in the nation -- and it's only getting worse. In fact, one in three adults in this country is considered obese, and one in two is estimated to be overweight.

If you thought being overweight was just a matter of appearance, you're absolutely wrong! Obesity -- which is medically defined as being 20% above your healthy body weight -- is a dangerous condition. Those extra pounds raise your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some forms of cancer.

Just last year 300,000 deaths resulted from overweight-related diseases. THAT'S a figure we can't ignore.

Even if you answered "no" to some quiz questions, this booklet will help keep you and your family fit and healthy -- and help avoid any future weight-related problems. Preventing obesity is easier than treating it. Habits are hard to break, so get off to a good start right from the start. Teaching your children about proper nutrition and the value of regular exercise early on will help them develop a lifetime of healthy habits.

Here are some compelling reasons to Shape Up now so you can avoid the risk of more life-threatening diseases later:

Health Status Now Health Risk Later
Excess weight Heart disease / Diabetes / High blood pressure / Stroke / Breast cancer / Endometrial cancer
Sedentary, or inactive lifestyle Osteoporosis / Colon cancer / Diabetes / Stroke
Blood cholesterol above 200 mg/dl Heart disease / Stroke
Blood pressure above 160/90 Hypertension / Stroke
Elevated blood glucose Glucose intolerance / Diabetes
Table of Contents - Shape Up America! - Body Fat Lab - Fitness Center - Library