In 1995, research conducted by epidemiologists, led by Dr. JoAnn E. Manson at Harvard University, reported in a study of 115,000 nurses that being even 20 pounds overweight contributed to the risk of disease and poor health. For every 2 pound weight gain, the risk of developing arthritis is increased by 9 to 13 percent. A weight gain of 11 to 18 pounds increases a person’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes to twice that of individuals who have not gained weight. Over 80 percent of the people with diabetes are overweight. Women gaining more than 20 pounds from age 18 to midlife more than double their risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Obesity is associated with a higher incidence of asthma. Overweight and obesity are associated with increased rate of uterine, colon, gall bladder, prostate, kidney, and breast cancers. Obesity in pregnancy increases the risk of death to both the baby and the mother and is associated with neural tube defects, infertility, and low blood sugar.

So, what do we do as a society to combat this epidemic? We spend billions annually on diets and gimmick exercise programs that don’t work. We listen to those unrealistic advertisements stating: “Lose 40 pounds in 2 months!”

Or, we can find a good nutrition and exercise plan that does work, that enables you to shed 1 to 2 realistic pounds each week, in a healthy manner. But, most of us just don’t stick to them. Why? Because we’re in a hurry. We don’t want to lose “only” 1 to 2 pounds of weight in a week. We want that unrealistic, quick fix. We begin to listen to those “so-called” or self-proclaimed weight loss “experts” who sell you on the idea that you can lose those 40 pounds in 2 months. And, you can be sure that any rapid weight loss that occurs in an unrealistic and unhealthy manner will surely result in you regaining all of that weight just as quickly as you lost it.

What comes next? We resort to liposuction. We look to magazines for advice and find articles that warn of eating disorders alongside details of the latest semi-starvation diet or “eating plan.”

So, what can we do to combat this epidemic?

1) Find a qualified nutritionist or dietitian with a long list of references. Just because a person has a few qualifying initials next to their name does not necessarily make them qualified as a professional. This is your health and it should be taken seriously. Do your homework!

2) Find a qualified personal trainer, also with a long list of references. Ask friends or co-workers who use the services of a personal trainer for recommendations.

3) Choose a trainer who has experience working with all types of persons. Many trainers claim to be “experts” in all different types of areas, including post-rehab, diabetes, heart disease and neuro-muscular diseases. Many even claim to be nutritionists or dietitians. Ask for their credentials. Are they licensed as a nutritionist or dietitian or simply obtained a certificate of achievement from an on-line course. After all, this is a personal trainer, not a doctor, nurse or physical therapist. Be wary of any individual who claims to be an expert in multiple areas. It takes years of clinical experience and years of education at the university level to become familiar and proficient enough to work with an individual living with chronic pain or diseases such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrigs Disease), Fibromyalgia, Strokes, Morbid Obesity, Peripheral Vascular Disease, Heart Disease, Respiratory Disease and Multiple System Atrophy. The odds are that even the most experienced personal trainers do not possess the knowledge, skills or experience to provide proper care for such individuals. Since there is no federal regulatory committee overseeing  the Personal Training profession, ask for credentials.  A personal trainer is not required to have a college degree, or even a high school diploma, for that matter. Once again, this is your health they are dealing with. Do your homework!

After doing all of your research and having chosen the diet or exercise plan that is right for you, stick with it. Don’t expect unrealistic results and always ask for multiple references. This is your health! It’s easier to maintain good health than to try to recover it.